Latest news with #foodallergy
BBC News
6 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
'Classmates threw Snickers at me to test my peanut anaphylaxis'
A woman from Brighton is raising awareness on social media of the severe food allergy she lives Dickson, 26, has anaphylaxis, a condition which causes her to go into anaphylactic shock when exposed to millions of views through her Peanut Free Zone social channels, she says she has received death threats and been called "selfish" due to "misunderstandings" about her allergy."In secondary school, kids didn't believe I'd react without eating something, so snapped Snickers bars in half and threw them at me," Ms Dickson told BBC South East. Posting videos to TikTok and Instagram, Ms Dickson showcases her daily life from taking trains and planes, to working at a café and documenting allergic episodes.A life-threatening reaction in a pub, when none of her friends knew how to use her EpiPen, was a "turning point" that compelled her to raise the profile of her Anaphylaxis UK says that about one in 50 children and one in 200 adults in the UK have a nut allergy, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Condition 'feels like a secret' Having worked in the hospitality industry since she was a teenager, Ms Dickson said she had been fired before as an employer wanted to serve dishes with said being told that she was "too high risk" by potential employers had been a "massive anxiety" and made her condition feel "like a secret".In response to critical online comments, she said: "I'm just a human and enjoy working in a café."I want to be doing fun and exciting things too."Working at Moksha Caffe in Brighton, which became a peanut-free space five years ago to accommodate her, she said management had been "incredible".Ms Dickson said her goal was to encourage Brighton hospitals to go peanut-free. Analysis of NHS data hospitalisations between 1998 and 2018 reveals that 86 (46%) fatalities out of 152 from food-induced anaphylaxis were triggered by peanut or tree nuts, according to research from the Food Standards Agency and Imperial College London. Peanut-free spaces In the UK, restaurants, cafés and takeaways serving "non-prepacked food" must provide accurate information on the major 14 allergens, following the Food Information Regulations Carey, a spokesperson from allergy campaign group Owen's Law, told BBC South East that best practice allergen information should "always be provided in writing at the point of ordering without the customer having to ask".He wants this to become law after his son, Owen, died during his 18th birthday celebrations after unknowingly eating a burger containing having dedicated peanut-free spaces for people like Chloe, Mr Carey said: "If people with allergies want to feel safe, then going to a place which is guaranteeing that can only be a good thing."
Health Line
15 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
10 Common Eczema Triggers
Key takeaways Stress, especially chronic stress, is a common trigger for eczema, as it may affect the immune system, skin barrier function, and other body systems. Contact with irritating chemicals or allergens is another major trigger, this includes detergents, soaps with fragrances, dyes, certain metals, latex, chlorine, hot water, wool clothing materials, makeup, and nail polish. Fluctuations in hormones may also affect eczema symptoms and flare-ups, particularly during adolescence, menstruation cycles, and menopause, with their changes in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. Eczema is a chronic but manageable skin condition that may cause dry, itchy, and inflamed patches on your skin that may also be discolored. Although researchers haven't determined the exact cause of eczema, they've identified several environmental, dietary, immunological, and psychological factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms. This article reviews 10 possible eczema triggers. 1. Food allergies Eating certain foods may trigger eczema symptoms or make already-present eczema worse. You may experience eczema immediately after eating a certain food, or it may take hours or days to appear. A 2023 study of 225,568 people with eczema found that: 48.4% had a food sensitivity 37.2% had a food allergy 40.7% had a challenge-proven food allergy Eczema is associated with a weakened skin barrier, which is the outer layer of skin that helps prevent water loss and protects it from environmental irritants. Having a food allergy or sensitivity could further weaken the skin barrier, making symptoms of eczema worse. Eczema related to diet is more common in babies and young children with moderate to severe eczema. The foods that trigger eczema vary from person to person, but the nine most common food allergies in the United States include: peanuts tree nuts sesame cow's milk eggs soy wheat seafood shellfish Try eliminating a suspected food from your diet to see if your symptoms lessen, or see a doctor to get a formal food allergy test. 2. Dry skin Dry skin is a common eczema symptom, but it could also trigger eczema. According to the National Eczema Association, dry skin may crack and become scaly, rough, or brittle, which may lead to inflammation and an eczema flare-up. Common causes of dry skin include: a lack of moisture in the air prolonged exposure to hot water, such as in a bath not moisturizing enough during the day Some ways to help prevent your skin from becoming dry include: moisturizing regularly during the day with a fragrance-free, dye-free thick moisturizer taking an oatmeal colloidal bath for no longer than 15 minutes avoiding scratching the area applying a wet wrap 3. Emotional stressors Stress is a common eczema trigger, especially chronic stress. According to a 2023 study, stress may trigger or worsen eczema symptoms because it could affect the immune system, the skin barrier function, and other systems in the body. Managing your stress could help prevent eczema flare-ups. This may include: practicing yoga trying meditation walking outside writing in a journal exercising engaging in a hobby getting enough high quality sleep speaking with family, friends, or a therapist »MORE: The Connection Between Eczema and Stress 4. Irritants Contact with irritating chemicals or allergens is another major trigger for eczema. According to the National Eczema Association, some common irritants and allergens may include: detergents and soaps, especially with fragrances dyes certain metals such as nickel, chromium cobalt, chloride, copper, and gold bleach latex insect bites and bee stings chlorine, such as in swimming pools hot water clothing materials, such as wool makeup nail polish poison ivy, oak, or sumac Before buying products, it's important to look at the list of ingredients. Choose products that are free from fragrances and dyes to help reduce the chance of an eczema flare-up. You can also try using The American Contact Dermatitis Society's Contact Allergen Management Program (CAMP) to help find products that work best for you. 5. Airborne allergens Airborne irritants and allergens that you inhale are an increasingly more common trigger of eczema symptoms. Common airborne allergens may include: pollen pet dander dust mold smoke pollution Research suggests that airborne allergens may trigger eczema in several ways, such as: damaging the skin barrier increasing transepidermal water loss, which is how much water leaves your skin increasing inflammation altering the skin microbiome and pH levels increasing itchiness, which could trigger scratching Some ways to help reduce your exposure to these allergens is by: limiting your contact with pets cleaning your house and linens regularly limiting the amount of carpets, upholstery, and stuffed objects (pillows, stuffed animals) in your home keeping your living space properly humidified avoiding exposure to smoke, mold, and pollen A doctor can perform an allergy skin test to determine whether one of these allergens causes a rash on your skin. They may recommend over-the-counter treatments or allergy shots as a treatment. 6. Sweat Sweat helps your body regulate its temperature when it becomes too hot. However, it can also affect the moisture of your skin. After sweating, too much water may have evaporated from the skin, resulting in dry, itchy skin. The National Eczema Association recommends trying the following tips during exercise to help prevent eczema: wear loose clothing do low intensity workouts stay hydrated take breaks to help you cool down use a clean towel to pat down sweat (don't rub your skin, as this can worsen symptoms) 7. Extreme temperatures Extreme weather temperatures can increase inflammatory markers in people with eczema, which may worsen symptoms. For instance, cold weather often lacks humidity, which can cause skin to become dry. Hot weather, on the other hand, may cause you to sweat more than usual. Consider using a humidifier to help prevent dry air in your home, especially if you use a heater. Learn more about eczema in different climates and temperatures. 8. Hormones Fluctuations in your hormones may affect your symptoms of eczema, especially during adolescence or later in life. A 2022 review found that fluctuations in the following hormones may affect eczema: estrogen progesterone testosterone insulin hypothyroidism cortisol Eczema flare-ups are also common during a person's menstrual cycle. Research also suggests that eczema is the most commonly reported skin condition associated with menopause. A doctor could help you manage eczema that occurs around your cycle or during menopause. 9. Infections People with eczema have a higher risk of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, which can worsen eczema symptoms. This may be due to your skin's weakened protective barrier or due to scratching, which can cause open sores from which infections may enter. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common type of bacteria that can lead to an infection. Your skin may become more inflamed, discolored, or start to ooze fluid. Viruses like herpes may also cause blisters on your skin. Speak with a doctor if you have a skin infection. They can recommend treatments to reduce the risk of complications. Learn more about eczema and infections. Frequently asked questions Can stress bring on eczema? Yes, stress may trigger an eczema flare-up or worsen current symptoms. What time of year is worst for eczema? The worst time of year for eczema will depend on where you live and how extreme the temperature shifts are. Some people experience worse symptoms in the dry, cold winter months, while others experience worst symptoms in the hot, humid months. Does caffeine make eczema worse? Limited research has examined the direct effects of caffeine on eczema. However, a 2017 study found that 33% of participants reported an improvement in symptoms when they eliminated caffeine from their diets.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aravax Appoints Louise Peacock as Chief Regulatory and Quality Officer as it Prepares for Phase 3 Development
MELBOURNE, Australia and OXFORD, United Kingdom, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aravax, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation, disease-modifying immunotherapies for food allergy, today announces the appointment of Louise Peacock as Chief Regulatory and Quality Officer, based at the Company's Oxford, UK site. With more than 35 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Louise brings extensive and highly relevant experience to Aravax having previously made key contributions to the approval of Palforzia® - the first and only FDA approved oral immunotherapy (OIT) to treat peanut allergy. Louise has held prior roles as Chief Regulatory Affairs and Quality Officer at Vaderis Therapeutics AG and Alladapt Immunotherapeutics and was Head of Pharma R&D at Nestle Health Science/Aimmune Therapeutics (acquired by Nestle Health Science in 2020) where she had broad responsibilities for global regulatory affairs across pharma products in food allergy, gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders. Whilst at Aimmune, Louise was responsible for activities supporting the development and marketing approvals for Palforzia® in the US, EU, UK and Switzerland. Louise's early career included senior positions at Abbott Laboratories, Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Intermune and Circassia. Louise received her BSc (Hons) Pharmacology from Kings College, London and her LLB (Hons) from the University of West London. Louise Peacock, Chief Regulatory and Quality Officer of Aravax, said, 'Despite recent advances, food allergy remains an ever-growing and life-threatening problem around the world and there is a critical need for better therapies. Having followed Aravax's developments, I am convinced that PVX108 has the potential to be a life-changing alternative for patients with peanut allergy. I look forward to joining what is a world-class team and to bringing my experience to bear on the rapid further development of PVX108 and other products.' Dr Pascal Hickey, CEO of Aravax, said, 'Louise's experience in regulatory affairs in the field of food allergy is unique. It spans all the major regulatory bodies and multiple programs including the successful approval of Palforzia®. We are enormously excited that she is joining the Aravax team.' About Aravax Aravax is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on revolutionising the treatment of food allergies with next-generation, disease-modifying immunotherapies which are safer and more convenient than existing approaches. Aravax's proprietary platform generates engineered peptides that precisely retrain the immune system and restore the body's ability to safely tolerate food allergens, without putting patients at risk of treatment-induced acute allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The lead product, PVX108, is currently being studied in an international Phase 2 trial for the treatment of peanut allergy. Aravax is also developing a pipeline of products tackling additional significant food allergy indications. Aravax is an international company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with a subsidiary in Oxford, UK and operations in USA and Europe. Aravax's investors include leading international and Australian investors including Novartis Venture Fund, Brandon Capital, Tenmile, Breakthrough Victoria, Uniseed and UniSuper. For more information visit: For further information please contact Media – AustraliaKirrily Davis, E: kdavis@ M: +61 (0)401 220228 Media - InternationalSue Charles, Charles Consultants E: M: +44 (0)7968 726585Chris Gardner, E: Chris@ M: +44 (0)7956 031077Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aravax Appoints Louise Peacock as Chief Regulatory and Quality Officer as it Prepares for Phase 3 Development
MELBOURNE, Australia and OXFORD, United Kingdom, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aravax, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation, disease-modifying immunotherapies for food allergy, today announces the appointment of Louise Peacock as Chief Regulatory and Quality Officer, based at the Company's Oxford, UK site. With more than 35 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Louise brings extensive and highly relevant experience to Aravax having previously made key contributions to the approval of Palforzia® - the first and only FDA approved oral immunotherapy (OIT) to treat peanut allergy. Louise has held prior roles as Chief Regulatory Affairs and Quality Officer at Vaderis Therapeutics AG and Alladapt Immunotherapeutics and was Head of Pharma R&D at Nestle Health Science/Aimmune Therapeutics (acquired by Nestle Health Science in 2020) where she had broad responsibilities for global regulatory affairs across pharma products in food allergy, gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders. Whilst at Aimmune, Louise was responsible for activities supporting the development and marketing approvals for Palforzia® in the US, EU, UK and Switzerland. Louise's early career included senior positions at Abbott Laboratories, Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Intermune and Circassia. Louise received her BSc (Hons) Pharmacology from Kings College, London and her LLB (Hons) from the University of West London. Louise Peacock, Chief Regulatory and Quality Officer of Aravax, said, 'Despite recent advances, food allergy remains an ever-growing and life-threatening problem around the world and there is a critical need for better therapies. Having followed Aravax's developments, I am convinced that PVX108 has the potential to be a life-changing alternative for patients with peanut allergy. I look forward to joining what is a world-class team and to bringing my experience to bear on the rapid further development of PVX108 and other products.' Dr Pascal Hickey, CEO of Aravax, said, 'Louise's experience in regulatory affairs in the field of food allergy is unique. It spans all the major regulatory bodies and multiple programs including the successful approval of Palforzia®. We are enormously excited that she is joining the Aravax team.' About Aravax Aravax is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on revolutionising the treatment of food allergies with next-generation, disease-modifying immunotherapies which are safer and more convenient than existing approaches. Aravax's proprietary platform generates engineered peptides that precisely retrain the immune system and restore the body's ability to safely tolerate food allergens, without putting patients at risk of treatment-induced acute allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The lead product, PVX108, is currently being studied in an international Phase 2 trial for the treatment of peanut allergy. Aravax is also developing a pipeline of products tackling additional significant food allergy indications. Aravax is an international company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with a subsidiary in Oxford, UK and operations in USA and Europe. Aravax's investors include leading international and Australian investors including Novartis Venture Fund, Brandon Capital, Tenmile, Breakthrough Victoria, Uniseed and UniSuper. For more information visit: For further information please contact Media – AustraliaKirrily Davis, E: kdavis@ M: +61 (0)401 220228 Media - InternationalSue Charles, Charles Consultants E: M: +44 (0)7968 726585Chris Gardner, E: Chris@ M: +44 (0)7956 031077Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Iceland issues urgent recall on bread rolls after customers told ‘do not eat'
Iceland has issued a 'do not eat warning' for a popular lunchtime snack after failing to mention the product contained barley. The supermarket has recalled its Daily Bakery 4 Sub Rolls over fears the cereal grain poses a 'significant risk' to those with an allergy or intolerance. Only bread roll packs with the best before date of June 2 are affected by the recall and a product recall alert will be displayed on shelves at the popular supermarket until June 11. The Food Standards Agency, who issued the recall, said: 'If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. 'Instead, return to any Iceland retail store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required.' A recall notice will be displayed in shops for the next two weeks (Iceland) A food intolerance to barley can trigger symptoms, such as diarrhoea, bloating, gas and stomach pain just a few hours after eating it, the NHS warns. However, it can also cause headaches, fatigue, constipation, join pain and rashes that last anything from a few hours to days. Barley contains gluten, so it can also affect those with Coeliac disease – a condition that causes damage to the small intestines and destroy's the guts ability to absorb nutrients. Diarrhoea is also a common symptom of coeliac disease, caused by the body being unable to absorb nutrients. Malabsorption can also cause stools to contain abnormally high levels of fat – making them smell foul, greasy and frothy, the NHS says. A point-of-sale notice will be displayed in all Iceland supermarkets that sell the product. Customers with an allergy or intolerance who have purchased the affected bread rolls are advised to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. Although food safety officials recall a product when they consider it unsafe, it does not mean it will be pulled from supermarket shelves for good.
