A mango allergy can cause mouth itching, hives, vomiting, or breathing issues shortly after exposure. A person may also experience a delayed reaction, such as a rash around the mouth or eye swelling. The most common mango allergen is urushiol, which is also found in poison ivy and oak. Some people allergic to urushiol in these plants may also be allergic to mango. Urushiol is found in high concentrations in the peel and the fruit just beneath the peel.
Symptoms
There are two types of allergic reactions to mangoes:
- A delayed reaction
- An immediate reaction
A delayed reaction
Symptoms of a delayed reaction include:
- Itching from the rash
- Swelling around the eyes
- Redness and flaky skin or blisters from a contact dermatitis rash
Many people who tend to develop contact dermatitis after eating mangoes don’t experience any symptoms if the fruit is cut away from the skin before being served.
Immediate reaction
Symptoms of an immediate reaction after eating mango can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Itching, swelling/tingling of the face
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Swelling or tingling of the throat
- Diarrhea
- Several stomach pain
Causes
A person may experience an allergic reaction after being in contact with a mango plant or eating the fruit. Immediate-type allergic reactions carrying a risk for anaphylaxis do not typically occur unless a person eats the mango. In contrast, a delayed-type reaction causes rashes in areas that came in contact with mango, starting hours to days later, and can occur due to contact with the mango plant by touching the fruit’s peel.
Mango allergy diagnosis
A mango allergy can be diagnosed through a skin-prick test or ora food challenge. During a skin prick test, a small amount of mango extract is placed on the skin, and a small prick is made through the extract. An allergiest may also test if you are allergic to pollen. If a raised, red, itchy, bump appears at the site, you are probably allergic to apples. An oral food challenge is considered the most accurate method for diagnosin a mango allergy.
Mango allergy treatment
The best treatment for mango allergy is avoidance. However, most cases of mango allergies are mild and can be treated with antihistamine, so it’s helpful to keep them with you. Over-the-counter medications may be strong enough, but you can also get prescribed medications to treat your symptoms. Your allergiest will recommend an inhaled corticosteroid if you suffer from allergic asthama. For more severe symptoms you should contact to your doctor.
