Allergy to mangoes: Symptoms, causes, and remedies
In a rare but concerning instance, a 12-year-old developed a rash, blisters, and flaky skin around their mouth after consuming mango slices in 2022 [1]. This incident highlights the potential for mango allergies, a condition that can affect both children and adults.
A mango allergy can manifest in various ways, often characterized by symptoms such as swelling, hives, flushed skin, wheezing, itchy rash around the mouth or eyes, diarrhea, facial edema, severe stomach pain, and skin that appears flushed, dry and flaky, blistered, or irritated [2].
The cause of this allergy is typically linked to chemical compounds found in mango peel and pulp, specifically urushiol-like substances that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis or delayed hypersensitivity reactions [3]. People sensitive to poison ivy or poison oak may be more prone to mango allergies due to similar chemicals.
Delays in symptoms can be a characteristic of delayed-type reactions, which may appear hours to days after exposure to mango or mango peel [4]. These reactions can be confused with intolerances or other skin conditions, making consultation with an allergist essential for accurate diagnosis and management [1].
Treatments for mango allergies focus on avoiding exposure to mangoes and mango-containing products, especially the peel. Topical corticosteroids and antihistamines can help reduce inflammation and itching if a rash develops. For facial allergic reactions, soothing creams or prescribed dermatological treatments may alleviate symptoms [2].
In rare cases, a person may experience anaphylaxis due to a mango allergy, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention and the use of an epinephrine auto-injector. Doctors may treat immediate-type mango allergic reactions with antihistamines, while treatment for delayed-type reactions may involve steroids, topical corticosteroid cream, and antihistamines.
Individuals with mango allergies may also be allergic to certain foods such as pears, peaches, anise, cumin, fennel, cashews, papaya, apples, pistachios, celery, and carrots [5]. However, the cross-reactivity between cashew nuts and mango pulp is relatively low.
In summary, understanding mango allergies is crucial for those who may be at risk. Symptoms typically include delayed rashes, itching, swelling, and skin contact dermatitis, particularly around the mouth and lips. The cause is often linked to chemical irritants/allergens in mango peel, and treatments focus on avoidance, topical steroids, antihistamines, and dermatological care for facial reactions. Consulting an allergist for testing can clarify diagnosis and guide management.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Symptoms | Delayed rash, itching, swelling, skin contact dermatitis (especially around mouth, lips) | | Causes | Chemical irritants/allergens in mango peel (urushiol-like compounds) causing delayed hypersensitivity | | Treatments | Avoidance, topical steroids, antihistamines, dermatological care for facial reactions |
- Beyond mango allergies, there are numerous other medical conditions that require attention, such as bipolar, Alzheimer's, depression, HIV, hepatitis, ulcerative colitis, migraine, and anaphylaxis.
- In the realm of medical-conditions, understanding and managing food allergies is equally important for maintaining health-and-wellness.
- A growing body of science suggests that people with a mango allergy may also exhibit sensitivity towards certain foods like peaches, pears, anise, cumin, fennel, cashews, papaya, apples, pistachios, celery, and carrots.
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- Recipes catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences, including those with food allergies or specific medical conditions, can be found online, supporting holistic lifestyle choices.
- Migraine sufferers may find relief through a combination of diet modifications, stress management techniques, and regular fitness-and-exercise, in addition to medication.
- A multi-pronged approach that includes proper nutrition, cooking skills, mental-health care, fitness-and-exercise, skin-care, and medical interventions as needed is essential for managing various health-related issues, including food allergies, mental health disorders, and skin conditions.
