I had always heard about the dreaded skin test and while I'm sure it's itchy (and looks terrible) it really isn't that bad (they pricked me to show me what it felt like). Hudson was tested for 36 allergens - 6 of them foods and peanut was the only one he had a positive reading for.
After 15 minutes they come in and measure the size of the welp. The doctor basically told me he thought I was crazy (schocking, I know!) and that he didn't think we'd get a positive reading on peanut, but Hudson had to go prove him wrong with a VERY positive reading.
So, what does this mean? Nothing, really at this point. Since Sterling is already allergic we don't really have to change anything we're doing and we were already avoiding peanuts with Hudson for that reason. We have an epi pen and know the symptoms, so if Hudson does have a reaction we know what to do. In a few years if he's not exposed we will do a food challenge with peanut products in the doctor's office under a controlled environment (sounds fun, huh?)
I will say that a peanut allergy is one of the easier things to avoid. Besides not being able to enjoy some of Mommy's favorite treats or a good ole PBJ, it's pretty simple to avoid.
A few things I've learned about all things peanut/anaphylaxis over the last year and half!
- Peanuts are not a true nut. They are part of the legume family. H & S are not allergic to tree nuts (pecans, cashews, almonds), however we're avoiding all nuts at this age because it's too confusing.
- There are a few theories on the cause of allergies. 1) a new study is out showing the peanut protein crosses the placenta during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. I ate 2 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups every night when I was pregnant with both boys. So, it could be completely my fault. 2) another theory is that we are TOO clean, which has caused a rise in all allergies. Our allergist really seems to like this theory :)
- The peanut protein can stay on your hands for up to 8 hours even after washing them.
- The anaphylaxis "label" is given after 2 or more systems are targeted. When Sterling had a reaction it caused him to throw up almost immediately and he complained of his mouth being tingly.
- Parents with kids with NO allergy are really great about making sure there are no peanut products at birthday parties. Sterling remembers his last reaction and is scared to death of anything that even looks like a peanut.
- Due to the sensitivity of Sterling's reaction he will probably never grow out of it. Children with skin reactions are more likely to be exposed later in life.
