The likelihood of a baby with eczema developing asthma and food allergies later on in life can be predicted at age one, say experts.
The link between these conditions was previously well known by researchers – but it was difficult to predict which children affected with the skin condition would go on to develop them.
Now, a Canadian study has found 12-month-olds at risk produce a certain antibody, which shows they are sensitized to an allergen, this means they are likely to develop reactions.
Having eczema alone does not raise a child’s likelihood of developing asthma and allergies, it was found.
But those with the antibody were seven times more at risk of asthma and ‘significantly’ more likely to have allergies.