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Simply put, what is Salicylate Allergy?
Salicylate Allergy is a hypersensitivity of some people's bodies to chemicals called (Salicylates). This is also called (Salicylate Intolerance). Now you may be wondering what (Salicylates) are. It's very simple. These are chemicals that occur naturally in plants. They are found in many fruits, vegetables, and spices that we eat every day. Think of things like tomatoes, chilies, grapes, and oranges. There are also artificially made (Salicylates). These are the main ingredients in the medicines that we often use as painkillers , for example, aspirin . In addition, this ingredient called (Salicylic acid) is also found in many things that we use, such as soaps, shampoos, creams, and perfumes. So, if your body is sensitive to these (Salicylates),'' you will start showing various allergic symptoms when these enter the body or come into contact with the skin.What are the symptoms of this allergy?
This can vary from person to person. Some people may experience very mild symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms. The table below lists some of the main symptoms that can be seen.| Characteristic type | How to show |
|---|---|
| Characteristics of the respiratory system | Asthma-like symptoms, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, runny nose , and nasal polyps. |
| Skin symptoms | Hives, redness of the skin, eczema, skin discoloration, severe itching. |
| Characteristics of the digestive system | Stomach ache, bloating, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (Colitis). |
| Other common features | Headache, swelling of the hands, feet, and face. |
Very important: Although very rare, some people may experience a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis to this allergen. If you suddenly have difficulty breathing or are losing consciousness, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Why does this kind of allergy occur?
The exact cause of this has not yet been found. But this is what happens simply. Our body's defense system, that is, the immune system, mistakes this chemical called Salicylates'' as an "enemy". Then it starts to fight against that "enemy". As a result of this reaction, the symptoms we talked about earlier appear.Who is at higher risk?
- If anyone in your family has other allergies .
- If you already have asthma or other allergies .
- This risk may be slightly higher for young children than for adults.
So, what should we avoid?
If you suspect you have a Salicylate Allergy'' or have been diagnosed by a doctor, it's best to stay away from products that contain these. They can be found in more things than we think.| Type | Examples of things to avoid |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | Fruits: Grapes, oranges, apples, cherries, strawberries, avocados. Vegetables: Tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, broccoli. Spices: Turmeric, chili powder, cloves, cinnamon bark, ginger. Others: Coffee, tea, honey, some pickles, mint-flavored chewing gum. |
| Medicines | Aspirin, some pain relievers, Alka-Seltzer, Pepto-Bismol, some creams for muscle pain. |
| Beauty and hygiene products | Perfumes, shampoos and conditioners, some liquid soaps, skin cleansers, lipsticks, lotions, mouthwashes, mint-flavored toothpastes, shaving creams, and sunscreens. |
It's very important to read the labels of the things you use and eat. Especially in beauty products, check if the word Salicylic acid'' is in the list of ingredients.
What should I do about this? Do I need to see a doctor?
Yes, absolutely. If you have persistent symptoms like these, don't try to eliminate foods or medications one by one. Doing so can leave you without the nutrients you need. The best thing to do is to see your doctor and explain your symptoms clearly. Be sure to mention any specific foods or creams you ate that triggered your symptoms. If your doctor thinks it's necessary, they can refer you to a specialist. They may recommend an elimination diet, which involves gradually eliminating suspect foods. This should only be done under medical supervision.💡 Take-Home Message
- Salicylate Allergy is a hypersensitivity of the body to a chemical found in the foods, medicines, and beauty products we use every day.
- SkinVarious symptoms may occur, such as nausea , vomiting , diarrhea , and stomach upset.
- If you suspect you have this allergy, keep a record of your symptoms and when they occur.
- Never self-diagnose or treat yourself. Always consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
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