Food Prep Issues?

[vkitty17]

So, I'm allergic to wheat, but my son is not. I got really sick yesterday and part of the day, but the only thing I can think of where I had exposure to wheat was making my son's lunch that morning. I don't usually make him lunch, but this time I did, and it was a peanut butter sandwich.

Now, if I make something for him, I'm ALWAYS careful with my hands, I wash them thoroughly when I'm finished, and I'm very paranoid about any crumbs getting in my mouth. Is it possible that I could have gotten sick just by touching the bread? I mean, I know I'm sensitive, but can just touching it cause this problem?

Has anyone else had issues with food preparation? I'm wondering if I should start making my son make his own sandwiches.

[HAK1031]

If you have a wheat allergy (as opposed to gluten intolerance or celiac disease) then I especially wouldn't have wheat in your house at all. touching it can be plenty to cause a reaction. I have cousins with anaphylactic peanut and egg allergies where just the tiniest bit of contact on the skin will cause them to stop breathing. Allergies have been known to elevate to anaphylactic levels after multiple exposures- not a risk I would be willing to take. Of course, even if you have celiac, I would still push for a gluten-free house, as cross contamination is EVERYWHERE!! If you share cutting boards, utensils, colanders, etc. with your gluten-eating family, then you are putting yourself at risk. If you must keep gluten in the house, treat it like raw meat. wash your hands like CRAZY, wipe down counters, tables, etc. before eating/preparing food, never let food touch the counter (always on a plate), don't share toasters or baking sheets, microwave everything covered, etc.

[CaraLouise]

I had to quit work a week ago just from being around gluten in the air, even though I was not always back in the kitchen. We made wraps and sandwiches and many other items with gluten in them. I also used gloves anytime I had to touch gluten, but if you are sensitive enough then just being around it will bother you. Hope this helps you!