No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Can a peanut allergy be cured??  Current Studies – Part II
Could a patch be the cure for peanut allergies?  Researchers at DBV Technologies believe their patch could provide the answer to this currently incurable disability.

The goal of this product is to desensitize the immune system of the peanut-allergic patient by introducing controlled levels of peanut protein on the VIASKIN® patch in a relatively symptom-free manner. Since there is no ingestion of peanut protein in this study, stomach issues reported with oral immunotherapy are not a concern.  Almost one year into the study, the only issue reported with this patch is minor sensitivity from the adhesive that has been successfully treated with topical cream.

No ingestion of peanuts, no side effects, and the potential to desensitize the body’s immune system to the peanut protein?  This sounds like a winner to me!

Did I mention that I am one of 300 people around the world who is wearing the VIASKIN® patch for the trial study?  I am so excited about the potential of what this incredible patch could mean to so many people. 

Keep out of the nut house!

No ifs, ands, or NUTS!

Can a peanut allergy be cured??  Current Studies – Part I

So, you have a peanut allergy and you avoid all contact with peanuts (and probably all other types of nuts).  At a visit to your allergist, you are told about a new clinical study that could cure your allergy.  The catch…you have to eat peanuts!!  What??

Believe it or not, allergists believe that the body’s immune system has the ability to build up tolerance to the peanut protein!  Over an eight to ten month period, clinical trial subjects were given microscopic amounts of peanuts each day in attempt to modify their immune system.  Most subjects of this oral immunotherapy showed signs of desensitization to the peanut allergen.

Unfortunately, long-term immunization effects have not been determined.  The negative side effects of this study include stomach issues and the potential for an allergic reaction since the study subject is ingesting the allergen.  Additionally, if this treatment is deemed effective, the patient will likely need to continue eating peanuts every day – whether they feel like eating peanuts or not – to maintain the immunity.

WARNING…this treatment should NEVER be tried on your own.  If you have a peanut allergy, NEVER knowingly ingest peanuts.  It is not safe!!  Contact your allergist or physician to determine if this type of therapy could work for you.

ALWAYS be safe!!  Don’t take risks with your life!!

Keep out of the nut house!!

Which One Wednesday: M & M's Answer

I told you this one would be tricky!  The correct answer is Neither!

Both peanut and regular M & M's contain, or may contain peanuts.  This is one of the hardest candies for me.  Since being diagnosed with my peanut allergy, I have easily adapted to my new nut-free diet.  But, the fact that I haven't been allowed to eat regular M & M's since seventh grade kills me.  This is one candy I look forward to hopefully being able to eat again someday after completing the peanut study.  

Keep out of the nut house!