Allergic reactions to peanuts can be mild, moderate, or severe
Children can have many different types peanut allergy symptoms if they have a peanut allergy. The most common way for a peanut allergy to show up is with a rash or hives on the skin. Your child will probably scratch his skin and be very uncomfortable if the rash or hives are severe. Itching is a common sign of being allergic to something, whether it’s a food, trees, or grass. Hives usually appear as raised red welts on the skin that are round or oval. The itching can be so unbearable that you’ll definitely know that something is wrong.
Keep Benadryl on hand in case an allergic reaction occurs
It is possible to have a rash or hives from your head to your toes if the child is highly allergic to peanuts. Non-drowsy Benadryl, which is an antihistamine, slows down the body’s reaction to the peanuts, and it should be given to the child immediately if a rash or hives occur after eating peanuts, peanut butter, or other foods that may contain hidden peanuts.
It’s estimated that up to 8% of all children have a food allergy
A peanut allergy affects other children in a more subtle way. They may have only a few hives or a rash only around their mouth or their face may look red and flushed. If the allergy is mild, it may take a while before you discover which food is causing this reaction in your child. It is estimated that up to 8% of children have some type of food allergy.
Each child’s allergic reaction is somewhat different
While one child is affected by a peanut allergy and has only a mild skin reaction, another child with an allergy may have peanut allergy symptoms more severe such as an asthma attack after eating a peanut butter sandwich. He might begin to cough a lot and have trouble breathing. If your child has an asthma inhaler, you will need to use it to control the respiratory problem. Still another child may develop a stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and other mild symptoms that can often be controlled with an over-the-counter children’s allergy medicine.