Spotlight of the month- Chloe Dickson (@PeanutFreeZone)

I’m delighted to shine this month’s spotlight on Chloe Dickson, whose honesty and advocacy have made her such a powerful voice in the allergy community. Living with a severe peanut allergy, Chloe has turned what was once a source of fear and isolation into a mission to educate, empower, and connect with others navigating similar challenges. Through her authentic storytelling and educational content, she breaks down misconceptions, raises awareness, and reminds others that allergies don’t have to hold you back. I’ve long admired Chloe’s openness, resilience, and compassion, her commitment to helping others feel seen, understood, and safe is truly inspiring.

Can you share your journey of living with a peanut allergy, from childhood through to now, and how it has shaped who you are today?

Living with allergies has been a core part of my journey, shaping not just my lifestyle but also who I am today. As a child, it often felt isolating. I missed out on parties, school events, and everyday experiences that others took for granted, simply because people didn’t understand how to keep me safe. At times, it felt like my allergies were a barrier between me and the rest of the world. But over the years, as I learned more about my own condition and how to manage it, I began to feel more confident and empowered. Instead of hiding it, I chose to embrace it and use my experience to educate others about allergies. Turning something that once made me feel excluded into a way to connect with others, it’s helped me grow into someone who is now confident and resilient. 

Many of your followers love how you balance education with honesty about the tough moments. What inspired you to start creating allergy content online?

Growing up, I never had someone to look up to who shared my experience with allergies. I often wished there was someone who could show me that I could still live a ‘normal’ life. That’s what inspired me to start creating allergy content. I wanted to be that person for others, someone real and relatable. Who could share the tough moments as well as the exciting ones. I also believe it’s so important to educate people about allergies, not just because it helps break the stigma, but because there’s so much misunderstanding. If my content can help even one person feel seen, understood, or safer, that’s incredible.

You’ve shared some of the daily realities of living with a peanut allergy. What’s one misconception people often have about food allergies that you wish you could correct?

One big misconception people often have about food allergies is that they’re just about avoiding certain foods. For someone with a severe peanut allergy, like myself, it’s much more than that. Even something as simple as touching a surface where peanuts have been can trigger a reaction if it’s transferred to my face. We’re not just ‘fussy eaters’, allergies are serious, and educating others can literally save lives.

Dining out and travelling can feel daunting with a severe allergy. What’s your go-to strategy or tip that has helped you feel more confident in those situations?

Dining out and traveling with a severe allergy can definitely feel daunting, but over time I’ve developed a few strategies that help me feel more confident. My go-to tip is to always be proactive. Before going to a restaurant or hotel, I research their allergy protocols and call ahead to make sure they understand the severity of my allergy. When I arrive, I always double-check with the staff to make sure they’re clear on my needs. Family and friends also help me do this, as sometimes it can feel overwhelming explaining my allergies to someone new. Having that extra level of communication makes me feel safer and more at ease. Also, carrying my EpiPen and keeping it on me at all times is a must. It’s all about being prepared and finding places that take allergies seriously, which can make all the difference.

Looking ahead, what’s one change (whether in schools, restaurants, healthcare, or even online) that you’d love to see to make life safer and easier for people with peanut allergies?

One change I’d love to see is a ban on selling peanut or nut products in hospitals. These should be the safest places, yet I’ve personally had to leave A&E because someone sat next to me eating a Snickers bar. I’d also like to see more education in schools around anaphylaxis so students and staff understand how serious allergies can be. Finally, restaurant staff should be trained in using EpiPens and handling allergic reactions, basic knowledge that could save lives.

Check out Chloe on social media:

Instagram: @peanutfreezone_

TikTok: @peanutfreezone1