If you do not have food allergies, then you probably know the basics about an allergic reaction. You know that certain foods make certain people sick or could kill them. But did you know that allergens are hiding in so many more things than just food? It requires more than just reading food labels on processed foods. This Allergic Traveler has a full time gig as a detective. You have to continuously know your surroundings intimately. If you don’t, you could have a reaction to the least suspecting culprit. Let me give you an example, my sister, who is allergic to nuts, traveled to Ireland many years ago for an internship. One day the teacher decided to take the class outdoors. They were sitting in an open grassy area. The whole time she was listening to the lecturer she was itching like crazy. It was not until later did she realize that she was sitting under a nut tree. Point? You need to always know what is around you! Here is a list of where some allergens may hide.
Medicine
Skin products
Vitamins
Make up
Shampoo
Sunscreen
Toys – e.g. PlayDoh, chalk
Cleaning products
Laundry detergent
Dishwashing soap
Perfume
Any of these items may have soy, dairy, corn, nuts or even eggs in them. It’s important to know your products, but it is also important to know that food allergies do not only involve food! So did I miss any? What would you add to the list?