Potential allergy or just irritation?

[QCmama]

Hello everyone,
First, thank you for your help a few months ago before my older daughter's food challenge! I really appreciated all of your support and knowledge.

I have a quick question about my little one. She's 21 months old and because of my older daughter's history with hazelnut allergy, I've become a bit of a paranoid mom with these things

So I had my little one allergy tested (skin test) back in June because she was about to start school and I just wanted to make sure we didn't have to worry about anything. Thankfully, it was all negative.

Last night, she had a small amount jelly donut (one had strawberry jelly in it and the other had custard). Of course, the fillings were smeared on her face When we went to wash  her face when she was finally done eating, I noticed some redness under her chin and on her cheek... basically where the filling was smeared.

Now I'm panicking... I know only an allergist can confirm, but in your experience, given that she tested negative for food allergies about 5 or 6 months ago and has eaten other things with the ingredients in the donuts before with no incident, should I be super concerned? Get her retested?

I assume sticky food on a kid's face could cause irritation, but with our food allergy history around here, simple explanations are rarely the ones my mind goes to first.

Thanks in advance!

[rebekahc]

That used to happen with DD's face all the time when she was little - ketchup, ranch dressing, toothpaste, etc. - I think a lot of little kids have that happen even with no allergy.  Honestly, I'd probably be a little more vigilant when she's eating, but since she didn't have any other symptoms I wouldn't worry yet.

[CMdeux]

Yup-- my guess is that the raspberry was slightly more irritating than the custard filling.

I'd be slightly more watchful if it were the other way around, unless you know that she's had exposure to undercooked/uncooked egg-- but also know that even if she were to have skin irritation (or even hives) from undercooked egg (like in a custard or in royal icing or cake frostings)-- that doesn't necessarily mean that she would be allergic to eating the food.  It would be time for an appointment with your allergist if you saw additional evidence that it could be egg, of course.

My DD was another one that did this with everything when she was little-- she could develop welts just from resting her hand on her face.

[eragon]

has she shown any signs of being an allergic person?

little ones even with no eczema often have redness around neck and face from eating some foods, as still have sensitive skin, so i wouldnt assume allergy just yet.

Nothing wrong with being cautious, as my non allergic kids had  the odd patch of eczema or reaction to soap/shampoo.
fingers crossed this is just a minor irritation that will pass as she grows older.

[krasota]

I wouldn't worry about this.  Fruit fillings are often somewhat acidic.  And some fruits (like strawberries and tomatoes) are histamine triggers, so they can also cause skin irritation when smeared like that.