Nut Oils In Cosmetics… the Dilemma for Anaphylactic’s

How would you feel… knowing that you had the potential of killing someone just by giving them affection and kissing them?

That is reality for parents who have children with anaphylactic nut allergies. For these parents avoidance of nuts in cooking and personal care is a life or death decision. For the parents of an anaphylactic nut allergy sufferer choosing what goes into their household can be a nightmare. Vigorous checking of labels is essential to ensure that their child is not exposed to any potential allergen.

Children who have a history of allergies, eczema or asthma are more likely to have a tree nut allergy. These individuals are also more likely to have a severe or life-threatening reaction, such as anaphylactic shock.

Cosmetics however would have to be one the hardest choices for those who choose to buy natural products. The majority of natural products contain almond oil or macadamia nut oil.

For myself as a parent, I found out that my son had a peanut allergy at 18 months. We decided to cook Satay Chicken and it had peanut butter in the sauce. I was not expecting an allergy but within 15 seconds of it touching his lips he started welting up and had hives all over him. I quickly administered an anti-histamine and he was ok, but we have since found out that he has other food allergies as well.

The majority of people classify peanut allergy under the heading of nut allergies, but peanuts are actually legumes. Other legumes include chickpeas, peas etc. We have since found out that our son is actually allergic to legumes.

Coconut is not a nut either but a fruit. Parents who have experienced allergies with their child would find it beneficial to get an allergy test done. This will enable you to consciously avoid the foods that they are allergic to.

A tree nut allergy is a potentially deadly type of food allergy. The allergic reaction actually occurs because of the proteins in the nut. Tree nut oils are a commonly found in cosmetics including shampoos, conditioners, and moisturisers.

Symptoms of tree nut allergies usually include:

• Swelling
• Hives
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Wheezing
• Runny nose
• Tingly tongue

Individuals allergic to tree nuts who have been exposed to tree nut proteins will usually begin to experience symptoms immediately, though they can also begin several hours later. Symptoms can also recur hours after the initial reaction subsides. Symptoms typically include swelling, hives, itchiness, redness, nausea and stomach pain. Severe reactions can result in anaphylaxis, leading to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Anaphylaxis occurs when the immune system over reacts to the protein in the nuts. This usually occurs by eating tree nuts or by being exposed to traces of tree nuts through processed goods. However, in some individuals it can also occur through skin contact or even inhaling tree nut fumes (usually released during cooking).

Some people are very responsive to even trace amounts of tree nut proteins. For these people simply touching or kissing another person who has recently consumed nuts can induce an allergic reaction or life threatening anaphylaxis. These sensitive individuals must be very careful not to have skin contact with any type of nut product and should also be careful not to inhale the fumes produced by cooking nuts.

Limiting contact with foods however is much easier than regulating what cosmetics your child’s friends have used. There are very few products on the natural market that don’t contain nut oils. The company who produces the cosmetics must also not use nut oils in any of their other products or there is a risk of cross contamination.

Eclogite Skin Care don’t use any nuts in any of their products. We manufacture our own products so we know there is no cross contamination with other companies products that contain nuts. This makes us a safe choice for you and your family.