Manifestations of coconut or coconut oil allergy

Allergic reactions to coconut oil or a coconut allergy are relatively rare. This condition often occurs with manifestations such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or even anaphylaxis.

Coconut is a tree species originating from the tropics, with great economic value. The fibrous layer of the coconut shell is used to make ropes or mats, the white flesh inside the coconut is edible, and the coconut water is drinkable. In addition, coconut products are also added to many foods (cakes), some infant formulas or used in cosmetics.
Coconut is a healthy food but like any food it can be dangerous for someone with a coconut allergy. Coconut and coconut oil allergies are not as common as other allergies, but they are still possible.

The symptoms of a coconut oil allergy are similar to any other allergy, including nausea, vomiting, rashes, hives, eczema, diarrhea, hives or even anaphylaxis ( life-threatening emergency, symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath).
Anaphylaxis due to coconut oil is very rare. People who are allergic to coconut oil may experience contact dermatitis with symptoms such as a rash or blistering on the skin. Cases of contact dermatitis are common in people using cosmetic products containing coconut oil.
Coconut-derived products (such as coconut diethanolamide, cocamide sulfate, cocamide DEA, and CDEA) can cause allergic contact dermatitis. These substances exist in cosmetics, shampoos, moisturizers, soaps, detergents, and hand sanitizers. With any contact dermatitis, symptoms may appear 1-2 days after exposure to the allergen and take several days to resolve. If contact dermatitis to coconut products is suspected, a patch test (allergy test with a patch) is the appropriate diagnostic method.

Allergies to coconut oil and coconut are rare, coconut protein is unique. Thereby, minimizing the cases of cross-allergies, occurring in people with allergic reactions to foods with similar proteins. Most people with tree nut allergies can safely use coconut. However, to be sure, if your child has a severe allergy to tree nuts, parents need to talk to their doctor before giving them coconut.

If you or your child has a coconut allergy, you should read the labels of the food you buy carefully to make sure it doesn't contain coconut or coconut oil. Foods that may contain coconut or coconut oil include: Popcorn, cakes, candy, chocolate, baby formula,... In addition, coconut oil is also a commonly used ingredient in many types of food. cosmetics. Therefore, you should carefully check the labels of cosmetics before buying them.

If you have mild allergy symptoms such as hives or rash and suspect it is due to a coconut allergy, you should start keeping a food diary to track your diet and symptoms first. when talking to your doctor. You need to list all the foods you eat, including cooking spices like coconut oil. Also, you need to write down all the symptoms from the time related to the type of food that you consume. For example, if you eat chicken cooked with coconut oil and develop a rash 1 hour later, record that.
You should also write down any products that you use on a regular basis that may contain allergens. Be it recent changes in your life such as choosing a new beauty treatment or changing detergents,...
While keeping track of your food intake and symptoms, you Talk to your doctor and it's important to get allergy testing done to get a clear answer about whether you're allergic to coconut oil and coconut. In case after using coconut products you have an immediate reaction and difficulty breathing, you need to call 911 immediately.
Can you drink coconut water if you are allergic? Coconut water is very good but people with allergies should not drink it often. The reason is because the nutrients in coconut water such as vitamin D, calcium, vitamins, ... can stimulate the body's allergic process, making the situation worse. People with allergies when drinking coconut water may feel itchy, red, and more uncomfortable. Therefore, to limit this situation, you should limit coconut water or products made from coconut.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has deployed a general health checkup package for all customers. In case if you suspect you have a food allergy or any type of food or drink, you can go to the hospital to be checked by a doctor for specific evaluation through routine tests.

When the examination results are available, the doctor will advise and may assign you to use the services available at the hospital to ensure the best for your current health condition. With the standard of an international hospital, all inspection and treatment procedures at Vinmec are always performed by a team of qualified doctors with many years of experience in the profession, so customers can rest assured.

References: allergy.org.au