Some food allergies disappear as children grow. The allergies most often outgrown are milk and egg. Many children first tolerate these foods in baked forms, and studies show up to 90–95% eventually outgrow milk and egg allergies. Other foods, like peanuts, tree nuts, sesame and shellfish, are less likely to go away; fewer than 20% of children outgrow peanut allergy.
Several things influence whether a child will outgrow an allergy: IgE blood levels, how severe the reactions are, and family genes that affect skin and eczema. No genetic test can predict this reliably.
There is no home cure. Some clinics offer oral immunotherapy for peanut, using a measured product. Early introduction of peanut at four to six months and eczema care may lower risk.
Difficult words
- allergy — Body reaction to certain foods or substancesallergies
- outgrow — To stop having a condition as you growoutgrown
- tolerate — To be able to eat or use without harm
- immunotherapy — Medical treatment to reduce allergy reactions
- eczema — Skin problem that causes red, itchy patches
- shellfish — Sea animal foods people eat like shrimp
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you know a child who outgrew a food allergy? Which food was it?
- Would you introduce peanut to a baby at four to six months? Why or why not?
- How would you care for a child's eczema?
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