Peanut Butter Sensitivity

I hate to say it, but that's exactly how a peanut butter allergy looks when it's developing. People don't realize that an allergic reaction doesn't occur on the first exposure or the second, it's usually the fourth or fifth. And each reaction is worse. So your son's first reaction was just a little redness on his face. His second was a red flush across his face. His third could be swelling or hives, or it could be trouble breathing.

Please get him allergy tested and keep all peanut products away from him until you know whether he has an allergy or just a skin sensitivity to one of the chemicals in the peanut butter. Although, if he had a skin reaction to ingested peanut butter filling, it's probably an allergy. (sorry!)

You should get him checked right away. He could be allergic to other things, too and more severely. Call your ped and see what he recommends.

Yes, it can definitely get worse. Do not give him peanut butter, or any peanut product again, until you've spoken with your doctor.

There are basically two schools of thought right now and even allergists cannot agree on which is correct:
1. Each subsequent exposure can cause a worse reaction. Avoid the allergen 100% until the child outgrows it.
2. Controlled, minimal exposure can increase a child's tolerance of the allergen. Giving a tiny bit more each time than the time before can actually help them learn to eat it. This should only be done under a doctor's supervision.

There really isn't a way to predict what his reaction will be next time. Since it isn't terribly severe right now, there is a good chance that he will eventually outgrow it (often by age 2, usually be age 6....after that, it's uncommon). Until you've spoken to a doctor, no more peanuts. Make sure you monitor him closely when he eats other nuts as well. While it is quite common to only be allergic to peanuts, many children with peanut allergies are also allergic to tree nuts.

I'm jumping on the "call the doctor now (tomorrow)" bandwagon. As others have noted, these allergies can start as minor reactions, but can quickly turn into something dangerous. Allergies like peanut allergies do not follow any rules of progression - something that seems very minor today (like flushing) can become dangerous at the very next exposure. Ask your doctor about testing for a peanut (and tree nut, while their at it) allergy so that you know whether this was just a fluke or something more serious. It is much better to know and to be prepared for it, then to not know.

Here's a good link:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/peanut-allergy/DS00710/D...
I would probably call the nurse line before your next appointment, explain what happened and see what they say. Better to be safe than sorry, a peanut allergy can be deadly!

The first reaction is a minor reaction . The next one will probably be worse so call the doc so you can have something on hand in case he has an accidental exposure. He can get a blood test (butterfly needle) to have him tested for the most common allergens . They also want the test done at age 6 because it isn't done developing. Sometimes kids outgrow food allergies but its not common with nuts and shellfish. My sons got worse (peanut allergy). If you need any help or have other questions you can message me . Hope this helps :0)