Can you outgrow allergies or develop new ones later in life?

July 22, 2025

Knowledge Base

Can you outgrow allergies or develop new ones later in life?

You might hear parents say a child “grew out” of eczema, or adults wonder why spring pollen suddenly bothers them when it never used to.
These real-life changes are well-documented in allergy research. Below is a brief look at why allergies evolve and how you can influence the process.

Factor	What science shows	Practical effect
Immune system development	In infancy the immune system is still learning what is “safe.” Up to 60 % of children with early food allergies outgrow at least one by school age.	Eczema or milk and egg allergies often calm as tolerance builds.
Cumulative allergen exposure	Repeated contact can either sensitise (increase responses) or desensitise(lower responses). Timing, dose, and genetics all matter.	A dust-mite-rich bedroom can tip a predisposed child toward asthma; controlled exposure (such as Allergen immunotherapy) may do the opposite.
Skin-barrier strength	A well-hydrated, lipid-rich skin barrier keeps allergens out. Barrier weakness lets them in, triggering immune activation.	Babies with persistent dry skin are more likely to develop food or environmental allergies later.
Hormonal changes	Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause alter immune signalling.	Some women notice new hay-fever symptoms during pregnancy, or asthma easing after menopause.
Microbiome shifts	Antibiotics, diet, and lifestyle reshape gut and skin bacteria that “train” the immune system.	A diverse microbiome generally calms allergic tendencies; loss of diversity may do the opposite.