Can you have Weird Allergies?
Allergies don't always come from dust, pollen, mold, and other household compounds. Sometimes the body decides to attack itself for reasons that might not be clear.
For instance, just the smell of something could trigger an allergic reaction for some. Odors such as perfumes, fish, flowers, paint or varnish can all cause rash, itching, hives, and sneezing.
Some people are allergic to, believe it or not, allergy medicine, such as antihistamines, though this is indeed rare.
Eating a piece of fruit can also cause an allergic reaction because of the pollen on the fruit from what is known as oral allergy syndrome. You bit into a piece of fruit and your mouth and throat start to itch. The reason is that the fruit might contain pollen you're sensitive to or allergic to. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology symptoms appear almost immediately after eating, but can happen up to an hour later. It can happen any time of the year and is usually a mild reaction. However, in some instances, oral allergy syndrome could cause throat swelling which is a sign of a severe and life-threatening reaction that means seeking emergency care.
Can you be allergic to being touched? You sure can! A condition called Dermographism or Dermographia, which literally means skin writing, can cause hives and itching. The response happens from a firm stroke of the skin. Researchers aren't sure of the exact cause but it may be an autoimmune response or related to thyroid dysfunction.
A disconcerting finding is that some people can be allergic to sex. Specifically, it's an allergic reaction to semen that causes a range of symptoms from a case of mild itching to anaphylaxis. The good news is it's usually a specific partner's semen and it can be avoided by using a condom.
If you hate to exercise, you can always consider people who cannot. For some people, exercising can cause hives, itching, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. The allergy is sometimes associated with a combination of eating certain food and then exercising which triggers the reaction. For others, exercising in the cold is the trigger.
Updated 7/26/22
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