A new clean-air system invented and developed in Bradford is set to ease the suffering of eczema patients whose plight is being highlighted tomorrow in a charity fund-raising bid.

The device - designed by Baxi in Low Moor, Bradford, and backed by the British Allergy Foundation - reduces humidity in the home, killing the house dust mite blamed by experts as one cause of the skin complaint, as well as other conditions including asthma.

The National Eczema Society is urging people to wear bandages tomorrow to raise awareness of the condition as part of National Eczema Week which is this year focusing on the link between eczema and the home.

Julia Phipps, of Highfield Lane, Oakworth, said she and her family had recently moved from Berkshire on the recommendation of a specialist after her three-year-old son Alex had suffered a series of serious bouts of asthma which is common in the area.

The condition had improved in Oakworth but his eczema had considerably worsened and he had suffered severe irritation from the condition, often bleeding from sores which he had scratched.

Now they were installing the clean-air system at a cost of £250 in one bedroom in an effort to combat the condition.

"It's so frustrating because as an adult you learn to live with eczema, but when you are three you don't understand," she said.

"He just screams because of it and it's awful to watch. The whole family is traumatised by his suffering. We're very hopeful that getting rid of the house dust mites will bring relief."

Eczema sufferer Suzanne Johns, 27, of Thoresby Drive, Gomersal, a member of the Bradford Eczema Support Group, is also getting the system installed in half her house at a cost of £1,100.

A booklet Home Truths: Eczema and the Home is available at £3.25 from the National Eczema Society. Call 0171 388 4097 for further details. For details about the clean-air system call freephone 0800 7312969.

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