Peanuts can cause a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Allergic reactions can be unpredictable, and even very small amounts of peanut can cause a serious allergic reaction.

Casual skin contact is less likely to trigger a severe reaction, and can become a problem if the affected area then touches the eyes, nose or mouth. For example, if a child with peanut allergy gets peanut butter on her fingers and rubs her eyes, she can have an allergic reaction.

If you have a peanut allergy, keep an epinephrine delivery device with you at all times. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.