Facts about Egg Allergy
Egg is the most common food that infants and kids are allergic to. It usually starts to show at 6 months and fades as the baby grows older, usually by the age of three. Egg allergy is prominent among kids and an allergic reaction usually results to infantile eczema.
Symptoms
Infantile eczema is the most common symptom of egg allergy. It refers to a skin condition that infants experience due to an allergic reaction. The skin becomes itchy, red, and gets small bumps filled with fluid. This is a real discomfort because scratching the itch will only make it worse.
Other symptoms include:
- Hives around the mouth
- Face turns red
- Nausea and eczema (for adults who still have the allergy)
Cause of Allergy
Children and adults who are aware that they have egg allergy usually develop an aversion to it. They know that it’s bad for them. However, there are other types of food that contains egg as an ingredient. Children with egg allergy may eat foods that contain egg without them knowing it. Examples are cake and custard. Kids who end up playing with egg shells or grabbing egg at the grocery may also experience an allergic reaction. Other food products that may cause egg allergy are ice cream, sorbet, baked goods and mayonnaise.
Egg is a potent protein source and this is also why it causes allergic reactions. Both the yolk and the egg white can cause allergic reasons.
My Allergy Test
Treatment
It is best to avoid using egg until your child shows that their symptoms are gone. It is hard to determine which foods to avoid because egg is commonly used as an ingredient. Consult with an allergist about your child’s condition and ask about food options. Make a meal plan to ensure that your child still gets all the nutrients that he needs while avoiding egg-containing foods.
There is no cure for egg allergy, only avoidance until the allergy fades away as he/she grows older. If your child gets an allergic reaction, use antihistamines to relieve his/her symptoms. For severe allergic reactions, your doctor will suggest epinephrine shots.
Source:
http://www.sswahs.nsw.gov.au/rpa/allergy/resources/allergy/eggallergy.pdf
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/egg_allergy.html#
