People's Pharmacy: Mangos contain same chemical as poison ivy

Joe and Teresa Graedon Joe and Teresa Graedon Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close People's Pharmacy: Mangos contain same chemical as poison ivy 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Q: After eating prepared mangos during the holidays, I bought some to peel and slice myself. I even chewed on the seed. Bad mistake! By the next day, I was itching under my chin. This became swelling around my mouth and beside one eye. I looked on the Internet and found that mango is related to poison ivy. Apparently there is an oil in the skin that can trigger reactions. Why is this not more widely known? I would never have suspected.

A: The sap of the mango tree and the skin of its fruit contain urushiol, the same irritating chemical that causes reactions to poison ivy and poison oak. In addition to an itchy rash, some people react to eating mangos with serious allergic symptoms such as swelling of the lips, face and tongue and even anaphylaxis. Another allergy that might cause problems is latex. People with latex allergy may react to foods like mangos, kiwis, bananas and avocados.

www.PeoplePharmacy.com Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon 300 W. 57th St.,15th Floor New York, NY 10019

King Features Syndicate