Allergies/Vaccinations
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Allergies/Vaccinations
Is there a link between vaccinations and allergies/autoimmune issues? My 13 year daughter had the HPV jab and 12 weeks later started loosing her hair and has now been diagnosed with alopecia areata. Prior to this she was perfectly healthy and I am convinced it was some reaction to the jab. A kineasiologist has suggested mercury poisoning/food allergies. Would changing her diet to cope with these `food intolerances' support hair regrowth? What is your thinking behind vacinnations triggering allergic reactions and autoimmune responses?
- Dr Joanna Lukawska
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Mon May 09, 2011 11:56 am
Re: Allergies/Vaccinations
Hi Catriona
Many autoimmune conditions have been suggested to be triggered by vaccinations, however the evidence for causality is still only anecdotal. According to several big studies these reactions are chance events coinciding with the time of the vaccination. A recent study by Dr Chun Chao, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, looked at 190 000 of girls vaccinated with HPV jab, found no causal relationship between the vaccination and autoimmune conditions. The rate of occurrence of autoimmune conditions was the same in vaccinated and unvaccinated population. (Approximately 5% of us will develop autoimmune condition during our lifetime.)
With regards to “food intolerances”, I believe it is important to maintain a healthy and varied diet. Unless there is evidence of food allergy (your daughter develops symptoms of allergy on ingestion of specific food) and this is confirmed by validated tests such as skin prick, blood – specific IgE (RAST) I would promote healthy eating rather than eliminate potentially vital nutrients from her diet.
I do hope this helps to reassure you.
Best wishes, Joanna
Many autoimmune conditions have been suggested to be triggered by vaccinations, however the evidence for causality is still only anecdotal. According to several big studies these reactions are chance events coinciding with the time of the vaccination. A recent study by Dr Chun Chao, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, looked at 190 000 of girls vaccinated with HPV jab, found no causal relationship between the vaccination and autoimmune conditions. The rate of occurrence of autoimmune conditions was the same in vaccinated and unvaccinated population. (Approximately 5% of us will develop autoimmune condition during our lifetime.)
With regards to “food intolerances”, I believe it is important to maintain a healthy and varied diet. Unless there is evidence of food allergy (your daughter develops symptoms of allergy on ingestion of specific food) and this is confirmed by validated tests such as skin prick, blood – specific IgE (RAST) I would promote healthy eating rather than eliminate potentially vital nutrients from her diet.
I do hope this helps to reassure you.
Best wishes, Joanna
Dr Joanna Lukawska
Clinical Research Fellow & Specialist Registrar in Allergy
Clinical Research Fellow & Specialist Registrar in Allergy
- Dr Anton Alexandroff
- Posts: 435
- Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:11 am
Re: Allergies/Vaccinations
Hello Catriona,
I agree with Dr Lukawska that there is no good evidence of a link between alopecia areata and vaccination, and that there is no connection with a particular diet in this type of alopecia. I run alopecia clinic and see many patients - both adults and children.
On a positive side, alopecia areata often resolved spontaneously within 6-12 months although topical steroids can speed up re-growth. However, if this does not happen it is worth considering topical diphencyprone immunotherapy.
I hope this is helpful.
With best wishes,
Dr Anton Alexandroff
I agree with Dr Lukawska that there is no good evidence of a link between alopecia areata and vaccination, and that there is no connection with a particular diet in this type of alopecia. I run alopecia clinic and see many patients - both adults and children.
On a positive side, alopecia areata often resolved spontaneously within 6-12 months although topical steroids can speed up re-growth. However, if this does not happen it is worth considering topical diphencyprone immunotherapy.
I hope this is helpful.
With best wishes,
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultant Dermatologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer & BSF spokesperson - FRCP, CCT (Derm), PhD, FRSM, FAAD
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ndroff.php
Consultant Dermatologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer & BSF spokesperson - FRCP, CCT (Derm), PhD, FRSM, FAAD
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ndroff.php