Allergy, Coconut

Coconut is a nut that’s produced by the coconut tree. People rarely are allergic to coconut, but it does happen. A person’s immune system can sometimes negatively react to coconut, treating it as a dangerous invader.

Generally, people display an allergic reaction to coconut on their skin called contact dermatitis. It's more common than food allergies caused by a coconut. If you suspect that you might be suffering from coconut allergy, you may notice the following allergic reactions after consuming foods made using coconuts or drinking coconut refreshments:

• Hives, rashes and eczema
• Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting
• Swelling of tongue, lips and face
• Coughing and wheezing
• Runny nose

Although it rarely happens, you may still show extreme reactions to coconut called anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis. This may cause a ripple effect on several body organs. You may observe the following anaphylaxis symptoms caused by coconut allergy:

• Hives
• Itching
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath or breathlessness
• Feeling anxious or confused
• Slow or rapid heart rate
• Swelling of the throat
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting

You may also show symptoms of contact dermatitis if you come in close contact with coconut-related products. These products or ingredients include:

• Cocamide diethanolamine (Cocamide DEA)
• Cocamide sulfate
• Coconut diethanolamine (CDEA)
• You can find these ingredients in personal-care items like:
• Moisturizers
• Cleansers
• Soaps
• Shampoos
• Liquid handwash

Using any of these products will cause a blistering, bright red rash which may develop over a day or two. It may then take a few days to fade.

Getting a coconut allergy test becomes essential to confirm whether you do suffer from contact dermatitis or not. You can book a coconut allergy test on Apollo 24/7. It’s effortless, quick and offers at-home testing. Getting this test will help:

• Determine whether you have a coconut allergy
• Evaluate the intensity of your contact dermatitis
• Devise an effective treatment plan to help assuage the allergy

If your test results indicate coconut allergy, then you will have to:

• Make some dietary changes and eliminate them from your consumption entirely. This includes food products like curry sauces, granola bars, cereals, cookies, infant formula, rum, etc.
• Read the labels of the food product properly
• Avoid using personal care products like shampoos and soaps that may contain coconut
• Avoid all forms of coconut, such as coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk powder, coconut cream and coconut sugar

Additionally, do note that coconut allergy is incredibly rare, and its scientific research has not yet evolved. So, if you have a coconut allergy, you might also negatively respond to products containing other coconut derivatives like coconut oil and cream.

So, if you have a coconut allergy, you may also be allergic to coconut oil. Hence, avoid all products containing it. That said, the first step is to get tested. So, book your coconut allergy test today at Apollo 24/7!