Peanut allergies linked to eczema creams

According to Ruth Carlyle, Director of Information at the National Eczema Society, no emollients or eczema creams available on prescription contain peanut oil, and only a small number of over the counter formulas still do. ‘Look out for the ones on sale in health food shops which do sometimes contain arachis oil,’ she advises.

‘If your child is using a non-prescription emollient I’d recommend checking with your GP to make sure it doesn’t contain arachis oil,’ says Maureen Jenkins, a nurse who runs the British Allergy Foundation Helpline. ‘If you are buying the products over the counter, check with the pharmacist before you make the purchase.’ There are a great number of emollients available and fortunately, most do not contain peanut oil. If your child has eczema she recommends that you also scrutinise other skin care products like nappy rash creams and sun creams – just to be on the safe side.

For more information see our article:
Treating childhood eczema.

Or visit:
The British Allergy Foundationwebsite:
Deepdene House
30 Bellgrove Rd
Welling
Kent DA16 3PY
020 8303 8525

The Anaphylaxis Campaign website:
PO Box 27
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 6XS
01252 542 029