It causes red, dry, rough, and itchy skin and is common in infants the world over.
Most parents are desperate to try anything to ease the painful symptoms of eczema in their children.
But new research has found the key to condition could be prevention rather than cure.
Scientists have discovered consuming a particular type of vitamin B while pregnant lowers the risk of children developing it in the first place.
Found in meat, fish, mushrooms and nuts - nicotinamide could prevent the itchy skin condition from occurring in one year olds by 30 per cent, according to the study.
The form of Vitamin B3 can improve the overall structure, moisture and elasticity of the skin, experts claim.
Researchers also found tryptophan - an amino acid found in most proteins - could trigger the same response.
The team from the University of Southampton, believe the findings support the concept that the skin condition partly develops while in the womb.
They hope it could allow them to reveal ways of reducing the risk of the skin condition.
Nicotinamide cream is already used to treat eczema, but this study was the first to link levels during pregnancy to the skin condition in children.
Researchers assessed the amount of the vitamin and related metabolites during pregnancy in 497 women.
They then studied the rates of eczema in their children at both six and 12 months old.
They found offspring of mothers with higher levels of nicotinamide had a 30 per cent lower chance of developing the eczema at 12 months old.
There was an even stronger link with higher levels of anthranilic acid - a metabolite.
Professor Keith Godfrey, researcher: 'More research is needed to investigate this interesting association, but the findings are further evidence of the potential benefits of eating a healthy balanced diet during pregnancy.'
The research was published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3804299/Want-stop-child-getting-eczema-Eating-fish-chicken-mushrooms-pregnancy-reduces-risk-third.html