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Coconut Allergy
A coconut allergy is not as common as other food allergies but it can be as deadly and dangerous as other allergies. There is no one particular reason as to why one would suffer from a coconut allergy. Many people mistakenly assume that if they are allergic to peanuts, they would be allergic to coconuts as well. While Tree Nut allergies tend to be severe and are associated with anaphylaxis, all people with tree nut allergies are not allergic to all tree nuts. However, research has shown that there is a high cross reactivity among the various families of tree nuts.
The jury are still out on whether a coconut is a tree nut, however, it has been classified so for the purpose of labeling. Some people who are allergic to nuts have reacted to coconut and it is also known to have caused reactions in people who are allergic to latex. One of the most interesting facts about a coconut allergy is that people do not (as is the usual case with food allergies) have a reaction when they eat coconut.
A coconut allergic reaction occurs when a person comes into contact with coconut products. A coconut allergy will give rise to a skin allergy. The skin allergy occurs due to the oils present in a coconut.
Most people do not even realize that this dermatitis is an allergic reaction as they think that food allergies only occur when you eat a particular food, not when you come into contact with the oils in it or touch it. A coconut allergy may even occur while using coconut oil. Coconut oils are found in several products that one uses daily – hand lotions, lip balms and so on. A coconut allergy in children can occur as well.
Coconut allergy symptoms include:- - Skin problems
- Watery, itchy and sore eyes
- Hives
- Facial redness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory problems
- Abdominal pain
- Headache or sinus pain
- A runny nose
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- A swelling in the throat
- A tingling sensation in the mouth
- A disturbed sleep
- Asthma
- Coughing
- Flushing of one’s skin
If you think you are suffering from a coconut allergy, avoid using any products that contain coconut. Check all the topical items you may use on your skin. Coconut allergy treatment also includes the use of antihistamines, bronchodilators for asthmatic reactions, and even an adrenalin injection if there is an anaphylactic reaction.
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