Play in the Mud, Stop Allergies?

Around the world, allergies are on the rise. The number of children in the United States with food allergies doubled between 1997 and 2002. In the UK, rates of allergies among children have tripled in the last decade.

Pinpointing a cause for this trend is difficult. Research has indicated that everything from climate change to invasion species, pollution to better diagnostic practices could be responsible for the increasing commonality of allergies. Now, new research suggests that excessive cleanliness at an early age could make children more susceptible to allergies later in life.

The study, conducted at the School of Medicine at University of California, San Diego, found that exposure to Staphylococci, a common bacteria, was important for reducing skin inflammation around wounds. The findings indicate that exposure to some bacteria is a desirable, if not essential, part of the natural healing process.

Experts have also stated that the findings offer clear scientific support for the “hygiene hypothesis.” The hypothesis argues that exposure to bacteria and other germs early in life “primes” the body to resist allergens and helps kids develop a robust immune system later in life. Keeping kids clean, advocates say, prevents them for developing the resistances they need to become healthy adults.

Though more science is needed before any definitive prescriptions are handed out, it’s likely that mud pies, runny noses, and shared ice cream cones do more good for kids than harm.

By David DeFranza, Planet Green

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

KS G.

6:05AM PDT on Apr 11, 2012

Thanks for the article.

send a green star

NICKY M.

1:56AM PDT on Mar 31, 2012

There are always exceptions to the rule, of course, but when I was a child THOUSANDS of years ago.. NO children were forced to live in a virtually sterlised world like they are today and allergies were very rare indeed. My children were allowed to play in the dirt as much as they liked and had NO allergies, but my granddaughter and many of her friends who are into the total cleanliness kick nearly ALL have allergies. A great proportion of farm children out here in Australia have no allergies to animals even 'though they are normally COVERED in mud and worse, but many are allergic to MILK! I have worked with children most of my adult life and have found that the children who play in the mud seem to have a MUCH healthier immune system. If you are worried about your children picking up worms and nasties well.. first of all teach your littles not to experiment with tasting cat poos and if you have dogs around...worm them well and either get your children to eat LOADS of garlic in their food and other anti-worm herbs, or give them a regualr dose of Combatrum!!!

Teresa W.

12:05PM PDT on Mar 17, 2012

Play in the mud, get infected with parasites!

Robert O.

10:25AM PDT on Mar 12, 2012

Thanks Megan.

Kenneth D.

7:43AM PDT on Mar 12, 2012

Always knew a little dirt did no harm, but if you are forced to live in dirty conditions that is a different matter.

LMj S.

3:24PM PDT on Mar 11, 2012

very interesting, thank you!

Mary B.

6:50AM PST on Mar 10, 2012

As a very infrequent sufferer of allergies I agree with the experts, I work at a nursery and get dirty often. My children also don't have many allergies maybe its due to the playing in the dirt as children.

J.L. A.

10:23AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

And such an approach should make it easier for adults to let kids be kids.

Brenda T.

7:00AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Thankyou.

CE H.

10:04AM PDT on Sep 26, 2011

As a child and teenager, I sometimes spent a good 6 hours outside (or even more) but I had BAD allergies. I'd bring a box of tissue with me outside. I played in the dirt and dig huge holes in the ground. I sat on the grass, played with leaves. Still, I'd get lots of sinus infections. It didn't deter me, but once evening came, I was often a mess: tired, sneezing, runny nose, itching. I still have allergies to this day!