Doctors are continually baffled by new cases of weird allergies popping up all over the world. What can be causing these strange reactions to everyday things?
However, there are some rare types of allergies that can occur on the most unexpected occasions, and may even confuse doctors. Here’s a list of the strangest allergies reported in the world.
1. Allergy To Water.
Water allergy is known, scientifically as Aquagenic Urticaria, and was first discovered in 1964. It is more common in women and the first symptoms start to appear during puberty. The allergy causes itching, swelling, and redness on the skin and also ulcers in the body.
Generally, Aquagenic Urticaria is a rare condition, with fewer than 100 cases being diagnosed worldwide.
2. Allergy to Wood.
Just imagine the situation of a carpenter who develops allergy to wood. This is the case of a British guy called Dan Hill, who left his job as a banker to devote himself to the dream of being a carpenter.
Dan`s symptoms started flaring up only a few weeks into his new profession and according to doctors, he was allergic to sawdust dust.
Despite the setback, Dan did not give up the dream. Equipped with gloves and a mask, he remained a carpenter, despite the allergic reaction. Over time, he discovered that his allergy was even rarer, as it applied to only one type of tree: the African oak.
Working with other types of wood, Dan has seen his problem minimized and can complete his dream to be a carpenter.
3. Allergy to Physical Exercise.
Known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis: This allergy is due to increased body temperature or stress. It usually appears after activities that increase body temperature, such as hot baths, hydro massage, use of saunas, physical exercises, fever, anxiety, or emotional stress.
It is more common in adolescents and adults and is characterized by intense itching, red patches on the skin, and swelling. Usually, it manifests from 2 to 30 minutes after the elevation of body temperature and can last from 20 to 90 minutes.
As with other weird allergies, this one can range from mild to severe – from symptoms such as erythematous, skin eruptions, to a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction. If you believe you have the condition, seek medical advice.
Now you’ve found a good excuse to skip the exercise.
4. Allergy To The Sun.
It is not uncommon for some people to be allergic to sunlight, but there is a type that is rarer, called solar urticaria. This type of hypersensitivity appears to the lowest level of ultraviolet exposure or even to some types of lamps. The reaction causes hives on the skin, which may appear in covered or uncovered areas.
5. Allergy To Sex.
This is one of the weird allergies that nobody wants.
Hypersensitivity to human seminal plasma. The name is complex, but can be summed up as the allergy that some women develop to the partner’s semen.
The body recognizes the semen as a foreign protein and attacks it. The reaction process is similar to other more common, causing itching and irritation in the contact area. Often mistaken for an STD, the allergy is much simpler and can be treated.
6. Touch Sensitivity.
Dermographism is a different word that literally means skin writing, which sounds rather intriguing, but is not pleasant. Patients can easily write on their skin with the fingernail and the writing quickly bursts into an irritating urticaria.
Clothes that stick to the body or even a simple hot shower can also trigger the allergy. About 4 percent of the population suffers from this condition and the most common treatment comes down to antihistamines.
7. Allergy to Modern Life.
More specifically, electricity and magnetic fields. “Sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation is the health problem of the 21st century.
Cases pop up on the internet from time to time: in 2004, German Petra Smith reported the development of high sensitivity in adulthood. She suffers from extreme reactions brought on by the proximity to electronic devices – including insomnia, panic attacks, nausea, and headaches.
In 2007 it was the turn of British DJ Steve Miller, whose hypersensitivity was caused by the presence in environments with wi-fi network – that is, he is hardly safe.
Anything can trigger an adverse reaction: from sound equipment to power outlets. Exposure to any type of electromagnetic field can cause neurological and allergic symptoms.
8. Allergy to Cold.
If you have always found the phrase “freezing to death” somewhat exaggerated, be aware that it can actually be true to some people.
According to the Association of Allergy and Immunopathology, exposure to severe cold can cause severe allergies in young adults. Symptoms include headaches, hypotension, and even loss of consciousness.
The risk of death increases in cases of diving into ice water or through the consumption of cold drinks or foods, which can cause swelling of the larynx and consequently cause suffocation.
The good news is that in 50% of patients the disease is remission within five years.
9. Allergy to Your Own Child.
This rather unusual allergy mainly affects first-time mothers. This was the case of British mum to be Dayle Byrom, who during the 20th week of gestation suffered from symptoms of what doctors call Polymorphous Eruption of Pregnancy (EPG).
Although it does not affect the baby, the allergy causes great discomfort in the mother, including extreme itching and redness. There is no idea what causes the condition but there are more cases among mothers carrying male children. This raises the possibility of the allergy being the result of a reaction to testosterone generated by the fetus, although there is still no scientific confirmation.
The good news is that acne is cured after birth and does not recur in subsequent pregnancies.
10. Allergy to Sweat and Tears.
Some unlucky people are actually allergic to their own sweat. People often feel pain, itchy welts, it can occur during strenuous activity or be triggered by eating spicy foods.
Treatments range from antihistamines, antidepressants, and anabolic steroids. Avoiding strenuous activity and very spicy food also helps.
Do you suffer from any weird allergies?
