Eczema
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often occurs in people with a family history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever, and is linked to an overactive immune response combined with an impaired skin barrier.
Infantile Eczema
Eczema often begins in early infancy, typically between two and six months of age. In babies, it usually affects the face, scalp, and outer limbs, while sparing the nappy area. The skin becomes dry, red, and itchy, sometimes leading to oozing or infection from scratching. Triggers may include dry climate, heat, irritants, or infection, sand or sandpit, Dust mite, pollen allergy, stress. Management focuses on restoring the skin barrier with frequent moisturising, gentle bathing routines, and avoiding harsh soaps or fragrances. In flare-ups, topical corticosteroid or other anti-inflammatory creams are often required. Most children improve as their immune system matures, but some continue to have eczema into adolescence or adulthood.
Advanced and Targeted Treatments
For moderate to severe eczema that does not respond to standard therapies, immunologists and dermatologists may recommend advanced treatments. Dupilumab (Dupixent®), a biologic therapy approved for patients aged 12 years and older, targets specific pathways of inflammation (IL-4 and IL-13) and can significantly reduce itching, redness, and flares. It is given as a regular injection under medical supervision and has been shown to be safe and effective in both adolescents and adults.
Other immunomodulatory treatments – may also be considered in selected cases under specialist care.
With our modern treatments and specialist guidance, most patients with eczema can achieve excellent symptom control and improved quality of life.
Questions? We got you.
How do I book an appointment?
The first step in booking an appointment is to obtain a referral from your GP or another specialist. While a referral is not required, having one enables you to claim applicable Medicare rebates and helps our team appropriately triage your condition for review. Once you have your referral, you can schedule an appointment by contacting our practice directly or by uploading your referral – our team will be in touch to schedule an appointment.
What do I need to bring prior to my appointment?
Please bring a valid referral letter, Medicare card, and any recent investigation results, previous skin prick or patch testing reports, and relevant medical correspondence. For children, bringing their red book with recent growth measurements is also helpful.
What medications do I need to avoid prior to my appointment?
Avoid antihistamines for 3–5 days before your appointment, as they can affect skin testing. You may continue nose sprays, asthma medications, antibiotics, and steroid creams. Do not apply moisturisers or topical steroids on areas likely to be tested (for example forearms, legs, back).
If you are suffering from a condition that you need to take oral anti histamines or steroids to control to manage your symptoms, continue to take those medications. Our doctors can arrange other forms of testing if required after the consultation.
How long does my appointment take?
Do you offer telehealth services?
We prefer face-to-face appointments but we also offer telehealth consultations for selected patients or circumstances.
How can I get there and where can I park?
Harmony Allergy & Immunology Clinic is conveniently accessible by public transport, including Translink bus services. The Sunnybank clinic offers free onsite parking and street parking is also available around the Sunnybank hospital.
What is skin prick testing, and do I need it?
Skin prick testing applies a small amount of allergen (commercial extract or fresh food) to the skin which is then gently pricked to check for a reaction. The test takes 1–2 minutes, with results read after 15–20 minutes. Your doctor will determine if it’s appropriate for you.
Is skin prick testing safe?
Allergy testing is done by trained staff in a fully equipped medical setting. Reactions are rare, usually limited to mild itchiness at the test site, and can be promptly treated if needed.
How do I prepare for my food challenge?
Ensure you are well and avoid antihistamines 3–5 days before the test. Bring entertainment (toys, books, iPad, laptops) and for children, their favourite foods. You may need to bring the food or drug being tested which the staff will advise. We do not recommend bringing siblings; if necessary, bring an extra support person.
How do I prepare for environmental immunotherapy injections?
Ensure you are well before your appointment. You will be monitored by a health practitioner for at least 30 minutes after your immunotherapy dose. If taking your medication or vaccine home, please bring a small cooler with ice pack.
Are you ready to request an appointment?
Schedule a consultation with our experts to discuss your allergy needs.