The TIGER Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Trial of food allergy IgE tests for Eczema Relief (TIGER): individually randomised controlled trial of test-guided dietary advice for children with eczema, with internal pilot and nested economic and process evaluations
IRAS ID
318832
Contact name
Matthew Ridd
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN52892540
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Eczema is a common and long-term condition, which affects 20% of children. It is characterised by dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Symptoms tend to come and go, and there are many reasons why a worsening or “flare” of eczema can happen. Many parents wonder whether a food allergy might be a cause, however there is currently no good research evidence to support this.
In the TIGER study, we want to find out whether making changes to the diet of children with eczema, based on the results of food allergy tests (''skin prick tests''), improves eczema control or not. The foods we are looking at are cow’s milk, hen’s egg, wheat and soya.
Previous research into any link between food allergy and eczema symptoms is limited. This study is needed to help parents and doctors in the future know what is the best thing to do.
The TIGER study will enrol 493 children with eczema, aged between 3 months and 2 years. To make sure the study is fair, children will be put into one of two groups by chance (at random) and will have an equal chance of being in either group. The standard care group will have care as usual for their eczema from their GP plus our ‘’Good Eczema Care’’ leaflet. The Dietary Advice Group will receive our ‘’Good Eczema Care’’ leaflet plus dietary advice based on food allergy tests (skin prick tests). If a child’s skin prick tests or symptoms are unclear, an Oral Food Challenge may be required. This is a test done in hospital to find out if someone has an immediate allergy to a particular food.
All children will be followed up for 9 months with a questionnaire every month and an appointment at 6 months.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0387
Date of REC Opinion
28 Feb 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion