symptoms = level of allergy?

We're new to this also, and it is very difficult emotionally. The problem with peanut allergy is the reactions can totally vary and can not be predicted. Just b/c you had a severe reaction one time, you could have a mild reaction the next time, and vice versa. It depends on many circumstances. If your child has ever had an anaphylactic response to peanuts it is more likely he will have that severe response again. When you get tested, depending on how much of a reaction your child has -he will reccommend whether you need to carry an epi-pen with you at all times in case of accidental ingestion. I hope it is a mild case.

Yes, as the previous poster stated, there is no way to tell how mild or severe a given reaction can be. That's why this can be a dangerous allergy. Someone can "just" get a few hives usually, and then have an anaphylactic reaction. There is a possibility of outgrowing this allergy, too, though the statistics are kind of low.

If he is allergic to peanut butter, it means he is allergic to all peanut products. Until you get him tested, you should definitely avoid any products that contain nuts or are made on shared lines with peanut.

It is overwhelming at first. My daughter was diagnosed 3 months ago, and I'm still adjusting. But the more information you have, the more prepared you are to protect your child. This forum is very helpful, but definitely get him tested, because if he is allergic you will need Epipens in case of emergency. Good luck!

Thank you for your responses. I have set up an appointment, so I guess I will know more after that.

One other question. If his skin is currently not sensitive to peanuts, then could that appear later, or will it probably just stay something that he can't eat, but can touch?

From what I understand, some people have contact reactions, some airborne sensitivity, and then of course reactions from ingestion. Even if his skin doesn't react where a nut touched him, the problem is that he could have nut protein, dust, or oil on him from the contact. If he gets that on his hands, he can easily get it into his mouth and have a reaction. So from what I understand, peanut allergic individuals should not handle nuts at all. That's why many PA parents have to take a lot of precautions when they fly, avoid places where lots of peanuts are present like ball games, remove peanut products from their homes, etc. But you can get more accurate information from an allergist.

I don't believe that my daughter is very contact reactive. We ate a lot of peanut products in our home before her big reaction, so I know she probably touched things where nuts were present. But as soon as it touches her lips, her whole face blows up. I can't even imagine what would happen if she actually ATE something. So we take every precaution for her to not be exposed on any level to nuts.

Hope that helps, but definitely consult with a doctor.

We got our EpiPen and are set up with what looks to be a great doctor. Thanks for your help, everyone.