Three allergies you’ve probably never heard of

10th February 2021

Three allergies you’ve probably never heard of

In the UK, the number of people living with allergies is increasing by 5% every year. That’s about 3 million people per year – more than currently live in Manchester. With allergy cases on the rise, it’s important to be aware of the different causes. 

We’ve all heard of common allergies such as an allergy to nuts, penicillin, and dust mites. But there are so many allergies out there that you won’t know exist because they’re just that uncommon. So here are three unusual allergies you probably haven’t heard of.

Money

Some people are allergic to money. It’s most likely that the cause of this reaction is from the coins made of nickel, a common cause of contact dermatitis. Nickel can also be found in other everyday items such as jewellery, zippers, and mobile phones. So if you develop an itchy, dry, red rash on your hands, that change in your pocket could be the culprit.

Reptiles

When we think of pet allergies, we typically think of cats and dogs as the cause. But some pets that cause allergic reactions have no fur at all. Some people are allergic to reptiles. It’s suggested that the immune system responds to the proteins in their skin, which causes an allergic reaction. Symptoms usually include skin irritation, like an itchy rash on the hands from handling the animal, or respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing or shortness of breath.

Red meat

Most will have heard about ticks carrying Lyme disease, but there’s a lesser-known tick, the lone star tick, that’s known for causing an allergy to a carbohydrate found in meat. The carbohydrate, alpha-gal, can be found in the cells of mammals like pigs and cows. This means poultry and fish are safe to eat. 

Not all who are bitten by this tick develop an allergy, but those who do may suffer symptoms such as hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhoea, and – in the worst cases – anaphylaxis. 

Allergy symptoms can range from mild irritation to life-threatening. If you think you have an allergy, it’s always best to get a test so you can stay healthy and receive the expert advice you need.

If you think you may have an allergy, it’s always a good idea to get a test to be sure. Call Allergy Clinic London today on 02031 433 449 to put your mind at ease.

Thinking of buying a reptile?

17th February 2018

Thinking of buying a reptile?

Over the last two decades, reptiles have become increasingly popular as house pets in the UK. Bearded dragons, snakes, and lizards are all cold-blooded amphibians that warm the hearts of many households. Part of the reason so many people turn to reptiles as a pet is the desire for a house pet but not being able to handle a cat or a dog because of their allergenic fur. But they can also bring their own allergy problems, just not in the way you think. The issue is insect allergy.

Compared to cats and dogs, reptile pets typically have a diet of insects, some of which are hotbeds for aggressive airborne allergens. When these are brought to the home, you have the risk of introducing a new form of domestic allergy to your house. Namely grasshoppers and locusts.

A cautionary tail

In one case, after getting a bearded dragon for his eighth birthday, one boy developed asthma and severe bronchial hypersensitivity within four months of getting his new pet.

After continual symptoms, his parents took him for an allergy test. An IgE immunoblot prick-to-prick test confirmed that he had an insect allergy, namely grasshoppers — his pet’s favourite meal. Four years of allergen avoidance proved useful. But after on single exposure, the same child saw a severe asthma attack.

Sadly, this isn’t the only case in which reptiles in the home trigger allergens. Where the reptile isn’t usually the trigger in the first instance, they can’t help what they eat but the insect allergy can cause issues.

Thinking of buying a reptile for the family? While they make for fantastic pets, not many people realise the potential allergens that come with them. Before picking out a new snake, lizard, or dragon, it is a good idea to make sure you won’t start suffering from allergies further down the line. While getting a reptile in the home won’t guarantee the trigger of an IgE allergy, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Especially with young ones in the house.

Before you introduce a new member to the family, why not take one of our home tests or book an appointment with one of our consultants first to test for any possible insect sensitisation.