8 Allergies You’ve Never Heard Of

We are all familiar with common allergies such as peanut allergy that can be life threatening or allergies to dust and pollen which make us sneeze uncontrollably and annoy our coworkers. But there are other rarer types of allergies, some of which can make people’s everyday lives very uncomfortable. These are some odd products, ingredients and substances that people may be allergic to.

Feather Duvet

A man was recently diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, as a result of an allergic reaction to his feather duvet. CNN reported that the man had been struggling with respiratory problems for months and after four doctor visits he was finally diagnosed with this rare allergy. The allergy is called Feather Duvet Lung disease and is caused by an extreme allergic reaction to the bird feathers inside feather duvets or pillow cases. The man was treated with steroids over the course of 12 months and the removal of all feather products. An allergic reaction to feather stuffed bedding is hard to diagnose due to its rarity and symptoms that could also be indicators of other diseases.

Leather Products

Some people develop a rash after wearing leather shoes as an allergic reaction to leather products. An allergy to leather is called contact dermatitis, which is a form of eczema. Treatment for this kind of allergy includes oral antihistamines and wearing socks when using leather shoes to minimize the skin’s contact with the allergen.

Sun

A sun allergy (solar urticaria) occurs when people whose skin is sensitive to UV rays are exposed to the sun and develop an itchy and red rash. Symptoms of a sun allergy include red and itchy or painful skin, bumps in the red patches, and blisters or hives. It is unknown why some people suffer from this allergy but experts believe genetics may play a role.

Pollinated Fruit

Another rare type of allergy people may suffer from is an allergy to pollinated fruit or also called pollen food syndrome. People with this allergy will suffer from several symptoms including, swelling, itching and redness of lips, mouth, tongue and throat, abdominal pain, nausea, sneezing, runny nose, and more. Symptoms can start minutes after they start eating certain fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Sweat

Sweat allergies (cholinergic urticaria) are not only inconvenient for people who exercise or live in areas with high temperatures, but could become life threatening in extreme cases. People who are allergic to sweat break out in itchy hives when their skin is exposed to sweat, and, in severe cases, their bodies can go into anaphylaxis and stop breathing.

Laundry Detergent and Dryer Sheets

Laundry detergents and dryer sheets have chemicals, artificial fragrances, dyes and other ingredients that can irritate the skin. An allergy to laundry detergent or dryer sheets where the skin becomes red and itchy is called contact dermatitis. If you suffer from rashes caused by detergents, try using fragrance and dye-free products for your laundry.

Condoms

Most condoms today are made of latex or have a percentage of latex among their materials, and people who have a latex allergy have adverse reactions to condoms. If you have an allergic reaction to latex condoms, try using condoms made with lambskin, plastic or synthetic rubber. Due to allergic reactions to latex the FDA has required all medical devices made with this material to be labeled as such and caution users of allergic reactions. If you had a severe allergic reaction to a latex product without a proper label, you may be able to hold the product manufacturer liable for your injuries.

Cellphones

An allergy to nickel or cobalt can cause people to have rashes when they use cellphones and other electronics made with these metals. The rash is usually found in ears, hands and cheeks, where most of us place our cellphones.

If you suspect you have an allergy reaction to certain foods, substances or products consult with your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment options. Some allergies can become life threatening if not diagnosed and treated properly, don’t put your life at risk and visit a specialist.