Summer Food Allergy Tips

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Summer can be tons of fun, but it comes with some unique challenges for food allergy families. Here are a few basic tips for staying safe with food allergies this summer!

1. Keep your epinepherine temperature controlled.

You may find yourself asking: What temperature should I keep my epi pen at?

Your epi pen should ideally be kept at room temperature, but that can be challenging during the hot summer months. So, how can you keep your epi pens temperature controlled*? Here are a few tips!

• Never leave your epi pen in the car! 
• Keep your epi pen out of direct sunlight
• Use a light colored and/or insulated bag/carrying case. Darker colors retain more heat. Can't find a light colored medication case? That is okay! Many are insulated, despite being designed to be eye catching (i.e. red colored) for safety. Not insulated? Store it in a regular light colored bag, or just keep the medication case out of direct sunlight (see the final bullet point for why this is okay).
• NEVER PUT YOUR EPI PEN ON ICE! While it may seem like a good way to keep the medication cool, epi should be stored at room temperature. Ice may damage the medication. 
• Your epinepherine/epi pen CAN ENDURE ESCURSIONS ABOVE AND BELOW ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. That means you should ALWAYS BRING YOUR EPI PEN WITH YOU, regardless of temperature, the kind of carrying case you have, etc. Epi pens are only helpful if you have them in the middle of an emergency, and will be fine in the heat if you bring them with you on a hot summer day*. 

*Always refers to the medication guide for specifics about how to care for your epipen. If you have questions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. 

2. Prioritize skin care during the summer months, but always read labels on skincare products

Skincare is vital all year round, especially for those with sensitive skin and/or food allergies. Broken skin allows allergens an access point to cause contact reactions, or can result in rashes that could be confused for allergies. Summer sun, water play, heat, and sunscreen are all harsh on skin, making prioritizing skincare particularly critical during the warm months. 

Be sure to check out my top summer skin care tips for kids with sensitive skin here.

However, skincare and cosmetic products are often the source of nut and seed oils, as well as other top allergens. That means you should always read the labels of your sunscreen and other skincare products in order to ensure they do not contain your allergens. 

Sesame oil is one common ingredient in a variety of skincare products that may be hard to identify, because it is not always labeled clearly; sesame is commonly referred to as sesamum indicum on cosmetic labels. Be sure you know any and all names for your allergens, so you know specifically what to look for. 

3. As always read every label, even if it is a product you have consumed before, and bring safe foods with you.

When traveling or going to a social gathering (such as a BBQ), make sure you will have access to safe food. Bringing your own food to parties helps avoid cross contact at high risk areas (such as a grill). If you are traveling, stay in a hotel with a mini fridge, or better yet, rent a cottage or apartment with a kitchenette/kitchen. This will help ensure you have safe food in the event that local restaurants (or family/friends) are unable to accommodate your allergy needs.

Going for a day trip to the beach, lake, or other outdoor destination? Bring a picnic lunch, and plenty of safe snacks. This is not only a great way to accommodate food allergies, but also cost effective, and fun! Going to a theme park, or similar attraction? Speak with your doctor to obtain an accommodation letter in advance, as many destinations do not allow outside food or water. Some parks even have disability accommodation teams (Disney parks are famous for theirs); if the one you are planning to attend does, be sure to contact them in advance. 

How can you find an allergy friendly restaurant while on vacation? 
Check out Allergy Eats and the Dining Out With Food Allergies Facebook Group; my family has used both resources, and found them super helpful. 

YETI Cooler

4. Always communicate about your allergy needs and comfort levels with others around you.

If you have a child with a food allergy, be sure to communicate with any caregivers about allergy action plans. If you will be the caregiver, or if you have food allergies, it is still important to communicate about your comfort level if you will be in close proximity to others. Why? Many skincare and cosmetic products contain common allergens. If there will be food present, there is also a concern of cross contact or accidental exposure. It is always a good idea to communicate about food allergies with those you spend time with, because it allows others to take precautions with where they put their plates down, where they eat (and how they clean up their space), and what products they wear. 

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BRING TWO EPI PENS WITH YOU!!!

You should always have at least two epi pens on you at all times. This ensures you will have a second dose should the first not be effective. That is particularly relevant during summer months, when many travel to destinations that are far from emergency services and/or hospitals. And don't worry; epinephrine is a safe medication! Never be afraid to follow your allergy action plan, even if it includes the administration of epinephrine. 

Be sure to share this post to help keep other food allergy patients safe and healthy this summer!