Not Just Hay Fever
If you don't have any allergies, you likely know at least one person who does. At least a quarter of all adults have some sort of allergy, whether it be dietary or environmental, irritating or life-threatening. While some people grow out of allergies, others grow into them; let's look at some common and uncommon allergy triggers.
1. Eggs
As many as 2% of children are allergic to eggs, though, luckily, 71% will outgrow it by first grade. Egg allergies are caused by specific proteins in the whites, the eggs, or both. If you feel sick after eating eggs, you should probably consult an allergist on the matter.
2. Milk
Cow's milk is the most common allergy for infants and children under three, though most outgrow it as the age. However, milk is also one of the most common allergies for adults. Baked milk, which disrupts the protein structure that causes the allergy is generally safe; so are plant-based milks.
3. Peanuts
Approximately 1-2% of the US population is allergic to peanuts and, unlike milk and egg allergies, this one tends to stick around. While any allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, peanut allergies have multiple factors which can lead to this deadly reaction. Peanut allergies are classified as separate from other nut allergies because peanuts are actually a legume in the same category as lentils and chickpeas.
4. Soy
Soybeans are another member of the legume family, however being allergic to soy does not mean you are also allergic to peanuts, and vice versa. Soy allergies can appear at any age, though, like many allergies, they are most common in infants and young children.
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5. Wheat
Somewhere between 0.2% and 1.3% of the world's population is allergic to wheat. Avoiding wheat isn't as easy as you think, as wheat can be found in unexpected places such as hot dogs and ice cream. It can be easy to get wheat allergy, gluten intolerance, and Celiac disease confused; however, they are three separate (and sometimes overlapping) conditions.
6. Tree Nuts
Because peanuts and tree nuts are wildly different crops, a peanut allergy does not equal a tree nut allergy. The six most common tree nut allergies are almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. A person can be allergic to one tree nut but not another.
7. Shellfish
Shellfish is different than many allergies on this list as about 60% of people experience their first reactions as adults. Shellfish allergies are divided into two different groups: crustacean such as shrimp and lobster, and mollusks like oysters and scallops. Of the two, crustacean allergies tend to be more common and more severe.
8. Sesame
Sesame is one of the most common allergies in North America, and scientists believe it may become more common in the future. While all varieties of sesame seeds are allergenic, white sesame seeds have a higher allergen content than brown or black seeds. In cultures where sesame and other seeds are more widely consumed, sesame allergies are more common than peanut.
9. Nickel
Anyone who's had their skin turn green or itchy after wearing cheap jewelry knows just how irritating nickel allergies can be. Nickel allergies are a type of contact dermatitis, an allergy that is triggered by touch rather than ingestion. While nickel allergies aren't typically life-threatening, they are a lifelong condition.
10. Dust
If you find yourself sneezing up a storm year-round, you might have a dust allergy, and you aren't alone. Dust allergies are probably the most common non-food allergy, affecting more than 20 million people across America. Dust allergies include not only mites, but pet dander, and mold spores.
Now that we've covered some allergies you're likely to encounter in daily life, let's look at 10 that are less known but no less dangerous.
1. Coffee Beans
If you start every day with a hot cup of joe, count yourself lucky, as some people aren't able to. True coffee allergies are rare, and are often confused with caffeine sensitivity. Because these allergies are so rare, there is very little medical literature written about them.
2. Red Meat
The scientific name for red meat allergy is Alpha-gal syndrome, and it can be caused by a tick bite. In North America, Lone Star ticks are the most common culprit of this allergy. Alpha-gal can also lead to reactions to animal by-products such as dairy and gelatin.
3. Sunlight
If you've ever seen the Nicole Kidman movie The Others, you're probably aware of sensitivity to sunlight, but you may not know just how deadly this allergy can be. Sunlight allergies come in several different forms with the most common being polymorphous light eruption, which presents as hives. These tiny bumps can last anywhere between one to 14 days after sun exposure.
4. Cold Weather
Did you know that you can be allergic to the cold? Cold urticaria is a skin reaction that develops within minutes of being exposed to the cold and can range from minor to serious. This reaction isn't just brought on by cold weather; air conditioning, cold water, even cold beverages can trigger this allergy.
5. Exercise
People often joke that they're "allergic to exercise", but Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a real and severe condition. EIA is believed to be caused by the increased heart rate and blood flow brought on during exercise, particularly aerobics. For this reason, people who experience EIA are advised to work out with a partner and carry an EpiPen.
6. Sweat
Sure, sweat is gross, but did you know it can actually be an allergen? Well, sort of. Sweat itself isn't the problem here, but instead proteins secreted onto the skin. People who are allergic to their own swear can be gradually desensitized through purified samples.
7. Wine
There are several compounds in wine that trigger allergic reactions such as tannins, histamines, and sulphites. People who experience asthma or hay fever can be more suceptible to wine allergies. Red wine is the more common culprit due to the higher amount of tannins, but any variety can trigger an allergy.
8. Beer
Similarly, beer allergies are uncommon, but not unheard of. A handful of beer allergies are connected to wheat allergies, however, barley is typically safe for those with wheat allergies to consume. Because beer can be brewed from different bases, some beers may be safe to drink while others may not be.
9. Human Touch
If someone with dermatographic urticaria turns down a hug, they aren't just trying to be shy, they're trying to avoid a reaction. Dermotographic urticaria leads to redness and raised areas on exposed skin, whether the touch comes from yourself or someone else. People with this allergy can actually write on their own skin, which artists have used to bring awareness to this condition.
10. Water
The human body is almost 2/3 water, but that doesn't stop people from being allergic to it. Aquagenic urticaria is the scientific name for this allergy, which is triggered by direct skin contact i.e. rain, sweat, or tears. Don't worry, people with this condition can still drink water, so long as it doesn't touch their skin.
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