drsamirajeimy

09/16/2026

This is one of the most common misconceptions I hear about allergy testing.

A larger skin-prick test wheal can, for some allergens, increase the likelihood that someone is truly allergic.

But the size of the skin test does not reliably predict how severe a future reaction will be.

Reaction severity is much more complicated!

Things that impact this include: the amount of allergen involved
how quickly anaphylaxis is recognized and treated with epinephrine
underlying asthma or heart/lung disease, and cofactors such as illness, exercise, alcohol or NSAIDs.

So, when someone tells you their allergy is "really severe because my skin test was huge," there is an important distinction to make.

Skin test size helps answer "how likely is this to be an allergy?" much better than "how bad would my reaction be?"

Save this if you or your child has a food allergy, and send it to someone who has ever worried about the size of their allergy skin test.

09/10/2026

09/04/2026

Allergic rhinitis is an under appreciated factor, when it comes to school performance and attention.

If you have allergies, you probably already know they can affect much more than comfort.

Studies in school-aged children and teenagers have linked poorly controlled allergic rhinitis with worse sleep, impaired attention, and poorer academic and exam performance.

And how we treat them impacts school too.

Sedating antihistamines, particularly older medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can add another layer of daytime sleepiness and impaired vigilance.

So if your child is constantly rubbing their eyes, wiping their nose, mouth breathing, sleeping poorly, or suddenly seems more tired and unfocused at school, it may be worth asking whether their allergies are contributing.

We have effective treatments. Our kids don't have to struggle with allergy symptoms through the school day.

08/27/2026

Does your child's eczema seem worse by the end of the school day?

Think about what their skin has been through: repeated handwashing, sweaty recess,
food and wiping around the mouth, clothing friction,
and hours of trying to learn while itchy.

None of these things may seem like a big deal on their own...

But over a 6-hour school day, they can add up.
A few small changes can help:
moisturize before school,
plan for handwashing and sweat,
make sure moisturizer or prescribed treatment is accessible when needed, and
let their teacher know what helps when the itch starts.

Save and share if helpful!

08/13/2026

Back to school means making sure everyone knows how to use your child's epinephrine.
Here's a quick demo on neffy, the needle-free epinephrine nasal spray.
1) Insert the nozzle into one nostril
2) Press the plunger firmly to give the dose And... that is it!
Always treat suspected anaphylaxis promptly and follow your emergency plan.
Before school starts, make sure your child, teachers, coaches and caregivers know:
- where their epinephrine is kept
- when to use it
- how to give it
- what to do next
Save this for your back-to-school allergy prep, and share it with someone who may need to give epinephrine in an emergency.
allergy

06/24/2026

Starting solids can feel like... a lot.
And early allergen introduction can feel really overwhelming!
I asked some brilliant allergists to share practical tips we tell families in clinic.
Swipe through for our tips!
Save this for starting solids, send it to a parent, and drop your questions below.

06/24/2026

Eczema across the lifespan: a series
1. Newborn and vernix
2. Bathing the newborn and infant
3. Basic principles - what is eczema?
4. Infant food introduction and face/neck rashes
And now - 5. Why does eczema raise food allergy risk?
Should you allergy test before food introduction? Why or why not?
Scroll through for details

06/22/2026

Eczema across the lifespan: a series

We covered the newborn phase, and vernix retention
We covered bathing
We reviewed foundational principles
Now as the baby grows and foods are introduced, a super common question!

Feel free to share if helpful.

06/20/2026