Did you ever come across sesame seed allergy? It is nothing but allergy to sesame seeds and any food product containing sesame as an ingredient. As strange as it may seem, yes, you can develop an allergy to sesame, milk or just about any other food product! Read on to know more on sesame seed allergy and how to combat it!

Allergies Due To Foods:

Allergies can be caused by so many factors, but most of the cases are caused by foods, environmental allergens and chemicals found in FMCG products. However, some specific foods and compounds present in them can lead to serious allergies affecting both kids and adults (1). One such example is sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are used for culinary and medicinal purposes and the oil extracted from them is used in many countries. However, the allergy caused by sesame seeds can take serious proportions if not attended in time. Thankfully, awareness about it is growing with time.

History And The Growing Awareness About Sesame Seed Allergy:

The first recorded case of sesame allergy was way back in 1950. At that time it was not conceived as a serious allergen. Over the decades, instances of this allergy have gone up in number significantly. It is yet to be recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration as a serious food allergen. However, the European Commission and Canada has included sesame in the list of main allergy-causing substances (2). The scene is not the same in the UK though.

Several years ago, sesame allergy in Israeli kids drew major media attention (3). This happened because in that country, infants are given foods made with sesame seeds. However, with the eating habits in the USA and other countries changing over time, awareness of sesame allergy is also on the rise. As of now, the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act exclude sesame as a food whose presence requires clear labeling in the USA. In Australia, it is known as the 4th leading food allergy in kids.

How You Can Get Sesame Allergy:

It is wrong to think you will develop sesame allergy only by eating foods cooked in sesame oil or by using it topically. A number of foods also contain sesame as an active ingredient and using them can also lead to an allergy. Sesame oil can also be used to make skin care products like body oil, body lotion, creams, etc. This oil is often used in making several dishes in restaurants. Sometimes, sesame can get mixed in food preparation through cross contamination too. The proteins present in sesame can lead to the allergy (4).

Symptoms Triggered By Sesame Allergy:

The symptoms caused by sesame allergy are:

1. Allergic Dermatitis:

When sesame oil used in skin care products leads to allergy in users, it causes a condition known as allergic dermatitis (5). It is an inflammatory condition affecting the skin. Blisters can form on the surface and the affected area can be red and swollen. Itching can also take place.

2. Asthma:

Sesame allergy in workers in baking industry leads to the onset of asthma. Other respiratory complications can also take place. Respiratory complications caused by sesame allergy sets in very fast after you consume sesame oil, as it has been seen (6).

3. Digestive Problems:

Ingesting sesame oil can lead to allergy and symptoms can affect your digestive system. Conditions affecting the digestive system are cramping, stomach pain and diarrhea. These are actually caused by enhanced histamine production in the small intestine lining which triggers inflammation.

4. Cardiovascular Symptoms:

The cardiovascular system in the human body can also get affected by sesame allergy. Examples include light headedness, irregular heartbeats and dizziness.

5. Other Reactions:

Other allergic reactions caused by sesame seed and oil are shortness of breath, sinus headaches, runny nose etc.

Treating Symptoms Of Sesame Allergy:

Sadly, there is no fixed cure for sesame seed allergy. Treatment depends on the type of symptoms developed after the use of the ingredient. As it is, the symptoms can be seen in various parts of the body in different ways. Immediate medical intervention can help avoid worsening of the condition, both for kids and adults. Those developing breathing problems and dizziness should be laid to rest. People with existing respiratory issues fare worse when exposed to sesame oil.

It is better if you take preventive steps to evade the allergy.

1. Avoiding Contact:

To evade skin allergy caused by sesame oil, try to evade skin care products containing this oil. Read the labels of body oil, cream or lotion for its presence. If you end up applying the oil topically and skin swelling develops, stop the application immediately. To treat skin allergy caused by sesame oil, talk to a dermatologist rather than applying OTC products. Keep in mind that people allergic to sesame can develop allergic reactions, even if a small amount of sesame gets into their body.

2. Checking Food Labels:

The fact that many countries, including the USA, do not mandate the labeling presence of sesame in foods make the identification difficult (7). Still, you should read food labels carefully when buying spices, condiments and ready-to-eat foods to detect the presence of sesame. As it is, sesame oil is used to make several Asian food products, burger buns, some snacks, desserts and tahini etc.

3. Checking Ingredients In Skincare Products:

Just like you do for foods, read the ingredients list before you buy cosmetics like skin cream, lip balm and lipsticks. This will help you avoid applying sesame on your skin. If you go to a spa or salon, inform the staff about your sensitivity to sesame.

4. Looking Up The Web:

Even if you are not a medical professional, you can enhance your knowledge on substances and foods that contain sesame by reading. With a little effort and time, you will find plenty of resources on this topic.

Summing It Up:

To avoid sesame allergy, you need to be very careful about buying skincare products and eating specific type of foods. Topical application of sesame oil results in instant reactions and development of symptoms, and hence it is easier to identify. Kids may not be able to identify the source of reaction, and so parents should watch out for the root causes of the allergy. In general, people who are allergic to nuts and lentils are also allergic to sesame – though it is not necessary. The extent of sensitivity to sesame can also vary from one person to another. Still, people allergic to peanuts and tree nut variants should be cautious about consuming sesame seed and oil.

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by Daiwik Suresh Gejji via STYLECRAZE