DD has just developed an allergy to oranges / citrus - is this right?

[Boco]

DD is 3. She had a first reaction to a piece of orange a couple of weeks ago - her face, hands and feet swelled up.

Now she's reacting to squash, ribena, things with citric acid in. Today she grabbed a satsuma and ran off with it, didn't peel it or eat it, and her face swelled.

Took her to the GP and he's referred her to a dermatologist - the appointment is in a month - is this right - should it not be an allergy clinic - is it the same thing. It didn't really occur to me until afterwards that a derm seems like the wrong place - or do they deal with this sort of thing too?

[Boco]

nyaw, don't leave me sitting in unanswered threads with my piriton.

Kerrymum? Allergy people? Just wondering if the GP has misunderstood or is a derm the right sort of person to see dd?

[friendlyedjit]

i'd go back and ask them to redirect to allergy clinic?as this seems a more appropriate course, for testing etc. Does she have any other allergies? or eczema, asthma or hayfever?
But do keep the piriton on hand!

[Boco]

Oh thank god, was getting very lonely on my own in here, talking to myself.

Allergy clinic makes more sense doesn't it? Apparently it's very hard to get GPs to refer you to them though, so wondered if derm was standard or if he just simply wasn't listening. Dunno.

Piriton going everywhere with us - quite fascinating to watch her eat something and the sudden lumps appear all over her face - quite alarming.

[friendlyedjit]

I hink there are more dermatologists available than allergy consultants... and of course allergies are on increase etc
I would push for an allergy referral as otherwise you may end up seing a derm who says you need a referral to an allergy clinic. Everyones time wasted and more cost than an initial referral to the alergy clinic... unless there is a derm locally that has a specific interest in allergy etc.. and they are few i think and far between

[Boco]

Thank you FE will ask GP if allergy clinic would be better.

[Boco]

Thanks for warning KM, she keeps blotching up all over her face even when she hasn't had any citric stuff so have no idea what else it is. Today she had chocolate cake and a drink of water and within ten mins had these raised weals all over her face. Happened eating crunchy nut cornflakes too, so i'm really really hoping she's not developing a nut allergy. On average about 4 times a day without even getting near an orange.

[bodiddly]

my ds has been going through this recently so we have cut out all fruit until we get an appointment arranged. Saying that he still seems to get spots most days although nowhere near as bad. I have allergies to fruit so it is hardly surprising I suppose. I was referred to the Royal Ear Nose and Throat Hospital for my allergies .. I am not sure a dermatologist is what you need!

[Boco]

Kerry first time i spoke to you, you were very helpful on a 'oh god child swelling' thread I had where she had full on mouth swelling reaction to antibiotics and you shouted at me until we took her to A&E. That's the only time we've had anything like this - but that time it was proper every inch of her body and lips/ tongue, face etc. This is smaller areas and so far not lips at all.

[foxinsocks]

if she's getting it 4 times a day, I'd give her Piriton for a few days Boco.

Just check with the clinic because sometimes they like you to stop antihistamines before the appointment in case they do any tests.

[mawbroon]

Boco - we got referred to the children's hospital re ds's allergy when we moved towns. The referal was to the respiritory department who also deal with allergies. Perhaps your hospital has similar set up? You could always call them and ask.

[Boco]

Hmm, actually, I have a feeling there isn't an allergy clinic at this hospital, maybe that's why.

Foxy have been doing the piriton every day atm - even her pre-school have as she swelled up just touching an orange.

Appointment not until 14th April (had to cut my London visit by a whole day and a night } so could not give her piriton nearer the time.

[foxinsocks]

so she's swelling up even with the Piriton? I think you need to be very careful then Boco and I would cut out nuts and citrus in the meantime, until the appointment.

[foxinsocks]

so you are coming later? sorry to hear that, what a pita.

[Boco]

No fox, I'm just giving her piriton at first sign of a swelling and it keeps it down, but doing that each time. She's not had the full on eyes swollen shut thing since last week.

[Boco]

Shampoo was a good tip off Kerry - washed her hair and she blotched up so must be it.

Have already cut out citrus as much as possible so will cut out nuts too.

[foxinsocks]

yes, we had the RAST done first and then we had the skin prick done because there were 1 or 2 things I knew dd reacted to that weren't picked up in the RAST iyswim and we just wanted to understand what was going on

but do cut out the nuts and citrus now

[foxinsocks]

aah good, x-posts.