Peanut allergies linked to eczema creams

An increasing number of children are suffering from peanut allergy, a condition where the immune system has an exaggerated response to the proteins in peanuts and mistakes them for a harmful substance.

New theories have linked this escalating health problem to the use of eczema creams containing arachis oil, a medical name for peanut oil. Scientists have found that 90% of children with peanut allergy had previously suffered from eczema, raising concerns that exposing broken skin to peanut oil could trigger the allergy.

The research is part of a 10 year study in the Bristol area called Children of the 90s, following 12,000 children and their parents. Dr Gideon Lack, a paediatric allergy specialist based at St Mary’s Hospital, London, carried out the study into eczema. His initial findings suggest that the breakdown of the top layer of skin in eczema can expose the immune system cells to peanut allergens present in emollients. This could make the cells abnormally sensitive to these allergens.

It is already known that there is a genetic link between eczema, asthma and other allergic conditions, but Dr Lack’s research indicates that emollients could be a key factor in triggering peanut allergy. Children with the condition were eight times more likely to have had their eczema treated with creams containing arachis.

Symptoms of peanut allergy are many and varied

They usually occur within 15 minutes of eating the food and include:

• watery eyes
• stomach pain and sickness
• an itchy swollen mouth
• a runny nose
• breathing problems or a skin rash
• swelling of the lips and face

Affecting 1- 2% of the UK population, it’s the cause of about 15 deaths each year. Also known as anaphylactic shock, the allergic reaction spirals out of control causing inflammation throughout the body. The blood vessels widen and dilate, reducing the amount of blood available for circulation. As a consequence vital organs are deprived of oxygen and the patient goes into shock. It is life threatening and needs emergency medical treatment.