But serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, did occur in 26 kids who wore the patch and three in the placebo group.
Why the study is important
The data is the first peanut allergy study of its kind in children this young, Soong said.
The only immunotherapy for peanut allergies on the U.S. market, Palforzia, is a daily powder taken by mouth and only approved for children ages 4 to 17. The hope is that introducing immunotherapy at a younger age may lead to longer-term tolerance, Soong said, but more research is needed.
Plus, parents can’t beat the convenience of the patch instead of negotiating snacks with a toddler.
“You can actually put a patch on a toddler and it gives the families peace of mind that if they accidentally eat something, the child isn’t going to go into anaphylaxis,” Soong said. “You’re able to intervene what the child is eating before they consume more peanuts.”
Symptoms of a peanut allergy in children
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says symptoms of a peanut allergy may include:
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Repetitive cough
- Tightness in throat, hoarse voice
- Weak pulse
- Pale or blue coloring of the skin
- Hives and swelling
- Dizziness or confusion
See more at:https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/05/11/peanut-allergy-skin-patch-kids-study/70207148007/
