I often get asked whether I support elimination diets for the control and prevention of eczema. Here’s my response: No. In fact, I specifically advocate against them. Why? Firstly, if you look at the evidence, elimination diets do not consistently help control eczema. In one study I like to discuss, researchers took children of families…
A common question parents and patients have regarding food allergies is this: “Can you have a reaction from smelling a food?” Here’s what we know: In order to have anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) to a food, you must come in contact with the protein on a mucous membrane (ie. the mouth, nose, eyes). While…
Here’s a phrase I often hear in my allergy clinic: “I’m allergic to animals but not my own.” So I’m writing this blog post to explain this phenomenon. I’m sorry to say, the answer is not: “You just happen to have the world’s most amazingly non-allergenic animal!” Let’s start by reviewing the symptoms of animal allergies. These depend…
Eczema is a frustrating condition. It often starts when children are very young and is itchy, disfiguring and can become easily infected. It’s not surprising parents try all sorts of creams and ointments to improve this. And I am in full support of them. Every child is different and parents need to find what works best for their…
Here’s an allergy question I get asked on a near daily basis: QUESTION: “My child (usually less than 2 years old… often with a history of eczema) develops a rash around his/her mouth with strawberries. Is he/she allergic?” (Note: you can substitute strawberry with several other foods… see list below…) ANSWER: “Not likely.” EXPLANATION: Most…
When I started this blog nearly two years ago, I was still a medical fellow training to be an allergist. At that time, I was living in Vancouver with my two children and wonderful wife, blogging mainly about life as a parent. Fast forward two years later and I am a practicing allergist living in…
I might be the only doctor ever to decide it was a good idea to work retail while also working 80+ hours as a Pediatric Resident. Why? I’m not entirely sure. The logic was flawed right from the start. But let me try to explain. Firstly, medicine is stressful – plain and simple. You spend years of your life…
A new form of procrastination – just what I needed!!! My Pediatric Board Exam is in precisely 88 days, my wife and kids are still with her family on vacation, the house is quiet, decluttered and ready for studying… except I didn’t take my Dexedrine today… Ah well, becoming a blogger seems like more fun anyway.…