A number of news reports have appeared focusing on the banning of conkers in schools. What exactly is the risk for children with allergies?

A few allergic children report that they break out in a localized skin rash when they handle conkers. We are not aware of any severe reactions, but some care is needed.

Allergic reactions to sweet chestnuts have been known, and people affected could possibly react to conkers.

In addition, children with allergy to latex (natural rubber) may react to conkers due to a relationship between the two known as cross-reactivity.

What about children with nut allergy – are they at risk? The answer, probably, is that few nut-allergic children are likely to react to conkers, but it is difficult to be clear-cut on this subject and there may be a small risk for some. Further medical research may offer clearer guidance in the future.

Each school will need to assess any risks to allergic children and whether such risks can be managed. It may be sensible for children to prepare and string their conkers at home. They could then bring them in and store them under supervision in one place, washing their hands before they go in to the classroom.

It is important to remember that autumn can be a challenging time for allergic children whose asthma and allergies may be set off by dry leaves, seeds and spores in the environment.