Case 3
A female with a history of eczema and high cholesterol presented to
allergy clinic at age 4. Her mother reported that at age 8 months, she
had a reaction to a Kool aid® Jammer (red in color, possibly
cherry-flavored). Within minutes she experienced lip and eyelid swelling
and urticarial rash on face and trunk. She was seen in our Emergency
department, was treated with oral steroids and antihistamines, and the
symptoms resolved. Red dye was presumed to be causal, but she continued
to consume items containing red dye over the following years without
adverse reaction. Her physical exam was unremarkable at the time of her
allergy visit. Skin prick testing to red dye, strawberry, cherry, and
blueberry was negative. She returned at age 7 for skin prick testing for
mold (Alternaria alternata, Bipoaris sorokiniana, Hormodendrum
cladospor, Aspergillus mix, and Penicillium mix); all of these
tests were negative.