Just wanted to share an interesting finding regarding child's allergy to
sulfur (subsequently, mom's, too) ; have mom's permission to post.  Mom called me
a few weeks ago asking for my help with her almost 2 yr old's (breastfed)
suspected allergy manifestation of dry, scaly, itchy palms of his hands.
Discussed possible wool allergy (wool blanket used in family bed) or latex from cups
or toys.  (I was aware of mom's and child's numerous food allergies, and this
was a specific area so I thought it likley to be contact dermatitis.)  Removal
of possible allergens did not improve symptoms but child's severe nighttime
itching seemed to wax and wane.  Mom called me the other day, exhuberant and
relieved, that she'd discovered cause of her son's symptoms.  She had done lots
of investigative work on her own (pediatrician pooh-pooed allergy to foods as
cause, prescribed topical and systemic meds only), and realized she was eating
dried fruit, apricots, over the past couple of months fairly regularly.
However it wasn't until she had dried peaches (3 eaten) that she developed itchy
palms and her son's itching returned with a vengence.  Elimination of these
sulfur treated fruits ended both of their symptoms.

To be noted, this mom and her son have extensive food allergies and both have
been seen by numerous specialists since child was infant; both are on very
non allergenic, restricted diets.  I found this case to be of interest and give
mom lots of credit for her persistent detective work.  I learned something of
value here, as I was unaware that food allergy can cause erruptions on palms.
Is anyone more allergy savy than I, able to explain why the palms and not
some other part of the body?  A food diary for a few days probably would have
been helpful though I wouldn't have picked up on the sulfur in dried fruits (she
and I realize unsulfured dried fruit available).

Having known her since her son's infancy when she was first a client and then
member of my support group, I was tickled by her comment, "Just imagine the
problems he'd have if he weren't breastfed."

Barbara Latterner, BSN, RN, IBCLC


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