We seem to be more aware of allergies these days. For example, some pregnant women avoid nuts for fear of triggering a nut allergy in their unborn child, even though the current government advice is that for most people, nuts in moderation are fine.
But imagine what life would be like if your child turned out to be allergic to virtually everything they came into contact with. How would you both cope?
This is the situation that 10 year old Molly Harrad and her family are living with.
The little girl from Kent has a rare condition which means she's severely allergic to most things she comes into contact with in the modern world.
All aspects of her life are affected: everything from cleaning products and soap to plastic and magnets causes her immune system to react, leaving rashes and blisters on her skin.
Molly can't wear normal shoes, socks or clothes or come into contact with carpet. She wears special cotton gloves to keep her safe and bathes in a solution that leaves a protective coating on her sensitive skin. At school, she has to eat her specially packaged lunch under adult supervision.
The first signs of Molly's sensitivities appeared when she was newly born. Since then, she's been in and out of hospital many times. Doctors have been unable to successfully treat her condition so far.
Until recently, Molly's mother says her daughter dealt with her limitations well. But as she gets older, the symptoms are worsening and Molly is finding it very tough. She refuses to let doctors touch her and has told her mum that sometimes she doesn't want to be here anymore.
Molly's family is desperate to help her and so are considering a move to Australia where they hope a different environment and more experienced doctors might ease her suffering. And despite her challenges, Molly still hopes that perhaps some day she will outgrow her allergies and live a normal, pain-free life.
Source: ParentDishUS