There seems to be a lot of confusion and certainly many misconceptions regarding how food allergic reactions happen. Some parents and allergists stress extreme caution and warn those with food allergies to steer clear from their allergens, while others live the food allergy life with a much more cavalier attitude.
What does steer clear actually mean? Does it mean not letting your food allergic child grocery shop with you? Does it mean not playing at the playground for fear of cross contamination on the monkey bars? How much is too much when it comes to avoidance and how do "severe" food allergic reactions really happen?
All food allergies and food allergic individuals are different. No two food allergic individuals will react the same way to the same allergen at the same time. However, there is a difference between an allergic reaction and a severe allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction is usually a reaction that consists of one symptom such as hives or watery eyes. A severe allergic reaction is usually classified as more than one reaction like an itchy mouth and hives. (Some allergists and individuals do argue on these definitions so it's always best to heed your own allergists advice.)
Most individuals can be allergic to foods a number of ways. The most common way is ingestion of an allergen protein by mouth or contact of the allergen protein to the eyes, nose or mouth by hand or another method. Some suffer reactions from inhaling (breathing in) proteins of an allergen.
Studies have shown that many individuals do not suffer "severe" allergic reactions by simply touching an allergen like peanut protein. In one study, (undamaged) skin exposed to peanut protein resulted in no allergic reaction or localized hives in some individuals. Cut, scraped or otherwise damaged skin exposed to allergens can result in a more serious reaction.
All allergic individuals need to find their own comfort level when dealing with their allergies. However, one must keep in mind their own or their food allergic child's quality of life. It's important to be cautious, but it's also important to know how severe reactions happen - so one can make informed decisions.
__________________
Ruth LovettSmith
Founder of http://www.bestallergysites.com/
Your Food Allergy and Gluten Free Guide, and the largest Internet directory of allergy related companies, sites, and blogs.
Disclaimer: I'm a food allergy advocate and mom of a food allergic child. I am NOT an allergist. My comments are based on my research and experiences. Please speak to your doctor regarding medical concerns.
Our almost 4 yr. old son was
Our almost 4 yr. old son was just diagnosed as being severly allergic to peanuts (the allergist said on a scale of 1-10, he is a ten), and he is also allergic to lentils and has broken out once a couple of years ago to butter peas, but he has never had a problem with any other legume. The allegist only did a Skin Prick Test for peanuts. But he told us that our son could no longer eat any beans or peas. Do we need a second opinion? He said that we want him to "forget" the allergens. He eats everything from things cooked with soybean oil to M&M's (which we are eliminating). We don't want to jump off the deep end, but we DO NOT want to risk our son's life.
Also, the allergist told not to give our 2 yr. old daughter any peanut products either. Will this harm her in the long run by not allowing her to build up immunity?