Peanut Allergy

Pediatrics for Parents, Jan, 2001

Is the diagnosis of a peanut allergy a diagnosis for life? Not always. Recently an allergist in San Diego reported the case of a three-year-old girl who, at age 8 months, was diagnosed with skin testing of having an allergy to peanuts.

At age three, she accidentally ingested cereal containing peanut flour as an ingredient. She had no reaction. Further evaluation with skin tests revealed she was no longer allergic to peanuts. She was able to eat peanut butter with no problem.

This case suggests that, in rare cases, a documented peanut allergy may resolve. "Given the large burden peanut avoidance imposes on children and families ... it would seem reasonable to repeat peanut skin tests in peanut allergic children," said John M. Kelso, M.D., the allergist who reported the case. He believes additional testing is particularly important for children who have accidentally ingested peanuts or peanut-containing products.

Family Practice News, 12/15/00, p. 16.