AN eczema clinic is being praised for its work with young children.

More than 40 youngsters suffering from the irritating skin condition have been referred to the nurse-led clinic based in Doctor Piper House, King Street, Darlington.

The service, run by Darlington Primary Care Trust on Thursdays, has been so successful it is now being taken up by health trusts across the region.

Health professionals have been seeking advice from Darlington PCT about the clinic.

Eczema affects many young children from an early age causing physical and emotional discomfort.

The disease is related to asthma and hay fever and each person has differing trigger factors.

Across the UK, up to one fifth of all children of school age have eczema, along with about one in twelve of the adult population.

The severity of the disease can vary.

In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, while in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding.

Many children have grown out of it by the age of seven, but until they do the eczema clinic is on hand to minimise the impact.

Lead health visitor Sue Godfrey said: "We have great support from our dermatology and minor surgery unit and the consultant at Darlington Hospital.

"The clinic is there to educate parents about the ailment teaching them how to cope, what to do if it flares up and how to cope with sleepless nights, behaviour problems and issues at school.

"We can also prescribe emollients and give advice on how to keep the skin moist."

She added: "A lot of parents blame themselves for their child's condition and worry they may have fed them something that may have triggered it.

"It is also our job to reassure parents that flare-ups do just happen and it is nothing they have done."

Two-year-old Connor Curwen developed eczema at the age of ten weeks and now attends the clinic.

His mother, Alison, said: "We find the clinics are a great help because they are so accessible and supportive."