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Allergies and intolerances

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Am I being too worried about this or should I be more worried about this reaction?

15 replies

SpeccieSeccie · 19/11/2007 17:50

DS (7.5 mo) is BLW, we've got no allergies on either side of the family and he's been a brilliant eater from the start, pretty much eating whatever he's been given. I've been really careful with what I could give him (incl. posting over-specific threads on the weaning boards about weaning charts, timing of introducing foods, etc) and, up 'til now, only giving him home cooked, prepared from scratch stuff.

Anyway, today we were out at friend's for lunch and as well as some cheese, I gave DS some cold chicken and ham from my plate. He's had chicken and roast pork before so I wasn't worried but after about 5 minutes I noticed a rash had come up all around ds's mouth. He was completely unconcerned but the other mothers there said, yes, that is definitely a reaction of some sort. I stopped him eating any more and the rash had gone completely within about 20 mins. The ham and chicken were both from M&S, the ham was 'smoked' and the chicken had some kind of tikka marinade over it (I know, I know, what was I thinking?!). There was no nut oil used on the chicken, I've now checked the packet, but the list of ingredients is frustratingly long. Also, I think I have heard that whatever it is that food manufacturers add to make products taste smoked is not good for children.

The question is, should I get really worried about this? (Obviously, I am really worried, I s'pose what I mean is: is there anything I should investigate further?) DS is completely unaware and utterly unbothered. Am I being silly?

OP posts:
yogimum · 19/11/2007 18:08

I would have been more concerned about the salt content TBH

yogimum · 19/11/2007 18:12

I'm sure as it was a one off there will be no ill-effects. I accidently gave ds something from the organix range which said from 12 months when he was around 9 months probably due to the salt content.

SpeccieSeccie · 19/11/2007 18:13

In the ham? Or in the chicken? Or is the salt causing a reaction?

This isn't making me feel better but feel free to kick me when I'm down!

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SpeccieSeccie · 19/11/2007 18:14

Thanks. I really do hope it is the salt. Did your ds show signs on his skin? (I appreciate the help)

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yogimum · 19/11/2007 18:15

i didn't say the salt would cause a reaction. There may be additives in the smoked chicken. I didn't mean to offend you at all.

SpeccieSeccie · 19/11/2007 18:17

Sorry. I'm touchy. I've been soooo cautious up til now

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yogimum · 19/11/2007 18:19

I think when things are written down like this it can come across not how one wants, Iykwim. I used to get totally neurotic about what ds eats but it get easier. I think as long as I feed him healthy most of the time he'll be alright.

yogimum · 19/11/2007 18:21

i've just given ds peanut butter sandwiches and am worried in case he has an allergy.

SpeccieSeccie · 19/11/2007 18:27

Well, you have my complete sympathy! Allergies really are scary. I just read the thread on this board about the 5 yo old who developed an allergy over night. Very horrible for everyone involved.

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yogimum · 19/11/2007 18:34

It is scary isn't it. I think Marks and Spencer have been quite good lately, (not that I shop there very often) but quite a lot of their food does say no additives, colouring etc. I'd just keep an eye on your lo and speak to you doctor if you are still concerned.

manchita · 19/11/2007 18:38

I would be v careful with ham or anything smoked(yes, because of salt content, but also the amount of additives in ham)
I wouldn't worry as yogimum says, it is just a one off.Keep doing what you have been and he'll be fine. Maybe try some of these things again when he is a bit older.
If he is used to pure food it was probably some obscure additive that caused the reaction.

yogimum · 19/11/2007 19:59

You know it might not be anything to do with what he ate. Ds has a funny rash/redness around his mouth for the last few days. I stopped using wipes on his face but its still there. Not sure if its to to with cold weather/ central heating.

SpeccieSeccie · 19/11/2007 20:30

Thanks for the reassurance. I do feel uneasy about food bought preprepared and this has kind of rammed it home. I'd love to think it wasn't the food, but really this was my mistake.

Manchita, I think you're right, it probably was the smoked ham. It didn't taste smoked, it was only when I asked about it that my friend said it was smoked. I'm so stupid. I know that smoked meat and cheese are to be avoided I just didn't think to ask. Won't be making that mistake again...

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tatt · 19/11/2007 20:44

its very hard to tell with a rash what is causing it but if it was around his mouth then it could be a reaction, especially as it disappeared quite fast when you stopped him eating it. Tikka does often use peanut oil but refined oil doesn't usually cause problems anyway and you say it wasn't mentioned on the label.

The problem with trying to take it further is that they don't like to test young children. If it was a reaction he may well outgrow it anyway.

It's always worth having a bottle of piriton around when you're weaning.

SpeccieSeccie · 19/11/2007 21:06

Will get some Piriton tomorrow. Thanks.

And nice to hear that he may out grow it. I shall hang on to that! (Whilst being very vigilant, obviously)

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