Peanut allergy is becoming more common and is the second most prevalent food allergy in children. It affects approximately 2% of children in the United States.
There is no cure for food allergies
Even a small exposure to peanut-containing foods can trigger severe reactions such as hives, inflammation, or wheezing in some individuals. Although some individuals may outgrow their peanut allergy as they age, they still need to avoid peanuts for their entire life.
French Pharmaceutical Company Develops Peanut Patch to Treat Peanut Allergy
A French pharmaceutical firm’s skin patch to cure peanut allergy is showing positive results in toddlers. The primary objective of the patch is to prepare young children’s bodies to tolerate accidental exposure to peanuts.
This treatment aims to desensitize children to peanuts and increase their tolerance to the allergen, thereby reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
The peanut patch, called Viaskin, administers immunotherapy through the skin. The patch contains 250 micrograms of peanut protein, absorbed through the skin.
According to the study, nearly two-thirds of the children who used the peanut patch were able to tolerate a higher amount of peanut protein by the end of the year.
The peanut patch could prove to be a valuable tool for parents and caregivers of young children with peanut allergies.
It could safeguard children under the age of four from potentially life-threatening accidental exposure in areas such as playgrounds and cafeterias.
