Will a Face Mask Protect You From Coronavirus?

THURSDAY, Jan. 30, 2020 -- The dreaded coronavirus in China has many reaching for face masks across the globe.

But while mandatory in Wuhan, China, where the virus originated, a face mask is of little use, practically speaking, some experts say.

First Drug Approved for Treatment of Peanut Allergy in Children

MONDAY, Feb. 3, 2020 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Palforzia (Peanut [Arachis hypogaea] Allergen Powder-dnfp) to alleviate allergic reactions to accidental peanut exposure, the agency announced late Friday.

Palforzia, a powder manufactured from peanuts, is indicated for initiation in individuals aged 4 to 17 years old with a confirmed peanut allergy. Treatment may be continued in individuals aged 4 years and older. "When used in conjunction with peanut avoidance, Palforzia provides an FDA-approved treatment option to help reduce the risk of these allergic reactions in children with peanut allergy," Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in an agency news release.

Crafting With Dry Pasta, Play-Doh Safe for Kids With Gluten Sensitivity: Study

TUESDAY, Feb. 4, 2020 -- Play-Doh and uncooked pasta are classic classroom craft supplies -- but what if the kids in the classroom have celiac disease?

Gluten in these substances is not dangerous, new research finds. As long as kids with celiac disease don't eat what they're playing with, we can strike Play-Doh and raw pasta from the exposure risk list, the researchers said.

Ever Get a Rash from Your Skin Cream or Makeup? Here's Why

FRIDAY, Jan. 3, 2020 -- Skin creams and cosmetics can sometimes produce rashes instead of a beautiful complexion, but why has been a mystery until now.

A new study suggests that some chemicals in these products remove natural fats in skin cells, which might be why they trigger allergic reactions.

Could You Be Allergic to Additives?

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 25, 2019 -- You suddenly break out in a rash or your throat gets scratchy. You assume you're allergic to something … maybe pollen or a detergent. But could you be allergic to something in your food or medicine, and how could you tell?

The medical community disagrees as to whether additives in food or even medications -- such as dyes, preservatives or emulsifiers -- cause true allergic reactions. And many are convinced that if reactions do occur, they are rare rather than widespread. The traditional thinking has been that the molecules from chemicals in food are too small to cause major reactions.