Australia's Allergy Epidemic. Every Second Counts

This is a very informative article and a must read.

Everyone should be aware that we are facing a major epidemic when it comes to allergies.

Every Second Counts. Fighting the Epidemic

The Bag that will save my son's life

Emergency bag with instructions and medications

There is only one thing I always need to make sure to bring along with us, no matter how short the journey. Thats our emergency bag!




Have your child’s doctor complete a Food Allergy Action Plan (FAAP), providing clear instructions on how to treat an allergic reaction, and distribute copies to school officials. A blank FAAP is available for download.


Teach all those who care for your child not to hesitate to use an epinephrine auto-injector, such as EpiPen®. Studies show that the sooner epinephrine is administered during an anaphylactic reaction, the better the outcome will be. EpiPen® trainers, auto-injector devices that do not have a needle or medication in them, are available through FAAN to help you and others practice using an epinephrine auto-injector.

Breastfeeding linked to Nut Allergy Story

I came across this article regarding babies, breastfeeding and nut allergies.


Breastfeeding Linked to Nut Allergy Story

Products I Love......Billie Goat Soap

It is such a great thing when you come across a product that makes life so much easier and works for you. Since my little munchkin had been diagnosed with his allergies I have had to make a great deal of effort to ensure that I read all labels and ingredients list to be safe of any allergens. I recently thought that I will start posting products that I LOVE. My first one is Billie Goat Soap. It has been so good for my son and his eczema. Not only has this product prevented him from suffering eczema it has also assisted in clearing existing eczema. Please have a look at the following link to find out more information and stockists.


Billie Goat Soap

Testing Procedures For Allergies

There are a few tests available to indicate weather a child has specific allergies. These tests are able to determine what substance(s) are causing an allergy.

These tests can include:

•    Skin prick tests 

Selected allergens are applied to the forearm or the back with a dropper, and the skin

gently pricked with a needle. A positive result shows as a red weal or flare on the skin

within 20 minutes.

•    Allergen-specific IgE blood tests (RAST) 

These tests are useful when skin testing is not possible or is inconclusive. A blood sample

is taken and the level of an immunoglobulin associated with allergic reaction (allergen

specific IgE) is measured in a laboratory.

•    Elimination diets and challenge testing 

An elimination diet is used to isolate foods that may be causing an allergic reaction. This

usually takes a number of weeks and involves avoiding foods identified as common causes

of food allergy. No foods or fluids may be consumed other than those specified. If

symptoms improve, foods are added one at a time until symptoms recur (this is known as

‘challenge testing’). Usually, a diary is kept to record any symptoms so they can be linked

to the correct food. This procedure must only be performed under medical supervision.

•    Patch tests 

Are most commonly used to investigate contact dermatitis. Common triggers include

fragrances (for example, in soaps). Patches are applied to the back in adhesive strips. The

area is examined after two and four days. A positive result shows as redness or blisters at

the site of a particular substance.

After an allergy test

After the test, you can expect:

•    If you have a skin prick test, your doctor will examine you for signs of an allergic reaction

    after 20 minutes.

•    Patch tests require further visits at two and four days after they are applied.

•    The results of blood tests may take up to a week to be known.

•    An elimination and challenge diet may take many weeks to provide results.

False reactions can occur with any test, so results need to be assessed with your clinical symptoms. Once the offending allergen or allergens are identified, you should try to avoid or reduce exposure to them in future.

Possible complications

Some people with allergies experience severe reactions when exposed to particular allergens. For example, the red weals associated with skin prick tests can be painful, inflamed and irritated.

Some reactions, such as anaphylaxis, is potentially life threatening. It is important that allergy tests are performed by a qualified health professional that can anticipate and treat any allergic reactions you may have.