CompletedInterventional

Trial of food allergy IgE tests for eczema relief

Eczema is very common in young children, causing dry, red, and itchy skin. Many parents wonder if common foods cause their child's skin to flare up. However, doctors do not yet have clear proof that food allergy testing helps control eczema. The TIGER study is a UK trial exploring whether skin prick allergy tests for four common foods (cow's milk, hen's egg, wheat, and soya) improve eczema care. Around half the children in the study receive these allergy tests and tailored diet advice, while the other half receive standard eczema care and helpful skin guides. The study involves babies and toddlers aged between 3 months and 2 years. Families will be followed for nine months to see which approach works best to keep eczema under control.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Bristol

Enrolment target

493

Start

01 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

22 Aug 2025

Management of eczema in children aged between 3 months and 2 years

What is this study about?

Eczema is a widespread skin condition that causes patches of dry, itchy, and irritated skin in young children. Symptoms often come and go in flares, which can be distressing for both the child and their parents. It is very common for parents to suspect that everyday foods are triggering these flare-ups. However, there is currently no strong scientific evidence showing whether testing for food allergies actually helps clear up eczema.

The TIGER study was set up by researchers in the UK to answer this important question. It looks closely at four foods that often cause allergies in childhood: cow's milk, hen's egg, wheat, and soya. The goal is to see if changing a child's diet based on allergy tests improves their skin, or if standard skin moisturising and treatment routines are all that is needed.

By taking part, families help NHS doctors understand the best way to care for young children with eczema. In the future, this information will guide whether GP surgeries should routinely offer allergy testing to babies and toddlers with skin symptoms.

Key takeaways

The study tests whether allergy testing helps manage eczema in babies and toddlers.
Open to children aged 3 months to under 2 years with diagnosed eczema.
Half the children receive allergy tests and diet advice; the other half receive standard care and skin guides.
Involvement lasts for 9 months with two in-person appointments and monthly questionnaires.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and standard NHS care continues throughout.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to babies and toddlers aged between 3 months and under 2 years old who have been diagnosed with eczema by a doctor or nurse. Their eczema can be mild, moderate, or severe, as long as it has caused noticeable symptoms in the past month. A parent or guardian must be able to give written consent for the child to take part.

Children cannot take part if they have already had an allergy test (such as a skin prick test or allergy blood test) for milk, egg, wheat, or soya. The trial is also not suitable for children who have had an immediate, severe allergic reaction to any of these foods in the past.

Finally, only one child per household can join the study. If your child already takes part, a brother or sister living in the same home cannot sign up.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

My child is aged between 3 months and under 2 years old.
My child has been diagnosed with eczema by a healthcare professional.
My child has had eczema symptoms within the past four weeks.
My child has never had an allergy test for milk, egg, wheat, or soya.
My child has never had a sudden, severe reaction after eating milk, egg, wheat, or soya.
No other child in our home is currently taking part in this study.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, your child will be put into one of two groups by chance (like flipping a coin). One group receives standard eczema care from their GP alongside a helpful booklet called 'Good eczema care'. The other group receives the booklet plus allergy skin prick tests for milk, egg, wheat, and soya, followed by diet advice based on those results. In some cases, a child might be invited to a day clinic at a hospital to safely test a food under medical supervision.

The study lasts for nine months in total. You will have a first appointment at a local GP surgery for a skin check and growth measurements (height and weight). Six months later, you will attend a second visit to check your child's skin and growth again. In between, you will be asked to fill in a short monthly questionnaire online or on paper about your child's skin, diet, and treatments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part offers your child regular reviews of their skin and growth, and the findings will help improve future eczema care for thousands of other families. For those in the testing group, it may provide useful answers about potential food triggers. Skin prick tests can cause mild, temporary itchiness or redness on the arm, but severe allergic reactions are extremely rare (less than one in a million). Filling in the monthly questionnaires takes a little time, but there are no major health risks involved. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to leave the study at any time without your child's usual NHS medical care being affected.

Locations (7)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NIHR CRN: West of England
City only
Bristol, England
NIHR CRN: Wessex
City only
Southampton, England
NIHR CRN: Greater Manchester
City only
Manchester, England
NIHR CRN: Thames Valley and South Midlands
City only
Oxford, England
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bristol, England
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Southampton, England
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Manchester, England

Common questions

Can I choose which group my child is placed in?

No. A computer system puts children into groups at random. This ensures the results of the study are fair and unbiased.

What is a skin prick test?

It is a quick, safe test where tiny drops of food extracts are placed on the child's arm, and the skin is lightly pricked. If a small, itchy bump appears, it suggests a possible allergy.

Will taking part change my child's current eczema creams?

No. Your child can continue using their usual moisturisers and eczema treatments prescribed by your GP throughout the trial.

What happens if my child is in the standard care group?

Your child will receive standard GP care, useful eczema management advice, and regular growth and skin checks during the study.

Can we stop taking part if we change our mind?

Yes, you can withdraw your child from the trial at any time. Doing so will not affect the medical care your child receives from their GP.

How to find out more

Matthew Ridd

m.ridd@bristol.ac.uk +44 (0)117 4552352 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.