Allergies in a 12 year old

Roberta1

Hello All,

I'm new to this forum and would like some advice about my 12 year old daughter.

As a very young child she had a slight strawberry flavouring / pink colouring allergy (we never did establish which) which gave her a rash on one cheek only. Jammy dodgers, pink coloured foods generally were off limits but the reaction was never severe.

In recent months however she has had the same kind of rash a number of times, now no longer just on one cheek but on her whole face, almost spreading as fast as you look at it, and no longer just after eating the foods described above. Again, we don't know specifically what the trigger is but the rash would often follow Christmas or a weekend away when a lot of junk is eaten.

Last Monday I had to collect her from school. She had had a slight rash in the morning which I treated with piriton as usual, but had felt increasingly unwell during the day and, when I collected her, her whole face was covered in the rash, her lips were "tingly" and she felt very strange. A 10ml dose of Piriton alleviated the symptoms somewhat but I was worried about the lips tingling and the potential for breathing difficulties in the future should this happen again?

This morning she had an insect bite, which tonight has clearly caused a reaction and her whole arm is swollen and painful.

She seems to be becoming more allergic, and I am concerned due a family history of allergies (my dad carries an epipen).

Can this happen? Allergies suddenly worsening or triggers increasing? Do you think I should be pushing for tests to pin down the triggers?

I'd really appreciate your thoughts on this.
Many thanks

Bronnie

What did your GP/NHS Direct say about these most recent episodes?

juno

Allergies can become worse, and can become much worse very fast. I don't want to scare you, but you don't know whether the next reaction will be mild or very serious. Yes, she could have breathing difficulties if it affects her chest and face. You need to see a doctor asap. Don't wait til it happens again, just go.