Health Tip: Toothpaste for Individuals with Peanut Allergies

The prevalence of peanut allergies in the United States has increased significantly over the past two decades, affecting one in 50 children and one in 200 adults. The exact reasons for this rise in allergies remain unclear, but researchers are making progress in developing new ways to help individuals with peanut allergies manage their condition. These breakthroughs offer hope that one day, people with peanut allergies may be able to safely consume peanuts without the risk of an allergic reaction.

Five-year-old Kaleb Billeter, who is an expert in Legos, is one of the many children affected by a peanut allergy. His mother, Elizabeth Billiter, recalls the first time he broke out in hives as a sign of his allergy. Kaleb underwent treatment with a peanut patch, which he wore daily for several months in the hopes of desensitizing him to peanuts. Another treatment option, oral immunotherapy, involves gradually increasing doses of peanut flour to retrain the immune system and reduce reactivity to peanuts.

Researchers are also exploring innovative approaches to helping individuals with peanut allergies. One such method involves using a special toothpaste that triggers immune cells in the mouth, potentially preventing severe allergic reactions. By coating the inside of the mouth with peanut protein through tooth brushing, this approach aims to make the body’s response to peanuts less life-threatening. Although these treatments do not provide a cure for peanut allergies, they offer promising ways to manage the condition more effectively.

Dr. Edwin Kim, a pediatric allergist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, has also discovered that administering liquid peanut extract under the tongue can desensitize young children to their peanut allergy. In a trial, 80 percent of toddlers were able to tolerate 15 peanuts without experiencing any symptoms by the end of the study. These findings highlight the potential for breakthrough treatments that could improve the quality of life for individuals with peanut allergies.