Strawberry allergy. What does a strawberry rash look like?

Strawberries are the most frequently eaten fruits and vegetables in the world. They are very healthy, Their regular consumption is associated with a reduced risk of hypertension, obesity, some cancers and other diseases. At the same time, they are considered potentially allergic. What causes allergies, what are the symptoms and how to treat them?

​What is an allergy to strawberries?

Some people experience allergy symptoms occur after eating them , e.g. itchy lips and tongue, rash, rhinitis, and gastrointestinal problems. Various compounds contained in these fruits may be responsible for the body’s abnormal reaction, including potentially allergenic proteins: profilins, LTP and Bet v1, which is similar to the birch allergen, as well as a phytohormone called gStrawberries also contain a large amount of salicylates , which may sensitize people who are sensitive to these compounds. Therefore, these fruits should be avoided by all people with known hypersensitivity to salicylates. Typical symptoms of allergy are skin rash in the form of hives, rhinitis and shortness of breath.

Doctors notice that during strawberry season, more people come to their offices with a red, itchy rash . However, it is not always known whether the actual cause of such a reaction is the allergen or the spraying used when growing fruit.

Symptoms of an allergy to strawberries

Symptoms of a strawberry allergy may occur within a few seconds to even a few hours after eating. Symptoms may affect various systems and organs, including:

- rash,

- itching or tingling in the mouth,

- itchy skin

- cough, wheezing,

- rhinitis,

- stomach pain,

- vomiting,

- diarrhea,

- dizziness.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to strawberries, which indicate anaphylactic shock, are most often:

- swelling of the lips and tongue,

- difficulties with breathing ,

- cough and shortness of breath ,

- drop in blood pressure,

- paleness,

- rapid heartbeat,

- profuse sweats,

- convulsions.

What does a strawberry rash look like?

One of the most common symptoms of a strawberry allergy is a rash . It may appear as hives, red spots, or fine grains or lumps. It is itchy or not. If skin lesions appear after eating strawberries, you should monitor your body’s reaction and if the symptoms worsen, contact your doctor. Strawberry rash can be alleviated by over-the-counter antihistamines, e.g. in the form of syrup. It is also important to avoid eating strawberries.

Allergy to strawberries and cross-allergy

Allergy symptoms after eating strawberries often occur in people allergic to birch pollen , this is the result of the so-called cross-reaction (allergens contained in birch and strawberry have a similar molecular structure). Research shows that approximately 30% of people allergic to this tree’s pollen report allergic reactions after eating strawberries.

As a result of cross-allergy to plant pollen and fruit, the patient may develop the so-called oral allergy syndrome ( OAS ). It manifests itself with burning, itchy lips, swollen lips and a scratchy throat. It usually goes away quickly and is usually not life-threatening.

If you are allergic to strawberries, you should also be careful with other related fruits: peaches, apples, cherries, raspberries, blackberries — they can also cause unwanted body reactions.

How to treat an allergy to strawberries?

The basic method of treating an allergy to strawberries is to exclude them from the diet. Over-the-counter antihistamines : cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, fexofenadine or levocetirizine will help combat milder symptoms of strawberry allergy . Antihistamines act on the histamine H1 receptor, which prevents its connection with histamine — the compound responsible for allergy symptoms such as hives and allergic rhinitis.

Indications for the use of antihistamines include allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose , itchy nose), conjunctivitis (redness, tearing, itching, burning), acute and chronic urticaria (skin rash).

If after eating strawberries we notice a red, itchy rash, runny nose or burning eyes, we should take antihistamines. It is worth consulting a pharmacist or doctor beforehand.

If you have a severe allergic reaction to strawberries, antihistamines may not be enough. In the most serious situations where anaphylactic shock occurs, anti-shock medications should be administered immediately and an ambulance should be called.