Health

Unusual Allergies You Won’t Believe Exist

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) represents one of several Mast Cell diseases (MCD), and its identification poses significant challenges, often leading to… Alexander Gabriel - September 13, 2023

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) represents one of several Mast Cell diseases (MCD), and its identification poses significant challenges, often leading to misdiagnosis or long periods of going unnoticed. This syndrome manifests through a diverse array of symptoms and can stem from various triggers that may not consistently affect the entire population of those afflicted, and even within an individual with MCAS, the triggers can vary unpredictably.

Mast cell activation constitutes a typical bodily response to potential threats. These activations can result from either an IgE-mediated or a non-IgE-mediated response, both of which can range from mild to severe reactions. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome arises when there is an excessive or inappropriate response by mast cells to a stimulus, whether known or unrecognized, which cannot be attributed to any other underlying disease.

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Semen Allergy

Semen allergy, medically known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH), is a rare condition characterized by an allergic reaction to the proteins found in a man’s semen. Research has primarily focused on women, revealing that semen allergies are more prevalent among females, affecting as many as 40,000 in the United States. The reasons for this gender difference remain under investigation, emphasizing the need for further research to understand the impact of this condition on sexual relationships involving males.

Remarkably rare, it is even possible for a man to develop an allergy to his own semen, leading to a condition newly termed post-orgasmic illness syndrome. In some cases, women may experience symptoms with one partner but not with another, primarily due to the distinctive combination of proteins, fluids, and other components present in a man’s semen. Semen allergies can trigger local reactions within minutes or hours of exposure, often manifesting as contact dermatitis characterized by a red, itchy rash. These symptoms typically occur inside the vaginal canal, externally on the labia, or around the anus, and may include a rash, itching, hives, angioedema (swelling of the face, arms, or legs), and redness.

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Oral Allergy Syndrome

Oral allergy syndrome is a type of food allergy that predominantly affects individuals with asthma or hay fever triggered by tree pollen, particularly those who consume fresh (raw) fruits or vegetables. Other pollen allergies can also instigate OAS, with a higher incidence observed in adults compared to children.

The underlying cause of oral allergy syndrome lies in the cross-reactivity between plant proteins present in pollen and those found in fruits or vegetables. When individuals with pollen allergies ingest raw fruits or vegetables, their immune system detects the structural similarity and initiates an allergic reaction. Notably, many OAS patients can safely consume the same fruits or vegetables when cooked, as the cooking process alters the proteins sufficiently to evade immune system recognition, distinguishing them from pollen. Occasionally, reactions may also occur with foods within the same botanical family, such as potato and carrot, parsley and celery, or apple and pear.

Where Do We Find This Stuff? Here Are Our Sources:

https://www.immunology.org/public-information/what-immunology

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/water-allergy-aquagenic-urticria-symptoms-b2170926.html

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/886641-overview

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-urticaria/symptoms-causes/syc-20371046

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/woman-allergic-sunlight-live-like-26866735

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/vibratory-urticaria/#:~:text=Description&text=Vibratory%20urticaria%20is%20a%20condition,pruritus)%20in%20the%20affected%20area.

https://www.cdc.gov/stari/disease/index.html

https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/fragrance-sensitivity.aspx

https://www.nyallergy.com/gelatin-allergy/#:~:text=An%20allergy%20to%20gelatin%20is,Hives%20or%20rash

https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/latex-allergy/#:~:text=In%20most%20cases%2C%20latex%20allergy,exposure%20to%20latex%20containing%20products.

https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/nickel