Nursery World - Lotions suspect in peanut allergy

A rise in peanut allergy among children could be caused by eczema lotions that contain substances derived from peanuts, according to new research. The Government-funded Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) study by Dr Gideon Lack, from St Mary's Hospital in London, and colleagues has found that one in 100 children is now developing a peanut allergy, a far higher number than previously thought. Peanut allergies were found to be preceded by eczema in about 90 per cent of these children.

The Government-funded Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) study by Dr Gideon Lack, from St Mary's Hospital in London, and colleagues has found that one in 100 children is now developing a peanut allergy, a far higher number than previously thought. Peanut allergies were found to be preceded by eczema in about 90 per cent of these children.

Dr Lack said, 'In eczema, the skin barrier breaks down and there is an abundance of immune cells in the skin that could be exposed to substances that cause allergies. We are currently looking into whether exposure of the skin to products containing peanuts or peanut oils may be responsible for starting allergies.'

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