Hello there! Just found this website while trying to find some information on peanut allergic reactions.
Before seeing the pediatrician at my daughter's 18 month old check up, we gave her mini peanut butter cups that a friend of mine left at my house...they were in trail mix from whole foods. (I'm assuming it was peanut butter cups, as it tasted like that to me.) She did not have any reaction to the peanut butter cups. That was 13 days before I gave her jarred organic peanut butter on Sunday. She did not have a reaction that day.
On Monday, she woke up and had a few bumps that were mainly flesh color. They did have a little read around them. Because she had cold symptoms from the previous week, the nurse thought it was viral.
On Tuesday, the rash became more blotchy and more red. I thought I noticed a slight swelling in her eye lids. She has not had any fever this entire time...only have a temp of 100 on the first day of her runny nose, which was 8 days ago.
This morning, the color of the rash looks lighter, but the swelling of her eye lids is worse. It looks like her forehead is a little swollen too. The pediatrician (saw her a few hours ago) said jokingly, she looked a little Neanderthalish. (She kinda does.) Anyway, the pedi thinks this is viral. BUT, has told me not to give her peanuts. She causally said, some time later in life, maybe a couple years, she might get exposed and if she has a reaction, you'll know for sure.
I asked her about getting my daughter tested and she said it wouldn't matter. That even if it comes back negative, she will tell me to still not give her peanuts.
I know we're not supposed to "test" allergies, so I'm stressed about this. Is there any way to find out FOR SURE if she's allergic to peanuts?
Also, does this even sound like a peanut allergy reaction? From what I've read, you can still have anaphylaxis days later to peanut, although it's not common. And, I know if we do test it, she COULD have anaphylaxis next time, if this IS from peanut.
I don't know if we should just take this casually, meaning...not constantly ask restaurants etc. if there is any peanut or cross contamination. I naturally stress VERY easily, so the unknown kills me.
I would think she would have had an initial reaction 13 days ago? Or, maybe the reason she didn't is because the peanut butter I gave her on Monday was fresh and only peanuts?
There are a couple other things I'm wondering she could be reacting to, like hemp milk or cherrios...but peanut is my main concern.
Praying it's viral!
TIA!
Cathy
Hey, so sorry to hear about your LO, this can be very scary.
I don't understand why you can't test your child for allergies. You can do IgE blood test for peanuts, tree nuts, etc. Then you can take the number and see how it correlates to the medical history. I agree that the numerical value of the test alone doesn't predict the reaction of your child to peanuts. Especially in the future. This is affected by her immune system maturation, gut maturation and many other things. Why not get a second opinion from an allergist. Also keep in mind that IgE mediated response (allergic reaction to food) occurs on the second or third time the body is exposed to an allergen and is sensitized to it, not the first. The subsequent reactions will depend on the condition of the immune system/gut, amount of allergen in body and type of allergic protein given. Some people have delayed reactions and also reactions that last for days for many known/unknown reasons. Personally, i would avoid peanuts until I had better answers. Also did your pediatrician prescribed an Epi pen for you just in case it is a peanut allergy?
Good luck and hope it is viral....
Thank you so much for your reply!
I agree, I don't understand why I can't just have her tested. I understand it could be a false neg or positive, but still.
No, she didn't prescribe an epi pen. I'm going to call the office tomorrow and tell her I want the epi pen or a referral to a pediatric allergist!
My friend basically told me what you did, about the reaction usually happening the 2nd time around. I was really hoping reactions happened the first time around. :(
Thank you again!
Oh, also.
At the doctor's appointment, she did a "scratch test"? on my daughter. She marked her leg with the wood par of a swab to see if it would swell. It was fine.
She said that was good and if it had swelled up, it meant it was more of a reaction to the peanut (or something). So, I'm guessing since it didn't that makes her believe it's viral.
Anyone know about this?
This is what happens in body:
1. Allergen enters first time-overactive immune system produces allergen specific Ige, no reaction
2. The second time allergen enters blood stream IgE is ready. It attaches itself to mast cell wall attracts the allergen and causes the mast cell to degranulate and release many different substances that cause severe reactions (ex.histamine is one of them).
The second step can take time so delayed reactions occur.
Also keep in mind peanut is a legume.
Scratch tests can be negative in people with severe reactions. That's why you need medical history to go along with them. Lets hope it is viral, because I don't with this type of allergy for your LO. However, it doesn't hurt to have and Epi pen and draw and IgE until you know for sure. Hope it helps.