oh I seee

well it has even changed from when my two were babies in the early 2000s

I suppose some might say it's medical progress. They are trying to analyse why they happen and why some children outgrow them and some don't (we were asked to contribute to this research!).

Sorry - I know that allergies have always been around - I just wondered where all the rules surrounding them came from - I was introduced to peanuts when I was about 2, in the 70s, and my cousin was the same in the early 90s, however, there are guidelines now about when to introduce children to different foods - when did this start?

dh had allergies as a child, as did I (he is a child of the 60s, me of the 70s).

Poor dh. Because allergies weren't diagnosed in the 60s and he was horrifically under weight, they were advised to add raw egg to his milk/food to fatten him up. Ironically, it was egg he was allergic to (and chicken) . His skin was so bad as a young adult, the strength of the steroids he had to use to clear it up have left his skin thinned for life.

He was properly diagnosed in his 20s, cut out the allergens and his skin is far better (though he still has fairly severe eczema)

Allergies have always been around. I'm just not sure they were diagnosed like they are now.

[And apologises to Franny for possibly turning her thread into a debate/killing it completely]

Weeellll, my theory is in direct relation with what I mention above.

Hugely complex issue with lots of factors and facets but I am as sure as I could be of anything that vaccines didn't help my already susceptible DD.

There is a link to the whole peanut thing that I would love to have a sensible discussion about. Might have a go at starting a thread in vaccinations one of these days.

Disclaimer, I'm not saying that all allergies in everybody have a direct link but there is certainly plenty of plausible evidence that points to vaccines playing a role as one of many environmental factors for some people. Unfortunately it is not a popular idea and very taboo but inconvenient though it may be, vaccines are definitely a consideration.

[Beach runs and hides in preparation for tirade of 'but vaccines are the best thing ever, always, and it must be true because everybody says it all the time' type response]

Hi!
I hate to invade someone else's post, but this seemed like the right place to ask a quick question:
When I was growing up in the 70s, there was no problem with food allergies - my sister and I were bought up on peanut butter from the moment we could eat sandwiches, and our friends were the same.
When a cousin was born in the early 90s, same thing - no fuss!
However, when dd was born in 2004, there was a big fuss about introducing the right foods at the right ages, and not giving nuts until 5yo.
I'm not criticising - dd does have some food allergies, although they are not severe - I'm just interested to know when the allergy stuff was bought in/became an issue?

Hope you find something that helps EachPeach.

Also I know not generally a popular point of view but be careful with vaccines. Space 'em out and only give those (if any) that you think are of real benefit to your child. Atopic children are excused from social responsibilty in my book. Avoid vaccines during a flare up.

Thank you F&Z and beachcomber.
I think its time to go back to the drs tbh, but will look for hemp seed oil tomorrow when I go for my fennel tea...

A couple of natural things that cannot do any harm and we found really helped DDs skin are hemp seed oil and (organic, unpasteurised, unfiltered) cider vinegar. Both can be bought in any health food shop. Dilute the vinegar with water so that it doesn't sting.

i have read that the key to emollients is to keep trying until you find one that helps. we tried lots of lovely natural ones, but they didn't fix it, and also cost a fortune. you need to find one that you can apply frequently - ideally many times a day - so pick one that you like putting on him. we like doublebase gel - it's very light and does not (to me) smell unpleasant. you can ask your gp for an emollient trial pack which has small samples of all major brands.

we also find ds2's skin extremely sensitive in nappy area - now eczema on body has gone but still the nappy area is a constant problem. we have made it manageable by changing immediately after every wee as well as poo - and trying to do elimination communication (early use of potty by following baby's cues) - search on here for EC to get lots of info on that - it is easier than you think and has saved us lots of heartache with sore itchy bottoms

we felt very wary of steroid cream but read something that said "steroid cream MAY cause side effects with long term use if you are not careful. untreated eczema DOES cause side effects - it is miserable for the sufferer and their family, and can become infected and lead to more serious conditions"
this helped us get some perspective
i still use h/c cream sparingly on his nappy area if it gets v bad