A new clinical trial, known as SEAL (Stopping Eczema and ALlergy), has been launched to investigate whether early intervention in infants with eczema can prevent the development of food allergies. Led by researchers at King's College London and Evelina London Children’s Hospital, the trial is enrolling babies aged up to 12 weeks who show signs of dry skin or eczema.
The SEAL trial is based on the understanding that eczema is a significant risk factor for developing food allergies. Previous research indicates that infants who develop eczema before three months of age and require prescribed steroids have a 50% higher likelihood of developing allergies to peanut, sesame, or egg.
The trial aims to prevent food allergies by restoring the skin barrier and managing inflammation, thereby preventing the transfer of food allergens through the skin. Participants will be divided into two treatment groups. Both groups will receive twice-daily moisturizer applications. However, one group will use standard-of-care steroid treatment only during eczema flare-ups, while the other will use continuous steroid treatment, even when the skin is clear.
Professor Helen Brough, Reader at King's College London and joint head of paediatric allergy at Evelina London, stated, "We have known for years that eczema is the strongest risk factor for developing a food allergy. In the SEAL study, we can evaluate whether we can target the skin of children with eczema to prevent a food allergy. We’re pleased to be opening this new clinical trial, and hope it will make a difference for the next generation."
Each participant will be involved in the trial for two years, during which they will be reviewed by the clinical team three times at Evelina London’s specialist allergy research center. Participants will undergo annual food allergy testing until the age of two and participate in oral food challenges at the final visit.
The SEAL trial is also being conducted at four sites across America, led by Harvard University, with a total recruitment target of 312 babies. The trial is funded by the National Institutes of Health in America, with Evelina London being the sole UK site.
Researchers believe that early intervention in babies with dry skin or eczema has the potential to substantially prevent subsequent allergies and address what has become a public health concern.
