Allergy Foundation South Africa

14/08/2026

🧠 Could Heavy Metals Be Linked to Childhood Allergies?
Researchers are looking at whether exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, may play a role in the rise of allergies in children.
These metals can be found in the environment and may affect how a child’s immune system develops. This could possibly increase the risk of allergic conditions later in life.
In South Africa, possible sources of exposure can include industrial pollution, older plumbing, contaminated water, and certain environmental pollutants.
💡 Professional Tip: If you are concerned about exposure, especially in older buildings or industrial areas, speak to a healthcare professional or environmental health service for advice. Using safe water sources and certified water filters may help reduce risk.
🔍 Read more about the research here: https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/research/are-heavy-metals-contributing-to-the-rise-in-childhood-allergies/

Could heavy metals be fuelling childhood allergies? Learn how toxins like lead and mercury may impact immune health—and what parents can do to reduce risk.

13/08/2026

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/

12/08/2026

🛡️ Why Do Some People Get Sick More Often?
Getting repeated infections is not always just “bad luck”. For some people, it may be linked to an immune deficiency.
Immune deficiencies are conditions where the body’s immune system does not work as well as it should. This can make it harder to fight off infections and may lead to people getting sick more often than expected.
In recent years, major advances in genetic testing have helped doctors better understand these conditions. These tools can also help identify related health problems, including autoimmune conditions and inflammation.
💡 Professional Tip: If you or your child has repeated, unusual, or severe infections, speak to a healthcare professional about whether the immune system should be checked. Early diagnosis can help guide better treatment and reduce complications.

🌐 Learn more here: https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/research/understanding-immune-deficiencies/

Immune deficiencies are conditions where the immune system doesn’t work properly, making it harder for the body to fight infections and other diseases. Doctors and specialists around the world classify and manage these conditions based on specific gene defects and international guidelines, such as...

11/08/2026

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.

Join the Allergy Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) for our in-depth allergy education workshops. Whether you’re living with allergies or caring for someone w...

10/08/2026

🫁 Allergy Myths Busted: You will outgrow asthma
❌ That's not always true.
Some children may have fewer asthma symptoms as they get older, but asthma can continue into adulthood.
Asthma symptoms can also flare up again at any time, especially when triggered by allergies, infections, exercise, cold air, smoke, pollution, or other irritants.
Even if symptoms improve, it is important to keep monitoring asthma and to know what to do if symptoms return.
💡 Professional Tip: If you or your child has asthma, keep an updated asthma action plan and speak to your healthcare professional before stopping or changing any prescribed asthma treatment.

06/08/2026

The Allergic Connection: Eczema and Asthma
Did you miss our LIVE event?
You can now watch the full recording on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHq_TlcEdng

Please note that this is a recording, so comments and questions will not be answered live. However, it contains valuable information for anyone wanting to understand the link between eczema, asthma and allergies.
Dr Suretha Kannenberg, Dermatologist, and Dr Thulja Trikamjee, Paediatrician and Allergist, explain why eczema and asthma can happen together, what parents should watch for, and when to seek medical advice.

💡 Professional Tip: If your child has eczema and regular coughing, wheezing or breathing symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/08/2026

Understanding Your Allergies with Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Allergies can affect your daily life but with the right knowledge and tools, you can take back control. From sneezing fits to skin rashes or tummy troubles, symptoms vary, but they all deserve proper investigation.
What you’ll learn:
✔️ Common allergy types and symptoms
✔️ How to get an accurate diagnosis
✔️ Treatment options that work for you
💡 Professional Tip: Don’t self-diagnose. A proper allergy test is the first step to living better. Modern testing is quick, reliable, and can help guide effective treatment.
🔗 Find out more here: https://www.thermofisher.com/allergy/za/en/home.html
Take the first step toward understanding your allergies and improving your quality of life.

Allergies can affect anyone. The resources at Allergy Insider can help you learn about the various types of allergies, symptoms, and testing options.

05/08/2026

LIVE Event: 5 August 2026 at 7:00 PM
Streaming LIVE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/FHq_TlcEdng
Watch on our website: https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/streamed-event/the-allergic-connection-eczema-and-asthma-5-august/

Eczema and asthma are more connected than many people realise.
For some people, eczema can be part of a bigger allergy picture that may include asthma, hay fever or food allergies. This can happen because the immune system may react strongly to certain triggers, affecting both the skin and the airways.

Join Dr Suretha Kannenberg, Dermatologist and Dr Thulja Trikamjee, Paediatrician and Allergist, LIVE as she unpacks The Allergic Connection: Eczema and Asthma.
This session will explain why eczema and asthma sometimes happen together, what the atopic march means, what symptoms parents should watch for, and when to seek medical advice.
If you or your child are living with eczema, asthma or allergy concerns, this LIVE event will offer trusted information, practical guidance and helpful answers from an expert.

Join us on 5 August 2026 at 7:00 PM with Dr Suretha Kannenberg.

🗓️ Save the date and set a reminder!
For more information, please visit https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za

05/08/2026

LIVE Event! The Allergic Connection: Eczema and Asthma.
Don’t miss this important conversation TONIGHT.
Eczema, asthma and allergies are more connected than many people realise.
💡 Professional Tip: Learning from trusted experts can help you feel more prepared, more informed and more confident.

Join us tonight at 7pm for an informative LIVE event exploring The Allergic Connection: Eczema and Asthma.
We will discuss what the connection means, what symptoms to watch for, and how the right treatment and support can help.
Streaming LIVE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/FHq_TlcEdng
Watch on our website: https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/live-events/

For more information, visit: https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za

05/08/2026

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