DS just got hives after DH kissed him, he'd just eaten cachew nuts

[Bagofspiders]

That's it really. We're waiting for the results of allergy tests due to reactions he's had in the past but this has really shocked me. Does this mean he has a very bad allergy?
He's had Piraton and they've almost gone. We'ew supposed to be going out tonight, would it be completely unnecessary to cancel (DH thinks it would)
He's 17 months btw.

CaShew! D'oh!

Nah, not if piraton is helping. My sister had a huge number of allergies, including nuts and chicken, piraton didn't help at all. Even touching nuts would cause a reaction needing an epi-pen - so hold on to that it can be easily controlled :)

If the hives are going and there is no swelling of the mouth or throat you don't need to cancel going out.

I hope he feels lots better soon, and honestly don't worry too much. You'll get plenty of help from his doctors once his allergies are confirmed.

Thank you Caja. Piraton has definitely helped, hives gone and DS asleep so I'm off out in a bit!

It was much less of a reaction than he's had before but I'm just surprised and worried that it took such a small amount of contact to cause it. But at least we can be pretty certain of what he is allergic to now,

It's quite common for people with allergies to react on contact by coming out in hives and as long as the symptoms improve with anti-histamines then you shouldn't worry too much. However, it is very important that you keep a note of these reactions and discuss them with your child's specialist.

I take photos. Easy record, and no confusion when explaining the reaction to the allergist.

That's a good idea, thanks Couthy and Freefrom. Too late for the photos of course but will def take a pic next time. I did find it difficult to get any help but finally got blood test about a month ago. Unfortunately we won't be able to see consultant or get the results til middle of December.

You do need to be careful though as the reaction next time could be more severe if exposed to it a second time.

In the meantime carry some piriton around in your bag whenever you're out just in case.

You can get a generic brand called allerief at the chemist only a couple of pounds.

Good luck & hope you had a good night out

Thanks for the tip non the cheap generic stuff, piraton is stupidly expensive! I do tend to have it on me most of the time but yes, I should be extra certain I always have some handy now.

That's ok- mega expensive otherwise considering the amount we get through!

I'm going to get some of the cheaper stuff next time! DS3 is on daily prescribed Cetirizine, but I have to use Piriton before the Jext pens.

I carry around DS3's allergy management plan, his cetirizine, his Piriton and two syringes and stoppers in a plastic pot. It goes everywhere, I just stick it under the pram, or in a backpack if he is walking.

Yep same here- piriton x2, epipen x2, steroid cream, plasters, action plan, emergency numbers... No such thing as travelling light!!

I forgot his Jext pens on that list! And yep, need a suitcase to go shopping.

Allerief or similar cheaper versions also taste much better than Piriton as they are usually strawberry flavour rather than yucky mint!

Hi bagofspiders ... DS2 (9months) saw allergy specialist this last monday (so it's all still fresh in my head). We went private because of the long NHS wait, and got to ask loads of questions without any sideways glancing at the door from the dr :-). We did skinprick testing, which came up strong positive to both cashew and pistachio (apparently its the same type of protein) .. and though the peanut reaction wasn't as strong, we were told that 95% chance of that too (waiting for blood tests on the NHS). Anyway, I digress. Dr told us that we should get rid of all nuts in the household as apparently the best way to 'create' an anaphylaxis type reaction in mice is to simulate eczema and then expose their skin to nuts (more so than eating it!). The theory of course, is that it's the same in babies - it's worse to have it on their skin because it can make them more sensitive to it so that they can become severely allergic. She said if we eat nuts out of the house, we need to wash our hands and face, and just to get rid of all the nuts inside (she did mention that we could try almonds if we really wanted to, but generally suggested just being nut free for a while). Just thought i'd let you know in case it's of some help/relevance to you.

I've just seen this Mayfair, thank you so much, that's really useful! I was wondering whether we should make the house a 'but free zone'! Seem like it would be a good idea.
Out of interest where did you go for your tests, was it in London? I'm not sure we really have the money for it but am looking into going private. I've been going to my GP since he was about 10 weeks old, convinced he had an allregy and being fobbed off.

We go to guys & st Thomas's having been fobbed off until dd was about 7 months then finally seeing a dietitian who confirmed allergy to cmp.

We were seen at our local hospital in Surrey until she was almost 3 & now are seen at guys as she has serious life threatening allergies to known & unknown triggers.

Keep pushing your gp for referrals - as my dad says 'a squeaky door gets oiled first'..