Common Symptoms of Seaweed Allergies
You will easily find seaweed in various Japanese restaurants. Usually, seaweed is used as a complement to the menu of sushi, salads, and ramen. The taste is tasty and sometimes a little chewy making this extra material quite popular with many people. However, be careful if you experience itching and reddened skin after eating it. It could be a sign of seaweed allergy.
Common symptoms of seaweed allergies
Actually, if you are allergic to seaweed, not only when you eat it, but when you hold this plant you will immediately experience allergic symptoms. So, be careful if you swim on the beach and around it is seaweed.
Do not get exposed to the skin or even hold it, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Itchy
- Burning skin
- Skin irritation
- Symptoms of seaweed allergy if you eat it
- diarrhea during menstruation
Well, in addition to these general symptoms, you who are allergic to grass and then accidentally eat it will experience several different symptoms, such as:
- Stomach ache
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- The throat feels tight
What will happen if it is treated late?
If not treated quickly, your condition will most likely worsen. Usually, the symptoms that arise will be more severe, such as:
- Feeling pain in the head
- Swollen eyes
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
If you have experienced symptoms of seaweed allergy that have been mentioned, immediately consult a dermatologist to get the treatment that suits your condition.
Why can allergies occur?
A study states that the symptoms of seaweed allergy may be triggered by the content of alginic acid in the plant. From the study also stated that the immune system actually considers alginic acid as a dangerous substance. Thus, the body forms antibodies to eventually cause various allergic symptoms.
When you swim in a place where seaweed grows, seaweed flakes sometimes stick to your skin or bathing suit. Well, the size of a tight swimsuit finally puts pressure on the seaweed, so that the poison is attached to the skin. Therefore, allergies to seaweed are often not realized.
How to deal with seaweed allergies
Seaweed allergies can be overcome in the following ways:
- Rub the affected skin with water and soap. Rinse with clean water and alcohol.
- Apply hydrocortisone cream about 2-3 times a day to relieve itching. Stop immediately if there are signs of infection such as dry and red skin.
- If experienced by adults, it can be treated with diphenhydramine every 6 hours or ranitidine every 12 hours.
- If the irritated area of the skin looks redder, feels painful, smells bad, try antibiotics. However, you are advised to consult with a doctor first to be examined further.
- If you experience more severe symptoms, such as chest pain, dizzy eyes, and a weak pulse, immediately go to the nearest emergency department.
How to prevent seaweed allergies?
Avoid various foods that contain seaweed. Don't forget to always read the composition of a product carefully. Seaweed can sometimes appear on products other than facial creams and lotions.
Also, try not to swim in the ocean if you have allergies to seaweed. However, if it cannot be avoided, try not to swim to areas that have seen or reported seaweed.
