Why should you avoid introducing allergens on your baby’s skin? Find out why using food on your baby’s skin as a method to predict a food allergy is not reliable and can be harmful.
When introducing new foods to your baby, it’s natural to feel anxious about potential allergic reactions. Some websites and influencers suggest rubbing the food on the baby’s skin before feeding to check for a reaction. However, this method is not scientifically proven and can actually increase the risk of a food allergy. Using food on your baby’s skin as a method to predict a food allergy is not reliable and can be harmful.
It’s important to understand the different reactions that can happen when a food comes in contact with your child’s skin and how to determine if it’s actually an allergic reaction or a contact reaction. Many individuals who experience contact reactions can safely consume the food without any issues. Continue reading to learn more about contact reactions and what they may look like on your child.
Contact reactions, such as redness around the mouth (perioral dermatitis), are common in babies due to their developing skin barrier. Perioral dermatitis can occur with any food but is more common with acidic foods like orange juice or tomato sauce. It is important to note that perioral dermatitis is not the same as a food allergy; it affects only the skin and does not pose severe risks.
Another type of contact reaction can manifest as redness or itchy hives where the food touches the skin. However, this type of reaction is also not indicative of a food allergy. Many individuals who experience contact reactions can safely consume the food without any issues.
For example, skin prick testing is a method used to diagnose food allergies, but it is not foolproof. About 50% of patients who test positive for a food allergy through skin prick testing can actually consume the food without any adverse reactions.
Therefore, using food on your baby’s skin as a method to predict a food allergy is not reliable and can be harmful. Avoiding feeding your baby a potential allergen based on a skin reaction could increase the risk of developing a real food allergy. Unlike contact reactions, food allergies can be dangerous and are less likely to be outgrown.
Furthermore, deliberately exposing your baby’s skin to food may potentially increase the risk of developing a food allergy. Babies have developing skin barriers that can be damaged, allowing proteins and irritants to interact with the immune system. This interaction can lead to the immune system developing defenses against the food, which could trigger an allergic reaction when the food is ingested.
The best way to introduce new foods to your baby is by letting them eat a small amount. It’s advisable to introduce foods early in the day and when your pediatrician’s office is open so you can monitor for any reactions and seek advice if needed.
Ready. Set. Food! is one of the easiest and safest ways to introduce your baby to top allergens. Start with Stage 1 Mix-Ins to gradually introduce peanut, egg, and milk in the exact amounts used in the landmark clinical studies – you don’t need to worry about figuring out the correct dosage yourself. These packets easily mix with breastmilk or formula so you can start introducing allergens at the recommended age of 4-6 months.
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All health-related content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your own pediatrician in connection with any questions regarding your baby’s health.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If your infant has severe eczema, check with your infant’s healthcare provider before feeding foods containing ground peanuts.