We are going to discuss what is a citrus allergy? What are Citrus allergy symptoms treatments? Let’s start from benefits. Citrus fruits have citric acid present in them. They belong to the flowering trees and shrubs. They are sweet in flavor and bright in color. Citrus fruits provide most of the health sunshine in winter season. Bunch of health benefits are present in citrus fruits. The citrus fruit family includes oranges, lemons, limes and grape fruits. These fruits have juicy segments inside them.
Citrus fruits are being produced in tropical and subtropical regions. The main producer of these fruits is Spain, China, Mexico etc. Vitamin C is present in large amounts in citrus fruits. This vitamin will boost up your immune system and will provide elasticity and strength to your skin. It is a good source of fiber component that will reduce weight and will improve digestive health. They have soluble fiber content. This soluble fiber will reduce the cholesterol levels in the body.
Drinking citrus juice will reduce the production of kidney stones by increasing the amount of citrate into the urine. This fruit will also prevent from esophageal, stomach and breast cancers. The vitamins, minerals, flavanoids are helpful to ward off the degenerative diseases of the brain. Its carotene compound will help for vision and is useful for proper functioning of eyes. Now coming to our topic.
Citrus Allergy Symptoms:
All of the above explained are the benefits of the citrus fruit family. But some of the citrus fruits may develop negative effects on the body of some people. The Citrus allergy symptoms occurring from citrus fruits are very rare. But anyone can develop citrus fruit allergy. If a person is suffering from allergy from childhood or anyone of the family member have allergy from pollen or grass, then that person will definitely suffer from citrus fruit allergy. You may have an allergic reaction after touching the fruit or eating it in raw form. The use of citrus fruit juice might cause some of the allergic reactions in the body.
- Read Things to Know About Orange Fruit Facts.
- Read Facts Everyone Should Know About Orange Flavoring.
Citrus Allergy Symptoms Rash:
Although there are so many benefits of citrus fruits but on the other hand there are some potential downsides of this fruit for skin. Citrus fruit allergy is being associated with adverse allergic reactions. It may include tingling and itching of the mouth. Rashes may develop on the skin of the allergic patients. These Citrus allergy symptoms rash include:
- Red spots
- Scaly skin
- Papules
- Psoriasis
- Contact dermatitis
- Hives
- Eczema
- Erythma to the skin
- Swelling of skin
Red spots occur by a benign tumor of the blood vessels. These red spots or itchy patches may develop on hands, arms, neck and mouth. Skin is the outer covering of the human body. So it requires an extra care. Skin is the first organ that comes in contact with the fruit or peel of the citrus fruit. The peel of the citrus fruit might contain some threatening proteins that cause allergic symptoms. These symptoms may vary from mild to severe. Severe type of allergic reactions is called anaphylaxis reaction. Anaphylactic reaction requires emergency treatment.
Citric acid present in citrus fruits itself is not even an allergen but it may form an itchy mouth and skin. Stomach upset is also an allergic reaction by the consumption of citrus fruits.
By the consumption of citrus fruit as raw or in juice form in daily diet. An oral allergy syndrome might occur. The patients who are suffering from oral allergy syndrome are recommended to use the fruit only when it is cooked. Because cooking or heating will denature the protein present in citrus fruit that is causing damage to the skin or other parts of the body.
Citrus Allergy Symptoms Toddlers:
Citrus fruits are delicious and beneficial for health because these fruits are full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Every parent wants to give a full pack of nutrient fruit to their baby. But a question may arise. Is citrus fruit appropriate for your baby’s diet? A baby’s body is not so much developed and his stomach is not so much mature and digests the fruit as well as an adult’s stomach. Any solid food or fruit that is being introduced to your toddler should be in slow segments. First of all they should start from a semi solid food and then transfer the toddlers to solid food.
Citric acid is a tough compound for the babies to digest. Therefore avoid using fruits in your baby’s diet that he is unable to digest. If you are giving a large amount of citrus fruit to your baby then note that it may cause some of the sensitivity to your baby’s body.
These types of citrus allergic reactions occur faster in children below the age of one year. They may include:
- Diaper rashes
- Skin redness
- Flushed skin
- Wheezes
- Blisters
- Flaky skin
- Skin burning
To prevent the allergic reactions parents should have to introduce the solid fruits to their babies in short intervals. If baby is developing any sign of allergy after eating the fruit then avoid giving him citrus fruits like tomatoes, oranges, strawberries etc. Also avoid the juice of citrus fruits. Introduce these types of fruits to your babies at the age of 1 year. Because at that age the likelihood of the baby to get allergy is reduced.
Citrus Allergy Treatment:
Citrus allergy symptoms can be confirmed by the following tests:
- Skin prick test
- Blood test
Both of these tests can tell about the allergen that is causing allergic reactions. So that the treatment will be held accordingly.Treatment options include:
- Bronchodilators are used that will reduce the respiratory problems.
- Medicated skin lotions, creams and ointments are used for rashes and skin diseases.
- Anti histamines can be used for reducing swelling.
- The most important and the best option are to ward off the fruit from your diet. In this way most of the allergic reactions stops.
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When I have eaten or drank something that contains lemon or any citrus fruit, that evening or the next morning I am very itchy down below. I stopped drinking orange juice about over a year but I would have lemon tea occasionally but found that would make me itch. I brought some moisturiser which I hadn’t used for a little while and used it only a couple of days ago, after I had been swimming, after couple of hours i started to itch behind my knees and elbow creases which only intensified into extrem itching all night and next day.. iv just looked at the ingredients list and found out it contains limonene and other citrus chemicals. Are there any tests that can confirm this?