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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Face Turns Red And Feel Itchy, Using Product Containing Glitter And Some Fruits. Reason For Allergy?

Hello, Recently I developed this allergy 6 months ago, where my face turns red with hives . This only happens when I eat strawberries, berries, pineapples, zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers or any food similar to it. Also when I use any cosmetics were it contains glitter or when I use lipsticks closer to red tones I develop this hive, but when I use eyeliner, face powder containing no glitter, nothing happens. I only develop this hive the day after I eat or use these cosmetics. First symptoms, my face would turn red and it will feel itchy. Then a few hours later, my face will become swollen around the eye area. I used to be able to eat and use this product with no problem, I don t know what trigger my body to develop this allergy to certain products. Any idea what is going on? Thank you
posted on Sat, 22 Dec 2012
Twitter Sat, 22 Dec 2012 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 27 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello,
The symptoms you describe and the relation to foods does seem consistent with urticaria that can be triggered in some people by foods rich in salicylates.
Urticaria is a condition when mast cells in the skin release histamine after simple triggers such as scratching (physical), but also to temperature change (such as hot shower or cold-induced urticaria), stress, infections etc.
Foods high in salicylates can also trigger and the foods you mention do fall in that category.
Long-acting antihistamines such as allegra 180mg once daily for 3 months should be tried to see the effect. Removing foods high in salicylates as a trial for a maximum period of 4 weeks is recommended, but not longer if there has no obvious effect.
If there is evidence of tree or grass pollen allergy, then these can act as secondary triggers.
You can visit the patient information website allergy.or.uk for more information on salicylates if you wish.

Hope that helps.
Best Wishes.
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Face Turns Red And Feel Itchy, Using Product Containing Glitter And Some Fruits. Reason For Allergy?

Hello, The symptoms you describe and the relation to foods does seem consistent with urticaria that can be triggered in some people by foods rich in salicylates. Urticaria is a condition when mast cells in the skin release histamine after simple triggers such as scratching (physical), but also to temperature change (such as hot shower or cold-induced urticaria), stress, infections etc. Foods high in salicylates can also trigger and the foods you mention do fall in that category. Long-acting antihistamines such as allegra 180mg once daily for 3 months should be tried to see the effect. Removing foods high in salicylates as a trial for a maximum period of 4 weeks is recommended, but not longer if there has no obvious effect. If there is evidence of tree or grass pollen allergy, then these can act as secondary triggers. You can visit the patient information website allergy.or.uk for more information on salicylates if you wish. Hope that helps. Best Wishes.