A small percentage of adults and even children have lemon allergy. Any food is capable of triggering an allergic reaction including lemon. If you suspect that an individual is allergic to lemons, it is best to under proper assessment for a diagnosis.
The symptoms of lemon allergy typically occur within minutes after contact with the fruit or can take up to 2 hours to manifest. An allergy to lemons is considered dangerous if it is not treated as soon as possible. A doctor must be consulted if the individual will experience the symptoms of lemon allergy.
What are the common symptoms?
Even though rare, the individual can experience itchiness, redness, swelling, blisters, dryness and bumpiness of the skin after direct exposure to lemons. In most cases, the itchiness of the mouth, coughing, throat tightness or metallic taste in the mouth can develop after consuming lemon. The gastrointestinal side effects typically include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, momentary sensitivity to the sun can also occur after getting into contact with lemon.
Why lemon allergy occurs?
When it comes to food allergy such as lemon allergy, it develops once the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in lemon as dangerous. As a consequence, the immune system generates antibodies and histamine in the blood to fight off the proteins which instigate the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Aside from the lemon, the dye and wax that is oftentimes applied to the lemon peel can also initiate an allergic response. If you want to learn how an allergic reaction occurs in the body and the appropriate steps to take, click here.
Remedies for lemon allergy
A doctor should be consulted if the individual develops an allergic reaction after eating or touching a lemon. The doctor will perform a skin prick test to identify the allergen. The individual should avoid contact with lemons and all products that contain lemons such as skin products and drink mixes. It is also important to wear gloves to protect the hands if lemons are being handled.
You can also apply an over-the-counter emollient cream to sooth the skin redness and irritation. The doctor can also prescribe topical or oral steroids to help manage the symptoms of lemon allergy.
Considerations to bear in mind
If an individual is prone to severe lemon allergy, it can lead to anaphylaxis which causes the airways to constrict and make it hard to breathe. Additionally, the individual can suffer from chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness and difficulty swallowing. The individual must be taken to the emergency department if he/she experiences anaphylaxis after eating or touching lemon. The doctor will prescribe an injectable epinephrine that must be carried by the individual at all times. The commonly is an EpiPen that is administered during an allergic reaction to help counteract the symptoms. Once a shot is given, the individual must be taken to the hospital for further assessment and treatment.