Salicylate Allergy
Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in plants and are a major ingredient of aspirin and other pain-relieving medications. They are also found in many fruits and vegetables as well as in many common health and beauty products.
What Are the Symptoms of a Salicylate Allergy?
The degree of reaction to salicylates can vary based on multiple factors. Typically, the content of salicylates can vary from one item to another and even among batches of the same item from the same source. Additionally, the degree of salicylate sensitivity can vary from person to person. People with a low salicylate tolerance may have an allergic reaction if more than a small amount of salicylate is consumed. Symptoms of a salicylate allergy vary but may include:
- Asthma-like symptoms, such as trouble breathing and wheezing
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Changes in skin color
- Itching, skin rash, or hives
- Swelling of the hands, feet, and face
- Stomach pain
In severe cases, a salicylate allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction involving a severe drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and organ system failure. Avoiding products that contain salicylates is the best defense against an allergic reaction.
Salicylates can be found in a variety of foods, medications, and cosmetics. Some examples of salicylate-containing substances include:
| Foods That Contain Salicylates | Products That May Contain Salicylates | Salicylate-Containing Ingredients |
| Fruits such as apples, avocados, blueberries, dates, kiwi fruit, peaches, raspberries, figs, grapes, plums, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit, and prunes Vegetables such as alfalfa, cauliflower, cucumbers, mushrooms, radishes, broad beans, eggplant, spinach, zucchini, broccoli, and hot peppers Some cheeses Herbs, spices, and condiments such as dry spices and powders, tomato pastes and sauces, vinegar, and soy sauce, jams, and jellies Beverages such as coffee, wine, beer, orange juice, apple cider, regular and herbal tea, rum, and sherry Nuts such as pine nuts, peanuts, pistachios, and almonds Some candies, such as peppermints, licorice, and mint-flavored gum and breath mints Ice cream, gelatin |
Fragrances and perfumes Shampoos and conditioners Herbal remedies Cosmetics such as lipsticks, lotions, and skin cleansers Mouthwash and mint-flavored toothpaste Shaving cream Sunscreens or tanning lotions Muscle pain creams Alka Seltzer |
Aspirin Acetylsalicylic acid Artificial food coloring and flavoring Benzoates Beta-hydroxy acid Magnesium salicylate Menthol Mint Salicylic acid Peppermint Phenylethyl salicylate Sodium salicylate Spearmint |
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