True or False? You will experience anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) if the food that you are allergic to touches your skin.
The correct answer is FALSE.
False. Healthy skin acts as a good barrier. Two small studies (Study 1, Study 2) showed that while less than half of kids with peanut allergy develop hives, rash or itchiness under the area where peanut butter was rubbed onto their skin, none had a whole body or severe reaction. Therefore isolated contact with intact skin to peanut butter is very unlikely to cause an anaphylactic reaction.
BUT a severe allergic reaction may occur if the food allergen is rubbed into your eyes or nose, or gets into your mouth. So you should ALWAYS wash your hands before you eat, to avoid accidentally eating a food you are allergic to. Also wash your hands before rubbing your eyes, putting your fingers in your mouth, or picking your nose.
