Egg allergy is a common condition seen in early childhood. Eczema in infancy is a common precursor for allergy, including egg allergy, developing. Current thinking suggests that the allergy develops via a sensitisation through the skin. Although, it is not known how egg allergy can be prevented, it is nevertheless worthwhile seeking early and effective treatment of eczema if your baby develops this.
Egg allergy often presents with a rash on ingestion of egg. In such an instance, an antihistamine can be given and medical advice can be sought. More seriously, features can include lip swelling, tongue swelling, wheezing, difficulty in breathing and collapse. More serious features should prompt the administration of an adrenaline autoinjector pen, if one has been prescribed and 999 for an ambulance should always be called.
If you feel your child has symptoms of egg allergy, this should prompt an urgent opinion with their doctor, and egg should be avoided until you have sought advice.
Allergy specialists can arrange further testing such as skin prick testing to egg and/or allergy blood tests.
The good news is that a majority of children diagnosed with egg allergy will outgrow their allergy by the age of 4. Some children with egg allergy can also tolerate baked egg, which is usually a positive predictive factor for them outgrowing their allergy. However, baked egg should not be introduced into their diet without clear advice and guidance from an allergy specialist or GP with allergy competencies.
