Peanut Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment

Expert care for allergic reactions affecting skin, breathing and overall wellbeing

Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children and one of the least likely to be outgrown, affecting approximately 2% of children in the UK. Reactions range from mild skin symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. We provide specialist diagnosis and management led by Professor Gideon Lack, whose LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanut reduces allergy risk by 81% in high-risk infants.

Precise diagnosis using advanced testing methods
Evidence-based management strategies for living confidently with peanut allergy
Pioneering prevention approaches based on Professor Lack's landmark LEAP study
Speak to our Team
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What is peanut allergy?

Peanut allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies peanut proteins as harmful and triggers an allergic reaction. Despite being classified as legumes rather than true nuts, peanuts are one of the most common food allergens, affecting approximately 2% of children in the UK (around 1 in 50).

Unlike some food allergies that children outgrow, peanut allergy often persists into adulthood, with only about 20% of children developing tolerance over time. Reactions can range from mild skin symptoms to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis, making accurate diagnosis and management essential.

Peanut allergy has become significantly more common in recent decades, leading to Professor Lack's groundbreaking research into both prevention and management strategies.

Symptoms of peanut allergy

Allergic reactions to peanuts typically occur within minutes to two hours after exposure and can affect multiple body systems. For many patients with peanut allergy, even trace amounts can trigger significant reactions. Cross-contamination in food preparation is a significant concern, as peanuts are common ingredients in many foods and may be present even when not listed as a main ingredient.
Mild to moderate reactions
  • Skin reactions (hives, redness, itching)
  • Swelling of lips, face or eyes
  • Tingling or itching in the mouth and throat
  • Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  • Runny nose or sneezing
Severe reactions
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Swelling of the tongue
  • Tightness in the throat
  • Hoarse voice or trouble swallowing
  • Dizziness, confusion or collapse
  • Pale and floppy (in young children)

How we diagnose peanut allergy

Our approach to diagnosing peanut allergy combines detailed clinical assessment with advanced testing methods. Our specialist testing can help distinguish between true peanut allergy and sensitisation (having antibodies but no clinical reactions), ensuring you receive appropriate guidance without unnecessary dietary restrictions.
Comprehensive assessment
Detailed medical history focusing on reaction patterns
Skin prick testing to measure sensitivity to peanut proteins
Blood tests to measure peanut-specific IgE antibodies
Component resolved diagnostics to identify specific peanut protein components
Oral food challenges in a controlled, safe environment when appropriate

Managing peanut allergy

Drawing on our extensive clinical experience, we develop tailored management plans for each patient with peanut allergy. Our approach is informed by Professor Lack's pioneering research, including the groundbreaking LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut allergy) study that revolutionised allergy prevention worldwide.
Personalised approach
  • Specific avoidance strategies while maintaining nutritional balance
  • Education on reading food labels and identifying hidden peanut ingredients
  • Emergency action plans for managing accidental exposures
  • Guidance for managing peanut allergy in schools, workplaces, and restaurants
  • Support for families in creating safe environments
Prevention and treatment
  • Early introduction protocols for infants at risk of developing peanut allergy
  • Assessment of potential cross-reactivity with tree nuts
  • Regular monitoring to track changes in allergy patterns
  • Evaluation for potential immunotherapy in suitable candidates

Why choose LACK for peanut allergy care

Our clinic offers unparalleled expertise in peanut allergy diagnosis and management:
Led by Professor Gideon Lack, whose LEAP study transformed global approaches to peanut allergy prevention
Evidence-based care grounded in the latest research findings
Comprehensive testing with access to advanced diagnostic methods
Specialised protocols for infants and young children at risk
Personalised emergency action plans for each patient
Support for families navigating the challenges of peanut allergy
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Eczema
“As far as our family is concerned, Professor Lack is a miracle worker. We trust his advice implicitly and are very lucky to have him as our daughter’s specialist.”
Eczema
28th Sept 2024
Eczema
verified patient

Pioneering research, personalised care

Our approach combines groundbreaking research into allergy prevention with deeply personalised care. Professor Lack's LEAP study was the first to show that early introduction of peanut could prevent allergy development in high-risk infants, transforming global guidelines. The findings revealed that regular peanut consumption in infancy led to an 81% reduction in peanut allergy compared to avoidance. As leaders in allergy prevention and treatment, we're dedicated to helping patients manage existing allergies while working to prevent new cases through evidence-based early intervention.
More About the LACK Clinic
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Frequently asked questions

If my child is allergic to peanuts, should they also avoid tree nuts?

Having a peanut allergy doesn't automatically mean your child is allergic to tree nuts (like almonds, cashews, and walnuts), as peanuts are actually legumes, not nuts. However, about 30-40% of children with peanut allergy do react to one or more tree nuts as well. Our comprehensive testing can determine your child's specific allergy profile, allowing them to safely include non-allergenic nuts in their diet when appropriate rather than unnecessarily restricting nutritious foods.

Can children outgrow peanut allergy?

While peanut allergy is often lifelong, approximately 20% of children do outgrow it. Regular assessment by our specialists can track changes in your child's allergy and determine if they're developing tolerance. This may include carefully supervised food challenges when appropriate. Even when complete resolution doesn't occur, some children may experience a decrease in sensitivity over time.

Children most likely to outgrow peanut allergy typically have:

  • Lower levels of peanut-specific IgE antibodies
  • Milder initial reactions
  • Fewer other allergic conditions
How do I manage a child's peanut allergy at school?

Managing peanut allergy in school settings requires collaboration between parents, school staff, and healthcare providers.

We help families develop comprehensive school management plans that include:

  • Age-appropriate education for the child about their allergy
  • Clear emergency action plans for school staff
  • Training on recognition of symptoms and use of emergency medications
  • Strategies for navigating school meals, class parties, and field trips
Is it safe to eat foods labelled "may contain traces of peanuts"?

For people with peanut allergy, cautionary labelling such as "may contain traces" or "manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts" indicates potential cross-contamination risk. The safety of consuming these products depends on your individual sensitivity level. Our specialists can help assess your risk based on your allergy history and test results, and provide personalised guidance on how to interpret these labels. For highly sensitive individuals, we typically recommend avoiding products with precautionary peanut labelling.

What is Professor Lack's approach to preventing peanut allergy?

Professor Lack's groundbreaking LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) study transformed our understanding of food allergy prevention. The research demonstrated that regular consumption of peanut in high-risk infants from 4-11 months of age reduced their risk of developing peanut allergy by 81% compared to peanut avoidance.Based on this research, we recommend:

  • Early introduction of peanut for infants, particularly those at high risk
  • Regular consumption to maintain tolerance
  • Careful introduction protocols tailored to each child's risk profile
  • Continued consumption even after tolerance is established

This evidence-based approach has been adopted in clinical guidelines worldwide and forms the foundation of our prevention strategies at LACK Clinic.

Ready to manage peanut allergy with confidence?

Our specialist team can help you navigate life with peanut allergy through accurate diagnosis, personalised management plans, and ongoing support.
Speak to our Team
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Allergy Centre of Excellence (ACE)
10 Duchess Street
London W1G 9AB
The Portland Hospital 

215 Great Portland Street, 2nd floor
London W1W 5QT 

07493 280048 
/ 07765 977819
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