Outgrowing Peanut Allergy

It has long been believed that peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies are lifelong. But now, research has shown that approximately 20 percent of children actually may outgrow their peanut allergy.

In many children who outgrow their allergy to peanuts, testing (either by skin or blood) may still be positive. The only way to know if a child has truly outgrown his or her peanut allergy is by doing a peanut challenge. This involves giving gradually increasing amounts of peanut over several hours. This must be done in a carefully controlled medical setting in order to monitor and treat any allergic reactions that may occur during the challenge.