Scientists Developing Peanut Allergy Patch

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Peanut allergies are one of the most common food allergies, and they can cause deadly reactions.

Now, researchers are experimenting with a new peanut protein patch that's showing some promise.

Eight-year-old Joshua Mandelbaum has a very severe peanut allergy, so his mother enrolled him in the study.

Joshua has to wear the peanut protein patch every day for at least the next two and a half years.

Dr. Hugh Sampson of Mount Sinai Hospital says researchers want to know if repeated exposure to peanuts can actually desensitize children.

"This protein gets into the outer surface of the skin is taken up by specialized cells that then take it to the inner parts of the immune system," Sampson said.

In the past, doctors have tried oral therapies, but with only moderate success.

Researchers hope going through the skin will mean fewer problems.