House dust, pollen and animal hair are the classics: more than 30 percent of adults have at least one allergic disease. However, there are also rare allergies to everyday substances that cause distressing reactions and often go undetected.
If your eyes are watery or your skin itchy, it could be an allergic reaction. It is not uncommon for the trigger to be unknown – in some cases even extraordinary – even though it is about everyday things. Or did you know that meat, sun and wool wax can cause allergies? FITBOOK clarifies the rare allergies and their signs.
Meat as an allergy trigger
Alpha Gal, what is this?
The so-called Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) refers to the allergy to mammalian meat and is one of the most exciting discoveries in the field of allergology, as described in the specialist journal “Der Hautarzt”.1 The reason for this is the sugar molecule (epitope) alpha-galactose, also called alpha-gal. Due to evolutionary processes, this sugar molecule led to allergic reactions in humans. Exactly why is not yet clear. One hypothesis by researchers is that frequent infections due to the epitope lead to immune responses.
How do you recognize a meat allergy?
Allergy symptoms appear in the first two to six hours after eating meat products. Typical symptoms are:
- itchy rash
- nausea and vomiting
- heartburn and indigestion
- Diarrhea
- cough and shortness of breath
- Sharp drop in blood pressure
- swelling of the face and mouth
- dizziness and fainting
- Severe persistent abdominal pain
If these symptoms occur, it is strongly advised to consult a doctor. An allergic reaction to Alpha-Gal can lead to life-threatening situations.2
If these symptoms do not develop until later in life, there may be a cause other than an evolutionary process. Because AGS can be triggered by tick bites. Since ticks affect several different mammals, a tick bite can lead to resensitization to alpha-gal. In any case, an allergist must deal with the problem. This diagnoses the allergy based on the symptoms and then takes a blood count in which the blood is checked for certain proteins.
Sun rays as the cause of a rare allergy
Polymorphic light eruption – what is it?
The sun or other light sources can also cause rare allergies. This is then referred to as a so-called polymorphic light eruption. If a light source with UV radiation hits the skin, the so-called mast cells are activated in this allergy. They are sometimes responsible for fighting diseases and are supposed to protect us from bacteria. When the cells are activated, they release the messenger histamine. This causes skin irritation. However, it has not yet been clarified exactly why the mast cells are activated.
What is a sun allergy?
Painfully itchy rash is typical of this allergy. So-called wheals or blisters can form on the skin, which usually last 15 minutes to three hours. These blisters or hives can also appear hours or days after exposure to UV light. In addition, this form of rash also appears on areas that are normally protected by clothing because the sun’s UV rays penetrate through the skin.
If this form of allergy occurs, an allergist should make a clear diagnosis. This usually happens through an anamnesis, i.e. medical history. However, if the trigger of the allergy cannot be clearly identified in this way, there is also the possibility that the allergy is triggered by medication. After taking the suspected drug, the skin is then irradiated with sunlight. A sun allergy is annoying, but mostly harmless.
Also interesting: Do vaccinations increase the risk of allergies?
Wool wax as an allergy trigger
Lanolin – what is it?
Wool wax (also called lanolin) is produced by the carrying glands of sheep and is obtained when wool is washed. It is used in various areas of industry. Many medical and cosmetic products such as creams and ointments contain lanolin. It is rarely found in wool clothing these days. It is also still unclear why exactly lanolin causes allergic reactions.
What is a lanolin allergy?
People with wool wax allergy develop red skin irritations or eczema on the skin within 24 to 48 hours after coming into contact with lanolin. These can appear anywhere on the body. Although there is no acute danger from these irritations, the occurrence is extremely unpleasant for the patient. Another indication of an allergy to wool wax can also be very dry skin.
A doctor should always be consulted if this form of allergic reaction is suspected. He can specifically determine whether it is really a rare allergy to lanolin or allergies to other substances. If a lanolin allergy is actually present, it cannot be treated. Those affected should avoid products containing lanolin.
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Avoid triggers if possible
In general, the trigger of allergic reactions should be avoided. Gels that contain antihistamines and have a cooling effect can help with contact allergies. Creams containing cortisone are also an option. Depending on the nature of the problem, antihistamine sprays and tablets may also help. Anyone who is prone to severe allergic reactions can also have an allergist prescribe a set of emergency medication.