Simple test at birth could identify newborns at risk of eczema

A simple test measuring water evaporation from the skin of newborns could help identity those most at risk of developing eczema, according to a study.

Early identification of those at risk opens up the possibility of actually preventing eczema — through an act as simple as applying moisturiser during the first year of life — although those involved in the research said further studies are needed to back this up.

The Baseline Allergy study group, led by consultant paediatrician Jonathan Hourihane and research fellow Maeve Kelleher, both of University College Cork, and Alan Irvine of Trinity College Dublin measured water evaporation in the skin of 1,903 newborn babies in Cork University Hospital, and followed them up until 12 months of age.