Don’t lose hope — milk allergy can be outgrown.

One of the most common questions we hear from parents after a child is diagnosed with a food allergy is:

“Will they ever outgrow it?”

It’s completely understandable — food allergies can make everyday meals, parties, and playdates stressful. The good news? For many children, food allergies can resolve over time, though it depends on the type of allergy and the food involved.

Many children with food allergies also have eczema (atopic dermatitis), which can make daily routines and skin care more challenging. While eczema itself doesn’t determine whether a child will outgrow an allergy, research shows that children with eczema may take slightly longer to develop tolerance. Managing eczema effectively can improve comfort and overall quality of life while your child’s immune system develops.

What the Research Shows

🥛 Milk, egg, wheat & soya
These are the most commonly outgrown allergies. Many children tolerate these foods by the time they start school, usually around age 5–6. Even if your child hasn’t yet, some continue to develop tolerance into their teenage years.

🌰 Peanut, tree nut & sesame
These tend to persist longer. Research shows that only about 10% of children outgrow tree nut allergies, 20% outgrow peanut allergies, and 30% outgrow sesame allergies. While rare, some children may still outgrow these allergies after age 4.

📈 A large US study found that 50% of children allergic to milk at age 12 eventually outgrew it by age 16, highlighting how variable allergy progression can be. Each child’s immune system develops at its own pace.

Why Follow-Up Testing Matters

Even if your child has had a confirmed allergy for years, it’s important to check in with your healthcare team occasionally. Updated testing helps determine if tolerance is developing, but there’s no need to test too frequently, as changes take time.

The Takeaway

Many children do outgrow certain food allergies, but every child’s journey is unique. Whether your little one is allergic to milk or multiple foods, the best approach is to stay informed, work closely with your allergy team, and celebrate every small win along the way.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply for our Allergy Ladder Programme to safely track tolerance and help your child work through their allergies with expert support.