Summer 07/08 Issue 123

Itchy and scratchy

In the last two decades, eczema has had a steady rise worldwide and now affects about one in four children in New Zealand. We are an itchy nation. The bad news about eczema is that you can lead a very miserable life if it’s not brought under control. The good news is that it can be managed.

School: ready, set, go!

Imagine having your child sent home from school because he is considered a health and safety hazard. This is exactly what happened this year to an 11-year-old English schoolboy, who was allergic to nuts. Allergy Today looks at what you should be doing now before the next school year starts.

How to create a low-allergen garden in New Zealand

Gardening in spring and summer is a joy for the green-fingered, but can quickly turn into a red-nosed and red-eyed nightmare if you have pollen allergies. Dr Vincent St Aubyn Crump shows you that you can still enjoy a colourful garden in comfort, with a careful choice of planting. Hopefully no more Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer for you allergic gardeners this year!

News

• NZ allergy burden grim, but set to get worse
• One in seven Auckland schools respond to anaphylaxis: survey
• New laws to protect children from severe allergies: Victoria
• Pre- and probiotics show promise against childhood asthma
• Food-related anaphylaxis on the rise in Australia

Ask the Expert

Your allergy questions answered

Food for thought

Christmas celebrations: bah, humbug!
Egg allergy
Recipes

Asthma

Asthma and allergies linked in new study’
Early day care centres may protect against asthma

Hay fever

Hay fever immunotherapy may reduce asthma risk in children
Rhinitis and asthma get big push in Europe

About the house

How to create a low-allergen garden in New Zealand
Healthy inside environment first step to managing allergies

Personal Journey

When life starts with a scratch
Slow start