New eczema support at Perth Children’s Hospital

Parents of children with eczema now have a lifeline to expert advice with the launch of Eczema Connect, a pilot program and research trial led by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia.

Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) is proud to be the first location to offer this innovative service.

The Eczema Connect program provides evidence-based resources and practical tools to help families manage their child’s eczema while awaiting appointments with dermatologists or allergy specialists.

The program aims to bridge the gap created by long wait times, which can exceed 6 months for non-urgent cases.

While waiting for specialist care, parents often turn to online advice or well-meaning suggestions from friends, which can sometimes do more harm than good.

Eczema Connect ensures parents have access to reliable, expert information and support when they need it most.

How Eczema Connect works

Through the program, referred parents and caregivers receive:

• Step-by-step guides, videos, and webinars with practical advice on managing eczema.
• Evidence-based resources from the National Allergy Council and Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).
• Access to a support line staffed by qualified Allergy Educators.

The program includes instructions on treatments such as steroid creams, bleach baths, and wet dressings—techniques often recommended by GPs but which many parents are hesitant to try.

“Credible, easy to understand information for parents and carers is critical, so they can help their child as best they can while they are waiting to be seen by a specialist,” explained Clinical Immunology and Allergy Specialist, Professor Michaela Lucas of PCH and the University of Western Australia.

“When treated and managed correctly eczema can clear up in a matter of weeks, helping to reduce suffering from relentless itchiness and inflammation.”

Research at PCH to inform national rollout

The Eczema Connect pilot at PCH is also part of a research trial in collaboration with the University of Western Australia.

This trial will evaluate the program’s effectiveness in improving eczema management and supporting families. Findings will guide future rollouts in other states.

The impact of eczema

Eczema affects up to 35% of Australian children under six years of age, disrupting sleep, increasing the risk of infections, and impacting development, schooling, and self-esteem.

Severe cases can lead to hospital stays, with affected children spending an average of 6.5 days in hospital annually.

“We are excited to be trialling a program that could successfully bridge the gap and empower parents with credible information right from the start,” said Professor Lucas.

“We want parents to feel supported, like they have an expert holding their hand every step of the way.”

The Eczema Connect pilot program and research trial are funded by the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care through the National Allergy Council, with additional support from sponsors of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia.

For more information about the Eczema Connect program, visit the Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia website or speak to your healthcare provider.