Salicylates Allergy Symptoms

Salicylates are naturally derived from plants. They function as plant hormones. They are also synthetically manufactured chemicals that are often used to produce drugs, particularly painkillers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Salicylates also help make skin products, flavors, preservatives, perfume, solvents, among other things. They are also in many vegetables and fruits. A lot of people are sensitive to salicylates and have salicylates allergies.

Symptoms

There are several common symptoms that are generally associated with salicylates allergies. Some of these symptoms include headaches, skin tone changes, nasal congestion, wheezing, difficulty breathing (similarly to asthma), hives, itchiness, skin rashes, stomachache, and swelling of the face, feet and hands.

Severe Instances

In more severe instances of a salicylates allergy, a person runs the risk of developing anaphylaxis, which is a potentially fatal allergic reaction. Some signs of anaphylaxis are a drastic blood pressure drop, losing consciousness and failure of the organ system. It is an extremely serious full body allergic reaction of Type I Hypersensitivity.

Foods and Drinks With Salicylates

A lot of foods and drinks contain salicylates. Some common foods and beverages that include salicylates are various cheeses, soy sauce, vinegar, avocados, prunes, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, figs, grapes, kiwi, blueberries, dates, peaches, cauliflower, alfalfa, eggplant, zucchini, hot peppers, broccoli, tomato paste, jelly, jam, peanuts, pine nuts, almonds, pistachios, gelatin, ice cream, licorice, peppermints, various types of chewing gum, coffee, wine, apple cider, rum, herbal tea, sherry, orange juice, beer and many others.

Products With Salicylates

A lot of beauty and hygiene products also contain salicylates. Some common beauty and grooming products that include salicylates are shave cream, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, body sprays, sunblock, tanning creams, muscle ache creams, mouthwash, facial cleansers, lipsticks, toothpastes with mint flavoring, and many others.

Treatment

Treatment options for salicylates allergies depend on various factors, such as the severity of symptoms. Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to treat allergic reactions to the skin. For nasal congestion symptoms, many people use decongestants and antihistamines. The best method for managing a salicylates allergy is simply to try to avoid products and food containing it. If you have a sensitivity to salicylates, you should look at the ingredients of products and foods carefully beforehand. Some terms to avoid include salicylic acid, aspirin, mint, menthol, Azo dyes and salsalate.