If you haven't already heard of the Food & Drink Innovation Network (FDIN) and their Annual Food Allergy and Intolerance Summit it's a two day conference aimed at grocery retail and food service companies who want to explore and realise the opportunities out there in the freefrom and gluten free market place. It's a huge industry, including not only: 2% of the UK … [Read more...]
Interview with Tom, Allergy Show Director
It's that time of year again, the Allergy Show is coming soon! Please remember my top rule for staying safe at the show - if in any doubt at all, don't eat anything. Read labels, speak to staff, check, check and check again. Make sure you and the exhibitors are clear about what you're allergic to and you should have a very enjoyable show. Just please don't take any … [Read more...]
Anaphylaxis to spider bite – allergic reactions in the UK
Spiders are harmless in the UK, right? Having mostly conquered my spider phobia I am now quaking in fear at the thought of meeting this stinging variety... If you are allergic to insect, wasp or spider stings and venom then you might be interested in news reported in the Independent this week. Bites reported across London and South East as Britain sees influx of Britain's most … [Read more...]
Facial eczema and mirrors – a short poem
If you have facial eczema mirrors are the enemy. Even reflective windows can show up your rosy visage in all it's vivid horror. People with eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis have bad skin days AND bad hair days. Imagine that! Sometimes though it's good to remember the times between the eczema and that it never looks as bad as you think it feels or seems in your head. Mirrors … [Read more...]
Are allergies anything to do with your place among siblings?
"Are you a fat, tall, allergy-prone leader? Blame your siblings." No this isn't meant to be a provocative insult, it's the promotional heading for an article in the New Scientist this month. "Chance inheritance: The subtle power of birth order" is an article by Lesley Evans Ogden and if you read or subscribe to the New Scientist you can read the full copy here. Lesley … [Read more...]