Can children have a serious allergic reaction just by touching food? Israeli study says no

A recent Israeli study from Rambam Health Care Campus, published in Acta Paediatrica, indicates that accidental skin contact with food allergens does not trigger anaphylaxis in children with confirmed food allergies. The multicenter study, led by Dr. Idit Lachover-Roth, involved 293 children and youths, with 192 having confirmed food allergies. Participants underwent patch testing with common allergens like milk, peanuts, and eggs.

"Our findings... show that when allergenic food comes into contact with intact skin – even in children with confirmed food allergies – the risk of a serious reaction is extremely low, approaching zero,"

said Dr. Lachover-Roth. The study found that 83.7% of exposures resulted in no reaction, while 15% caused only mild localized skin reactions; no child experienced anaphylaxis. This research aims to reduce parental anxiety regarding skin exposure, though it emphasizes that avoiding ingestion and carrying epinephrine auto-injectors remain crucial safety precautions.