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ALLERGY UPDATES: APRIL 2026 NEWSLETTER
April is a meaningful month for us as we observe World Primary Immunodeficiency Week (22 to 29 April) alongside Earth Day on 22 April. We encourage you to read our article exploring the impact of pesticides and plastics on health and the environment. Healthcare providers are invited to join our Inborn Errors of Immunity Masterclass on 18 April, which serves as a lead up to World PI Week. Patients, carers, corporates, nurses, and all those interested are invited to attend our free 2026 Allergy Education Workshop on 23 May, focusing on Asthma. We will also be hosting our next Atopic Eczema Live on 14 May, where we will explore the important theme of eczema and mental health, including the often unseen impact it has on individuals and families.
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In today’s world, we are surrounded by man-made chemicals. Two chemicals that need special attention are glyphosates and plastics. These substances are part of a group called “xenobiotics”, which simply means chemicals that are not naturally produced by the body. Thousands of xenobiotics can enter the food chain, either intentionally as additives (such as flavourings, colourants, preservatives or emulsifiers) or unintentionally as contaminants (such as toxins, herbicides, plastics or pollutants).
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- Over 550 forms exist, affecting people of all ages.
- Approximately 6 million people worldwide live with Primary Immunodeficiencies, yet 70-90% remain undiagnosed.
- Not contagious – these conditions are mostly genetic, meaning they are inherited, though some cases arise spontaneously.
- Frequent infections could indicate an underlying immune disorder.
- Timely diagnosis reduces hospitalizations, long-term complications, and improves quality of life.
- Treatment options vary and may include anti-infectious treatments, immunoglobulin therapy, targeted therapies, bone marrow transplant or gene therapy.
- Quality of life – with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, many can lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Read more here>>
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- Food allergy - 7 February (Purchase the recording here)
- Urticaria & Anaphylaxis - (Purchase the recording here)
- Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) - 18 April
- Asthma - 9 May
- Allergic Rhinitis - 6 June
- Allergic Conjunctivitis & The Red Eye - 25 July
- Eczema and Angioedema - 12 September
- Drug allergy Masterclass - 17 October
You can enjoy a MASSIVE 62.5% saving by purchasing all 8 Masterclasses here>>
Remember to select the correct version before proceeding to checkout. This will ensure that you receive the full 62.5% saving and gain access to all 8 sessions.Discount applies to 2 or more Masterclasses.
Free webinar attendance for students, state only HCP's and Sub-Saharan Africa HCP's.
For more information on our 2026 series please see here>> We thank all our Sponsors for making this possible! Contact training@allergyfoundation.co.za for more information
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For who is this?
👨👩👧 People living with atopic eczema, asthma, food allergy & anaphylaxis and rhinitis (hayfever) or parents & caregivers
🏫 Schools, corporates & retailers
🩺 Healthcare professionals (Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses etc.)
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis - See recording here>>
Asthma - 23 May 2026 (next Workshop)
Rhinitis & Conjunctivits - 1 August 2026
Eczema - 19 September 2026
Email laeeq@allergyfoundation.co.za for more information.
For the full recordings of our previous workshops see here>> or see all our Workshops and more on our YouTube page here>>
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Eczema and Mental Health LIVE event
The Hidden Impact of Eczema
LIVE Event – 14 May 2026 at 7:00 PM
Streaming on Facebook and YouTube
Eczema is often seen as “just a skin condition”, but for many people, it affects much more than that. It can impact sleep, stress levels, confidence and overall mental wellbeing. Join Dr Suretha Kannenberg (Dermatologist) and Dr Nicola Dugmore (Psychologist) LIVE as they unpack the hidden emotional impact of eczema. They will share practical guidance, address common concerns, and answer real questions from the community. If you or your family are living with eczema, this session will offer valuable insights, support and trusted advice.💬 Got a question about eczema? Drop it in the comments and stand a chance to win R500 cash!💬 Pre-posted questions are answered first, so don’t miss out. See our Facebook and YouTube page closer to the time for event links.
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Help us to bring a new treatment option to Atopic Dermatitis (eczema). This study evaluates the formulation, CHD-FA 4% Cream, for its efficacy, safety and tolerability in patients suffering from mild to moderate Atopic Dermatitis. There will be 4 – 5 visits at the UCT Lung Institute, where you will be seen by a doctor and dermatologist.
Who can Join? Anyone 16 years of age or older with a history of eczema for more than 1 year, with 5 to 20 handprints of eczema covering the body
How to Join: Contact the UCT Lung Institute to book your screening visit
How long is this clinical trial? The study duration is 4 – 6 weeks
See our website for more information.
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Ula Sun Lotion for Face and Body has no harsh chemicals or irritants and is available to purchase on our website with discount included.
The Kiddy Calmwear Onesie is available from 6-12 months upto 7-8 years, the elbow and knee patch is now manufactured according to measurements. The sizes range from Size 1 (18cm) to Size 7 (30 cm)
Discovery Heath Medical Scheme members can now claim back their Kiddy Calmwear purchases from their Medical Savings Benefit.
Purchase Kiddy Calmwear here>> Download specifications flyer here>>
Purchase Afrispacer here>>
Purchase Ice-Tags allergy bracelets here>>
Purchase Ula Skin SPF 30 Sun lotion for face and body here>>
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- Just a reminder, the MySchool programme, in its current form, will no longer be active.
All our current supporters will need to join the MyDifference programme via the Woolworths app and select Allergy Foundation of South Africa as your cause by 30 June 2026 (date subject to change). Joining is free.
- All members who join MyDifference after the selection window closes on 1 July 2026 (date subject to change) will have 30 days to select a cause.👉 Learn more about the new MyDifference programme here>>
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Support Groups
Join our Facebook private online support groups. For all Atopic Eczema sufferers join our support group here>> Join our Coeliac Disease Support Group here>> For our Food Allergy Support group join here>>
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Patient leaflets see here>>
Healthcare Provider leaflets and information see here >>
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This recipe supports a simple but important message from this month’s article: small daily choices, such as choosing fresh foods and reducing packaging, can help lower cumulative exposure to environmental chemicals while supporting overall health.
See full recipe here>>
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