Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children. This allergy can develop early in life.

Studies have shown that about 70% of people (who have Egg allergies) will develop their allergies early before the age of 16. It is not common but in life, an Egg Allergy may develop later. Sometimes a child can outgrow an egg allergy and can be re-allergic after growing up.

What causes allergies to foods like eggs?

When someone is allergic to eggs, their immune system is likely to mistake the proteins in the eggs as harmful and cause an allergic reaction. While egg white allergy is the most common, both egg yolk and egg white contain proteins that can cause allergies. Whether you are allergic to the yolk or the white, it is still important to avoid eating eggs altogether because the yolk and the white can’t be completely separated.

How can I describe the allergy if I have one?

Your healthcare provider will examine your symptoms or refer you to an allergy specialist called an “allergist” or perform a test to see if you are allergic to anything. There are several different tests that can determine if someone is allergic to eggs. Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to severe.

A skin prick test is done by pricking the skin and placing a small amount of egg protein. If a person is allergic to the protein, a small hive or swelling will appear at the test site.

Blood tests can also be done to check if someone is allergic to eggs. Blood tests and skin tests are typically done for common food allergies. Related to food allergy supplements, a small amount of eggs is added to your diet to see if you are allergic to eggs. If nothing happens, a larger amount of eggs will be given as a sign of monitored food allergy. Only testing one food to the medical expert’s view.

If I have an egg allergy, am I likely to be allergic to flu?

Some vaccines (such as flu vaccine) contain egg proteins. However, depending on the severity of the allergy symptoms you have, you may be able to get a flu shot. If you are allergic to eggs and concerned about flu vaccination, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) or allergist to find out if it is safe for you.

If I have an egg allergy, can I eat cakes and cookies or other baked goods?

Some people with egg allergies may tolerate cooked eggs (baked, steamed) but there are no diagnostic tests to determine who can tolerate cooked eggs and who cannot. Talk to an allergist or primary care provider before eating baked goods that contain cooked eggs.

How do I know if a food contains eggs or not?

In addition to any food you already know to contain eggs, it’s important to read labels and avoid foods with any of the ingredients listed below:

• Egg whites
• Eggs (dried, powdered, solid, white, yolk)
• Egg white
• Sweet baked goods made with egg whites and sugar (like angel food cake)
• Fish balls

Additionally, egg products are often found in the following:

• Most baked goods like cookies and cakes
• Egg substitutes
• Egg yolks
• Pasta
• Almond biscuits
• Gummies
• Jelly beans
• Macaroni

What about pastries? Does it contain egg substitutes?

When baking with a recipe like making a cake with 1 or more eggs, try the following egg substitute ingredients (as an example listing to replace one egg):

• ½ medium-sized banana, mashed well
• ¼ cup applesauce, or one fruit puree
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons warm water

Buy egg substitutes at the store

* Be sure to buy egg substitutes and not egg products. Egg substitutes contain eggs and are not safe for people with egg allergies. Egg substitutes may be more widely available at stores that sell a variety of vegan products.

How is egg allergy treated?

Currently, there are no medications to cure egg allergies. The best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid eggs and egg-containing foods. Depending on the severity of the egg allergy reaction, antihistamines may help improve mild egg allergy symptoms. However, antihistamines will not prevent a reaction to eggs or treat more severe allergies. In the case of a severe allergy, an allergist or primary care provider may require you to carry an epinephrine autoinjector at all times. Consult your doctor before attempting to remedy an egg allergy.

Source Center for Young Women’s Health

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