Expert Allergy Advice & Articles from London Allergy Consultants
Peanut OIT in UK - Palforzia Update and FAQ’s
The decision to discontinue Palforzia globally is strictly a commercial and strategic move by the manufacturer. It is unrelated to the treatment's quality, safety, or effectiveness, which remain clinically proven.
Is my baby lactose-intolerant?
The classic features of lactose intolerance in infants may include: watery, acidic diarrhoea, abdominal distension, flatulence and, in severe cases, failure to thrive and dehydration (if lactose-containing feeds are continued).
Colic and Food Allergy
The NICE guidelines for infantile colic emphasise reassurance, parental support, soothing techniques such as holding, white noise, motion, and winding, as well as ruling out serious issues, such as feeding problems or allergies. Fortunately, colic typically resolves by the ages of 3 to 6 months.
The Allergic March
The allergic march, aka the atopic march, is a concept describing the possible progression of allergies through childhood.
The "march" is not universal or linear; trajectories vary and are influenced by genetic predispositions, environmental exposures (e.g., the microbiome, pollutants), and immunologic factors.
Surrey Food Allergy Clinic
We at London Allergy Consultants are delighted to announce that we have recommenced our specialised Surrey Allergy clinics.
There are clinic days open in Jan 2026 and Feb so please feel free to contact outr office
Silent Reflux in Babies
Symptoms of silent reflux may include:
Feeding refusal
Irritability (especially during or after feeds)
Back arching, hip flexion, rigid posture
Choking, gagging, or coughing and may smell of sickness when this happens
Unexplained or inconsolable crying
Rice infant formula in UK for infants with cows milk protein allergy
Is the use of a Hydrolysed Rice Milk Formula safe and effective for use in infants with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy?
Can I eat sesame oil if I'm allergic to sesame?
Is it safe to eat sesame oil if you're allergic to sesame? This is a common question in our allergy clinic and is worth exploring in more detail.
Mucus in a baby's poo, is this normal?
Is it normal for a baby to have mucus streaks in their poo? This can be a frightening sight for parents and is a common question raised in our Allergy clinic.
Soy-Based Formula is a safe, nutritious, and cost-effective option for infants with IgE-mediated Cow's Milk Allergy (if Soy IgE negative)
Soy-Based Formula is a safe, nutritious, and cost-effective option for healthy infants with IgE-mediated Cow's Milk Allergy, provided the child does not have a separate soy allergy.
Can my egg-allergic child receive a UK flu vaccine 2025/2026?
Are the nasal and injectable flu vaccines in the UK safe for my egg-allergic child? This is one of the most common questions we are asked in clinic this time of year, the quick answer is YES, and the vaccines can be provided in the normal medical setting, but please have a read of this post for a more detailed answer.
Allergy Centre of Excellence (ACE)
Our London Allergy Consultants is based in the brand-new Allergy Centre of Excellence (ACE) at 10 Duchess Street, London.
ACE was designed with patient safety, child-friendly spaces, and multidisciplinary expertise in mind. We have an on-site Allergy Pharmacy, Phlebotomy, Lab, and PICU Specialist coverage.
ACE is one of the largest providers of International Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and offers Oral Challenge tests
ACE Research offers enrolment in clinical trials.
Playing Conkers, is this a risk to tree nut allergic individuals?
Conker season is upon us. The term "conker" colloquially refers to the seed of the horse chestnut tree, which is distinct from the edible sweet chestnut and unrelated to acorns or other tree nuts. At this time of the year, it is not uncommon for our nut-allergic families to ask about the risk of playing ‘conkers’.
NHS Chickenpox Vaccination and Eczema
As of JAN 2026, The National Health Service (NHS) has introduced a chickenpox vaccination programme for children in England and Wales.
This move follows a recommendation from the JCVI. The vaccine is effective and safe for patients with eczema and allergies.
Children with eczema are more likely to experience complications from chickenpox, especially scarring and local infection from scratching, so please be sure to get vaccinated.
Gastro Oesophageal Reflux and ‘silent reflux’ in Babies
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is common in babies and usually resolves by 12 months. This blog explains UK and European guideline advice, highlighting reassurance, feeding adjustments, and limited dietary trials. It also cautions against overuse of antacids and elimination diets, reserving medication only for severe or persistent reflux disease.
Hypo Allergenic Dogs - do they exist?
Despite popular claims, no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic. All dogs produce Can f 1, the primary allergen linked to rhinitis and asthma. This blog explains why dogs cause allergies, how advanced testing aids diagnosis, and the management options available—from environmental control and medication to immunotherapy for long-term relief.
Sea ‘stings’ in UK and Med waters - first aid, folklore and facts.
Can you differentiate between a Lion's Mane jellyfish and a Portuguese Man o' War?
It's a very important distinction to make, as they are different types of animals and their stings, while both painful, are treated slightly differently.
Wasp and Bee Sting Allergy: Venom Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
With wasp numbers at record highs in the UK, understanding sting allergies is more important than ever. This guide explains how to recognise serious reactions, the steps to diagnosis, and why Venom Immunotherapy (VIT) is considered the gold standard treatment for long-term protection against severe sting allergies.
Seed Allergies: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment Guide
Seed allergies are becoming more common in the UK, with sesame, mustard, and poppy seed the most frequent triggers. This guide explains why reactions occur, how tests distinguish between sensitisation and true allergy, and the treatments available at London Allergy Consultants, including Oral Immunotherapy for selected cases.
Bathing Tips for Eczema: Best Practices
Are you unsure about the best way to bathe babies with eczema? Should bathing be frequent or occasional? Is anything needed in the water, and does the temperature make a difference? Should the skin be patted dry rather than rubbed? Does water hardness play a role? And what if the skin looks infected—does that change things? These are some of the most common questions we hear in our clinic.