Allergy diagnosis

[justalittlelemondrizzle]

We received DD's(6) allergy test results this morning.
It came back that she is allergic to Cashews and dustmites.
I've never had to deal with an allergy before so im a bit out of my depth.
Is this really as big a deal as I think it is?
Ive spent the whole school day doing boil washes and scrubbing the house etc.
She has eczema so this quite possibly could be the cause.

. Are teddies ok in DD's bedroom on top of the wardrobe away from her bed? They were on her bed.
. Can anyone recommend any devices such as dustmite controllers/de-humidifiers etc or are these rubbish?
. Any other dust prevention ideas?
. Regarding the nut allergy is there anything else she should avoid?
. I have been reading through a few posts on the subject and people are mentioning epipens and was wondering, do we need some of these?

Ive probably forgot half of what I wanted to ask so if anyone has any other advice on these allergies please share.
Thanks

[BarbarianMum]

Hi OP

My first bit of advice for you is to repost on the allergy boards (also under health) as there's a whole community of parents in a similar situation over there.

Now specific things. Who tested your dd and what advice did they give? My ds1 was allergic to peanuts until the age of 6 - the allergy clinic advised us to avoid tree nuts also - but advice on this does vary. A cashew nut allergy does bring with it a higher risk of allergy to peanuts and other tree nuts so at the very least I suggest you introduce these with great caution and in controlled conditions.

For dust mites what you really want is a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. When you hoover go over each bit of carpet 10 times (this helps get rid of the mites) paying close attention to areas eith lots of skin cells (near beds, chairs, in bathrooms etc). Consider getting rid of the carpet in your dd's room in favour of laminate and a rug that'll fit into the washing machine.

Avoid regular washing of carpets as mites like the damp - hard hoovering is better.

Hoover her mattress regularly, by an allergenic mattress protector and choose begging that can be washed at 60 degrees to kill mites.

Soft toys should be washed or hoovered regularly. Alternatively you can put them in a plastic bag and stick them in the freezer for 24 hours - that kills mites too. Limit the number on her bed (wardrobe is fine) but let her have her favourite (I was 3 when my mum stopped me sleeping with my favourite bunny and I still remember the upset).

Keep pets out of her bedroom if you have any. And good luck!

[BarbarianMum]

Begging?? bedding

[justalittlelemondrizzle]

Thanks for your advice. Ive let her keep 3 teddies on her bed. Im washing them with her bedding twice a week. Were renting for atleast another 6 months so cant remove the carpet in her room but have laminate in the living areas.
They gave me no advice at all apart from avoid all nuts as theyre often produced in the same factory. Although she has eaten peanuts before with no ill effects.
I will repost on the allergies board as im sure ill be going there alot now.