Eczema expert defended by parents

Albie was so itchy, he wasnt sleeping, says Milli. I spent each night lying beside him, holding his little arms by his sides to stop him scratching and waking himself up. I was awake most of the night. I was covered in his pus. I was physically and emotionally exhausted. The family my partner, George, our daughters Bess, six, and Ursula, four was suffering.

Respite came thanks to Dr Richard Aron, a 74-year-old consultant dermatologist who practises in north London and South Africa. His therapeutic approach differs only slightly from conventional eczema treatment yet appears dramatically effective. Hes hardly a maverick, but has received a cool reception from the medical establishment.

Milli, whose home is in the Somerset village of Kingsbury Episcopi, says: Most NHS professionals said Albie might grow out of it, and to apply for disability allowance. I didnt want money. I wanted someone to fix my son.

Her GP referred her to a paediatrician, but the oral antibiotics, steroid cream and moisturisers prescribed had little effect. Milli, who was breastfeeding, cut allergens such as wheat and dairy from her diet and household irritants such as laundry softeners. Nothing helped.

It was then she discovered a Facebook community, Dr Aron Eczema Treatment Discussion Group, where parents were comparing joyful notes. Dr Aron, she learnt, specialised in treating atopic eczema. Hed helped 4,000 sufferers. Many parents posted photographs of their children before and during therapy: it looks as if those children have emerged, fresh, smooth, silky and new.

Desperation overcame her initial scepticism. An online consultation cost 80 (the only fee charged, notes Milli). She sent Dr Aron photographs and information; he sent a treatment plan. She paid 35 to a London chemist to make up his prescription.

I remember the day the postman brought that tub of cream, she says. We put it on at lunchtime. Dr Aron advised five applications daily at first. By bedtime, you could see it getting better. On day two, Albies face looked glowing. Now, seven months later, hes pretty much eczema-free.

And yet, says Milli: Every single NHS professional Ive told about it has reacted either with disinterest or scorn.

One expects toads blood at least, but Dr Arons approach uses only components that are conventionally prescribed for childhood eczema steroids, antibiotics and moisturiser. But his method of delivery is different, with all three ingredients contained in one topical mixture, and with the ratio individually tailored, according to the patients age, body mass and the severity of their condition.

Antibiotics are normally prescribed as a short course of tablets by the NHS, for cases where eczema is infected. Even if prescribed topically, it will rarely be for long periods because of fears over antibiotic resistance.

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Eczema expert defended by parents