Allergy Foundation South Africa

29/04/2026

We wash our hands. We brush our teeth.
But what about the place where we spend one third of our lives – our bed?
Millions of dust mites can live inside mattresses and pillows. It is not the mites themselves that trigger allergies, but their droppings. These dry out, turn into dust, and can be breathed in while you sleep.
This can trigger symptoms such as: Asthma, Sinus problems, Eczema and Allergic rhinitis
In this educational video you will learn:
• What dust mites are and why they live in beds
• How they trigger allergies
• Common cleaning mistakes that may make allergies worse
• Simple bed hygiene steps that can help reduce allergens
Better bed hygiene can support better sleep and breathing.
Watch the full video below.
Find out how the professionals deal with this issue with CleanMyBed SA.

We all focus on daily hygiene like washing hands and brushing teeth. But what about the place where we spend one third of our lives - our bed?This educationa...

28/04/2026

👶 Introducing Kiddy Calmwear: Soothing Support for Kids with Allergies
Did you know the Allergy Foundation of South Africa has designed special clothing to help little ones with allergies?
We’re proud to present the Kiddy Calmwear range, created to reduce scratching and help children sleep more peacefully.
The range includes:
• Anti-Scratch Jacket
• Elbow & Knee Patches
• Soft, snug Onesie
Whether you use ointments or not, the stretchy fabric ensures gentle comfort and effective contact with the skin.
Now available in bigger sizes too!
• Onesies: 6–12 months up to 7–8 years
• Patches: Tailored from Size 1 (18 cm) to Size 7 (30 cm)
🩺 Great news for Discovery Health members: You can now claim your Kiddy Calmwear from your Medical Savings Benefit.
🛒 Shop the full range and learn more here: https://allergyfoundation.co.za/shop/product-category/kiddy-calmwear/
Give your little ones the comfort they deserve. 💙

27/04/2026

🌾 Allergy Myths Busted: Gluten-free is always healthier
❌ That’s not true.
A gluten-free diet is essential for people with conditions like coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. But for people without these conditions, removing gluten does not automatically make a diet healthier.
Many gluten-free products are highly processed and may contain more sugar, fat, or salt to improve taste and texture. They are also often lower in fibre and may not be fortified with nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
Cutting out gluten unnecessarily can sometimes lead to nutrient deficiencies if the diet is not carefully planned.
💡 Professional Tip: Only follow a gluten-free diet if it is medically recommended. If gluten must be avoided, work with a healthcare professional or dietitian to ensure the diet remains balanced and nutritious.

24/04/2026

🌟 AFSA Approved Spotlight: SBR Repair, Protect & Renew by The Skin People
We’re proud to include SBR Repair, SBR Protect, and SBR Renew under our AFSA Seal of Approval, Specially formulated to support sensitive, atopic skin.
🧴 SBR Repair: Replaces ceramide, cholesterol, and free fatty acids in the correct balance to rebuild your skin barrier. It also helps restore the skin’s natural acidity (pH). Steroid-sparing and great for everyday barrier support.
🛡️ SBR Protect: Strengthens your skin’s defences against external irritants. Can be reapplied 3–4 times per day to areas exposed to stress or friction.
✨ SBR Renew: A soothing cream designed to nourish and hydrate skin when it feels dry and tight. Use it to maintain softness between treatments.
💡 Professional Tip: Apply SBR Repair morning and night, use SBR Protect throughout the day on exposed parts, and use SBR Renew when your skin needs an extra layer of comfort. This trio helps maintain a resilient and balanced skin barrier.
🔗 Learn more about each product in our AFSA Approved SBR range: https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/product-category/sbr/
Take care of your skin, apply gently, consistently, and confidently.

23/04/2026

Watch introduction pre workshop videos and the recordings of the full 1 hour Workshops in One Place!
Whether you’re curious about eczema, asthma, food allergies or rhinitis, we’ve made it super easy to find the right support for you and your family.
🎥 Watch past events, register for upcoming ones, and explore expert advice. All from one simple link!
💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark this page so you’ll never miss a workshop again, it's your go-to resource for trusted allergy education.
👉 Scan the QR code below or check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh5B5dCAuo1L5ScWnFXasHwHDc5JZ-zGn
Learn, rewatch, and share with others who need it because understanding allergies should be simple.

22/04/2026

🌍 Earth Day and Your Health.
Did you know that everyday chemicals like pesticides and plastics may affect your health in ways you may not realise?
These substances can enter the body through food, water and daily products, and may play a role in inflammation, gut health and allergies over time.
Understanding how exposure happens is an important step in protecting your health.
💡 Professional Tip: Start small. Wash fresh produce properly and consider using glass containers to help reduce daily exposure.
Watch this short video to learn below.

Did you know that everyday chemicals like pesticides and plastics may be affecting your health in ways you don’t even realise?In this video, we unpack how su...

22/04/2026

🌍 What is World PI Week?
World PI Week raises awareness about Primary Immunodeficiencies (PI). These are conditions where part of the immune system does not work properly, making it harder for the body to fight infections.
Many people with PI experience repeated infections that seem to keep coming back or take longer than usual to heal. Because these symptoms can look like common illnesses, the condition is often missed.
Early diagnosis is important. When PI is identified early, doctors can manage the condition better and help prevent serious health complications.
💡 Professional Tip: If you or your child frequently get infections, need repeated antibiotics, or take a long time to recover from illness, speak to your doctor about possible immune testing. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.
Find out more about Primary Immunodeficiency and the signs to watch for: https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/primary-immune-deficiency/we-need-to-detect-primary-immunodeficiency-diseases-early/

21/04/2026

Making Life Easier for Allergy Families in South Africa 🇿🇦
With the AFSA Seal of Approval, it's now simpler to spot allergy-friendly products you can trust! ✅
We carefully assess and list products that are safer for people with allergies, from skincare to cleaning supplies. You don’t have to guess, look out for the AFSA Seal when you shop.
Whether you're buying for your kids, your home, or yourself, choosing AFSA Approved products means extra peace of mind.
💡 Professional Tip: Always check the packaging for updates, ingredients and formulations can change!
🔗 Explore some of our approved products here: https://allergyfoundation.co.za/what-we-offer/afsa-approved-products/

20/04/2026

🥜 Allergy Myths Busted: Peanut allergy only happens if you eat peanuts
❌ That’s not true.
Eating peanuts is the most common cause of a reaction, but it is not the only way symptoms can happen.
For some people with a peanut allergy, touching peanuts or foods that contain peanuts can cause a skin reaction such as redness, itching, or hives. In certain situations, breathing in peanut particles in enclosed spaces can also trigger symptoms in highly sensitive individuals.
This is why careful avoidance and awareness of peanut exposure are important in homes, schools, and shared spaces.
💡 Professional Tip: If you or your child has a peanut allergy, always wash hands and clean surfaces after contact with peanuts to reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

17/04/2026

🍎 Food Allergy vs Food Intolerance – What’s the difference?
Many people use the terms “food allergy” and “food intolerance” as if they mean the same thing. But they are very different conditions.
A food allergy involves the immune system. Even a very small amount of the food can trigger a reaction, which may include swelling, breathing difficulties, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
A food intolerance does not involve the immune system. It usually affects digestion and may cause symptoms like bloating, stomach cramps, or discomfort. These symptoms can be unpleasant but are not life-threatening.
Knowing the difference is important so that symptoms are managed safely and correctly.
💡 Professional Tip: If you suspect a food allergy, avoid self-diagnosing. Keep a food and symptom diary and consult a healthcare professional. A medically supervised food challenge is the safest way to confirm a food allergy.
Learn more and download our FREE Food Allergy Leaflet and Food Challenge Test: https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/allergy-information/allergic-diseases/food-allergy/

Discover the difference between food allergy and food intolerance, including causes, immune vs digestive responses, and risks from mild to severe reactions.

15/04/2026

Join the Eczema Treatment Trial.
Have you been living with eczema for more than a year?
The UCT Lung Institute is running a clinical trial for a new eczema treatment and is looking for participants aged 16 and older.
Participants will be seen by doctors and a dermatologist in Cape Town. The study runs for 4 to 6 weeks. This is a chance to access specialist care and help improve eczema treatment in South Africa.

📞 Contact UCT Lung Institute
Tel: 021 406 6889
WhatsApp: 066 185 1879
📍 George Street, Mowbray, Cape Town