Baked Hen’s Egg Can Help Some Children Outgrow Egg Allergy

According to new studies that were presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), scientists found that 56 percent of children who are allergic to egg can endure baked hen's egg, and 55 percent of children outgrow their egg allergy completely.

"More than half of egg allergic children can tolerate hen's eggs when they are baked at 350 degrees in products such as cakes and breads," said allergist Rushani Saltzman, M.D., lead study author and ACAAI member. "Dietary introduction of baked egg by an allergist can broaden a child's diet, improve quality of life and likely accelerate the development of an egg tolerance."

Another study presented by Ruchi Gupta, M.D., lead study author and pediatrician, found that for eight common food allergens, children overcame their allergy completely.

"Food tolerance was observed in one in four children, with 55 percent outgrowing their egg allergy by age seven," said Dr. Gupta. "Developing an egg tolerance is the most common for children, followed by milk. A small proportion outgrew shellfish and tree nut allergies."

Researchers also found that if children who show severe reactions like life-threatening anaphylaxis, rapid swelling of the skin and tissue and difficulty in breathing are unlikely to overcome the allergy. It is very important to consult a board-certified allergist before making any change in a child's diet.

"While these studies show many positive findings for children with egg allergy, parents must practice caution," said allergist Richard Weber, M.D., ACAAI president-elect. "Introducing an allergen back into a child's diet can have severe consequences, and only should be done under the care of a board-certified allergist."

ACAAI allergists are board-certified and trained to treat allergies and asthma and provide the best treatment for best results. This medical organization has more than 5,700 allergists-immunologists and health professionals.