When Kieran Clarke was born he was a healthy baby with a rosy complexion, but within weeks his skin erupted with inflamed raw patches.

The rash started on his face and soon spread across his body. Since then, Kieran, his mother, Amy Butler, and his five-year-old brother, Haydn, have not had one uninterrupted night's sleep.

For months, Amy, 26, of Sheridan Terrace, Hove, and her mother Valerie Butler have tried different creams and milk formulas to relieve nine-month-old Kieran's suffering.

When his eczema first took hold, Amy thought it was caused by something that had touched his skin.

But despite weeks of eliminating possible irritants such as cat fur, Kieran's general health deteriorated and his doctor prescribed two months of iron after he was found to be anaemic.

Valerie, 52, of Hangleton Road, Hove, said: "He suffered from colic, constipation and was queasy all the time. He never slept for more than an hour."

The doctor and a dermatologist prescribed various ointments but Kieran's condition worsened.

After suggestions it could be an allergic reaction, Amy tried different milks but some made his skin flare up even more. Eventually, she turned to fresh goats' milk. Kieran's digestion problems were alleviated but his skin did not improve.

Valerie asked for her grandson to have medical tests believing he could be allergic to cows' milk. After months of waiting, Kieran was taken to the London Allergy Clinic where a paediatrician discovered he was not allergic to cows' milk. The examining doctor said she doubted his skin condition was genetic.

Since then, Amy and her mother have tried everything in their power to alleviate his suffering.

Valerie is now considering taking Kieran to Italy to see her uncle, who is a doctor. She said: "Their approach to babies' health is so different to ours in Britain. They have their own doctor and paediatrician from birth."