Keeping the baby clean may create allergies

The parental instinct to shield babies and toddlers from dirt or animals on a regular basis is leaving children with lower protection against developing allergies.

Termed as the ‘hygiene hypothesis’, this is one of the latest strands of research to be examined in the Allergy March report, commissioned by allergy experts Piriton.

Dr. Adrian Morris, an expert in allergic disorders has contributed the latest thinking and research on allergy risk factors to the report. He said “Genetics, environment, lifestyle and diet all play a role in how allergies develop. It could be the month you are born, how exposed you are to pollution or even the medicines you use. This report will help more people understand the numerous factors involved in allergies.”