Is it safe for a mother to give her 5-month-old child, with a history of egg allergy, peanut butter after a negative skin test?

The safety of introducing peanut butter to a child with a history of egg allergy, particularly after a negative skin test, is supported by findings from the LEAP study (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy). This research emphasizes the importance of early introduction of peanut-containing foods in children at high risk for peanut allergy.

The LEAP study demonstrated that children with a higher risk of allergies, such as those with egg allergy, were significantly less likely to develop peanut allergy if they were introduced to peanut products at an early age (around 4 to 6 months) rather than avoiding them. The concept here revolves around the mechanism of immune tolerance, which can be strengthened by early exposure to potential allergens.

A negative skin test indicates that the child is unlikely to have an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to peanuts, which further supports the decision to introduce peanut butter safely. As long as the child has been evaluated appropriately and monitored for any adverse reactions, early introduction could potentially prevent the development of a peanut allergy and is advocated based on current understanding and guidelines stemming from studies like LEAP.

In summary, based on the evidence from the LEAP study, introducing peanut butter after a negative skin test is considered safe and beneficial for the child with a history of egg allergy.