Clinical studies have found that people with peanut allergies can tolerate highly refined peanut oils safely. This is because the refining process removes all the protein—the oil on its own cannot trigger the IgE antibodies. However, less refined oils (such as cold pressed oils) may contain enough protein to cause a reaction, and should be avoided.

In restaurants it can be hard to get reliable information about what kind of oil is used, so it’s best to avoid dishes and salad dressings prepared with peanut and other nut oils. Cosmetics and body lotions may contain peanut oils (sometimes labeled as arachis oil) and other nut oils that can cause reactions, and are best avoided.

Massage oils should also be checked carefully.