Two types of reactions may be called a mango allergy.
The other is pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS).
PFAS typically occurs in individuals with certainpollen allergies,a common one being birch tree pollen allergy.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Others experience a severe reaction to any contact.
What Are Symptoms of a Mango Allergy?
If you have anysigns of anaphylaxisafter consuming a mango, it’s important to seek urgent medical care.
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Blisters may take longer to developup to 72 hours.
Contact dermatitis can occur around the mouth or hands after handling the fruit.
Keep in mind that the urushiol in the peel of the mango often triggers the rash.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor appointment to help you ask the right questions.
What Does Mango Mouth Look Like?
Mango mouth describes the rash that can appear in and around the mouth after eating mangoes.
It occurs because of an immune system overreaction.
Your body thinks that the substance is dangerous and tries to protect you from it.
A skin rash from mango looks like a poison oak rash that occurs after eating the fruit.
It may have small, itchy blisters that can ooze and last several days.
You may also experience pain, numbness, and tingling with mango mouth.
What Are Mango Allergy Symptoms in Babies?
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It is very rare for babies to react to mango.
Allergic reactions can progress rapidly from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
For some people, just trace amounts of an allergen can trigger a reaction.
Any signs of anallergic reaction in a babyshould be treated seriously.
An estimated 8% of schoolchildren in the United States have some bang out of food allergy.
Fruit allergies are extremely rare in childhood.
What Causes a Mango Allergy?
Urushiolis an oil found in the sap, skin, stems, and leaves of mangoes.
It can cause a reaction in those who are allergic.
This is uncommon but more likely if you have a family history of allergies.
What Is Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome?
A reaction limited to oral itching may be due topollen food allergy syndrome.
This is a response to proteins in pollen from mango plants.
It’s sometimes referred to as pollen food allergy syndrome.
Others may experience the allergy either way.
Cross-Reactivity
There are more than 1,000 varieties of mangos.
For example,poison oak,poison ivy, and poison sumac all contain urushiol.
There also are similarities with mugwort orbirch pollen.
People with a mango allergy may have a cross-reactivity with other fruits, vegetables, or nuts.
Can I Eat Nuts if I am Allergic to Mango?
Anyone with questions should ask their allergist.
How Is a Mango Allergy Diagnosed?
This eliminates the possibility that a reaction could be due to something else.
If you get a rash, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Tests used toidentify the cause of an allergymay include:
How Is a Mango Allergy Treated?
Avoiding contact with mango peels is usually an effective way to prevent a rash.
If you do get one, it is likely to go away on its own within a few days.
An EpiPen is a shot containing epinephrine.
When epinephrine is injected, it stops an allergic reaction.
However, you must still contact emergency services immediately for additional care.
Removing Urushiol on the Skin
Removing urushiol can limit its effects.
you could also use dish or laundry soap.
Summary
Mango allergies can trigger a rash or a more severe reaction known as anaphylaxis.
You may react to urushiol oil in mango peels or have pollen food allergy syndrome.
Your healthcare provider can provide allergy testing if you are unsure if you have a mango allergy.
Treatment for mango allergies includes antihistamines for itching or topical creams if the reaction causes mango-induced dermatitis.
If you experience a severe reaction, you may need to keep an EpiPen on you.
If you experience anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical treatment, even if your EpiPen resolves the symptoms.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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