Dr Ramnik Mathur, Paediatric Consultant

11/11/2025

Dairy allergy is more common than you might think!

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) or dairy allergy has become extremely common these days. It was unheard of 10 years ago or probably not well recognised. Even now we see patients with cow’s milk protein allergy who are missed for a long time. They are being treated as baby eczema, a bit of refl...

08/10/2025

Century :)
I just wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you to all my wonderful patients and their parents. Your kindness, encouragement, and positive feedback have truly meant the world to me. 💬💙

Your words of appreciation not only inspire me but also help me continue improving the care and service I provide every day. It’s an absolute privilege to be part of your healthcare journey and to watch so many of you grow and thrive. 🌟

Thank you for your trust and for making my work so rewarding. 🙏

01/09/2025

What to do and not to do if your child has a fever.

General posts about paediatrics on keeping your child healthy and happy. These informative posts cover topics all parents should know.

29/08/2025

Great News for Families: Chickenpox Vaccine Joins the NHS Immunisation Schedule

I’m really pleased to share some wonderful news for families: the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine will now be added to the NHS routine immunisation schedule. This is something many of us working with children have been hoping to see for years, and it’s a big step forward for child health.

Why is this such good news?

If you’ve ever looked after a child with chickenpox, you’ll know how tough it can be. Children are often miserable for over a week with fevers, sore spots, and relentless itching. Nights are disturbed, little ones feel uncomfortable, and parents end up exhausted trying to comfort them.

Most children do eventually get better, but sometimes chickenpox can cause serious problems, like skin infections, chest infections, or even hospital admissions. And on top of the worry about your child, parents often need to take time off work — sometimes at short notice — to care for them. It can be stressful for the whole family.

How the vaccine helps

The chickenpox vaccine has been used safely in many countries for years, and now UK children can benefit too. It’s very effective, and it means:

Children will be protected from the discomfort and complications of chickenpox.

Parents won’t have to face that stressful juggle of caring for an unwell child while trying to manage work and other responsibilities.

Outbreaks in nurseries and schools will be reduced, meaning fewer disruptions for families.

What this means for your child

This vaccine is really about giving children the chance to stay healthy and happy. Instead of missing school, activities, or playdates because of chickenpox, they’ll be able to keep doing what they should be doing — playing, learning, and enjoying life.

A big win for families

As a children’s doctor, I see first-hand how much distress illnesses like chickenpox can cause. Knowing that this vaccine is now available through the NHS is genuinely exciting — it will prevent so much unnecessary misery for children and ease the pressure on families too.

This is a great day for child health in the UK.

09/08/2025

Would love some suggestions/feedback for an Indian milk ladder to be used for babies with Cow's milk allergy.
The Indian Milk Ladder
This ladder should only be used for children with mild to moderate non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy and under my supervision.
Important Considerations:
• Start the ladder only when the child is well, with no active symptoms of allergy, such as a cough, wheezing, or unsettled eczema.
• If your child has an IgE-mediated allergy (immediate reactions like hives, swelling, or wheezing), this ladder is not suitable, unless advised by me.
• If a reaction occurs at any step, stop the test, return to the previously tolerated step, and try the next step again, in 4 weeks.
alter
• Step 1: Highly Baked Milk Protein
o Principle: Start with foods where milk protein is cooked at a high temperature for a long time, making it the least allergenic.
o Indian Food Suggestions: A baked rusk or a small piece of a baked biscuit (check for sugar-free options) where milk solids are an ingredient. The milk protein is heavily denatured by the baking process.
• Step 2: Baked Milk Protein
o Principle: Introduce foods with a slightly higher milk protein content or a shorter baking time.
o Indian Food Suggestions: A small piece of a simple, homemade, sugar-free pancake (Cheela or Pudla) prepared with a batter containing milk.
• Step 3: Fried Milk Protein
o Principle: Move to foods that are fried, which also alters the milk protein.
o Indian Food Suggestions: A small piece of dosa or idli made with milk instead of water, or a very small portion of a savoury rava-based snack cooked with milk.
• Step 4: Boiled Milk Protein
o Principle: Introduce foods where milk has been boiled or simmered, but not baked.
o Indian Food Suggestions: A small portion of kheer or seviyan without any added sugar.
• Step 5: Uncooked Milk Protein
o Principle: This step involves introducing dairy that has not been cooked.
o Indian Food Suggestions: A small piece of homemade paneer or a small spoonful of unsweetened yoghurt.
• Step 6: Any normal infant formula like Aptamil, SMA, Cow & Gate, etc.
• Step 7: Fresh Milk
o Principle: Finally, introduce fresh, pasteurised milk. Fresh milk is very allergenic, so don’t rush to this step.