Expert Allergy Advice & Articles from London Allergy Consultants

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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’. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Xolair use in our clinic for Food Allergy

Xolair is used to reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, that can result from accidental ingestion of a food allergen. We use it in clinic for various indications including i) to facilitate OIT to multiple foods and in very sensitive indiduals, ii) to cover high-risk activities, travelling through certain countries where food allergens may be plentiful and lablling less obvious, or just for ongoing use and protection.

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Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) in our London Allergy Centre of Excellence.

At our London Allergy Centre of Excellence, we provide Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) to help patients with food allergies such as peanut, nut, sesame, milk, and egg. This structured treatment builds tolerance under medical supervision, offering long-term protection and reducing the risk of severe allergic reactions.

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CMPA Baby Symptoms: Signs Your Baby May Have Cow’s Milk Allergy

CMPA symptoms include:

  • Reflux, frequent vomiting

  • Pain - unsettled crying (colic).

  • Loose stools (diarrhoea), constipation, or blood in poo. Mucous and ‘weird’ coloured and very offensive poos.

  • Persistent skin rashes, such as eczema or hives, after feeding. Redness and rashes around the bottom.

  • Poor weight gain, food refusal, or significant irritability

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A Paediatric Allergist’s Guide to Baby Poo

New parents often worry about baby poop—its colour, texture, and frequency. This guide, written by a leading paediatric allergist, explains what’s normal, when to seek help, and how newborn poop can provide clues about gut health, allergies, and development during those early months.

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