Top 5 Rarest and Uncommon Allergies

Overview

You’ve probably heard about common allergy triggers like tree pollen, animal dander, or food allergy. These are the typical causes of allergic reactions to people with allergies worldwide. Studies say that an estimated 7 million children and 17 million adults live with allergies in the United States alone. That’s quite a staggering number. 

But did you know that some individuals experience unique allergies? You’ll be surprised to learn about their uncommon allergy triggers. Some are allergic to water, shoes, sunlight, and even exercising! So, this article will discuss the top 5 rarest allergies. We’ll also provide you with allergy management tips for these uncommon allergies. 

So, without further delay, let’s begin. 

What is an Allergy?

An allergy occurs when your body’s immune system attacks normal proteins. They mistake them for harmful substances. In turn, you’ll experience an allergic reaction. This principle works the same way with uncommon allergies. 

Below is a compilation of the top 5 weirdest allergies.

Water Allergy

Can you be allergic to water? Yes, you can. Water is undeniably a vital player in our everyday lives. We use it to quench our thirst, cooking, personal hygiene, and many more. Suffice to say, we use it every day. On the other hand, some individuals are allergic to water. The medical term for this medical condition is aquagenic urticaria. Individuals with an allergy to water develop hives upon contact. The common water allergy symptoms are skin itchiness, inflammation, and redness. The reason is still unknown despite today’s medical advancements. But the good news is that allergists have the solution for this weird allergy.

Management Tip: Antihistamines are often recommended by doctors. They efficiently reduce the symptoms within minutes. 

Sunlight Allergy

Sunlight provides us with vitamin D that helps strengthen our bones. 15-minute basking is ideal for our overall health. On the contrary, prolonged UV exposure can cause adverse health effects, especially for people with solar urticaria. Solar urticaria is an allergy to UV exposure. The weird allergy symptoms include itching and stinging sensations in the skin. 

Management Tip: Sunscreens and antihistamines usually do the trick. Moreover, wearing protective clothing and minimizing direct exposure help too. 

Red Meat Allergy

Red meat is an excellent protein source and tastes fantastic too! People worldwide use red meat in their diet most of the time. Unfortunately, some individuals are allergic to it. The common symptoms include skin rash, headaches, sneezing, and runny or clogged nose. 

Management Tip: Aside from avoiding red meat, antihistamines, decongestants, and other counter-allergy drugs are recommended by doctors. 

Exercise Allergy

We all need to exercise to improve our overall well-being. Light exercises are ideal for the elderly, while intense workouts are perfect for aspiring athletes. However, some are allergic to exercise. Although the typical symptom is hives, severe cases could lead to anaphylaxis. This severe allergic reaction could be life-threatening. 

Management Tip: EpiPen is the most efficient treatment for anaphylaxis. In addition, people with allergies to exercise should never exercise alone.

Money Allergy 

Perhaps the rarest allergy on our list is money allergy. It sounds too funny if you think about the fact that we all need money to pay for living expenses. But money allergies exist. The culprit is the compound called nickel sulfate in loose coins. 

Management Tip: Doctors often recommend topical steroids to reduce the symptoms of skin rash, inflammation, and itchiness. 

Other Uncommon Allergies

Aside from the top 5 weirdest allergies we’ve covered in this article, there are a few other uncommon allergies that we’ve compiled. Below are the “other” uncommon allergies. 

Allergies to Human Touch

This allergy occurs when a person with a “human touch” allergy comes into physical contact with another person. The symptoms are typically skin rash, inflammation, itchiness, and raised marks on the affected area. Topical steroids and counter-allergy meds work well.

Electricity Allergy

Electricity is one of our primary necessities. We use it to provide power in homes, charge our gadgets, and do many other things. But some have electrosensitivity. Electrosensitivity is sensitivity to the electrical fields emitted from electronic devices like microwaves, cell phones, computers, and power lines. Individuals with electrosensitivity often experience adverse reactions when exposed to these triggers like headaches, fatigue, ringing in the ears, and many more. 

Cold Allergy

Some allergies are unavoidable, like cold allergies. Winter will come, and you have to deal with it eventually. Cold urticaria is rare, but you should never take it lightly. Individuals with cold allergies may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure that could be life-threatening. Sudden exposure to extreme cold could be hazardous. Avoiding icy areas is one of the best ways to prevent an allergic reaction. In addition, limiting skin exposure to cold is ideal too. When you plan to swim, check the temperature of the water first, and never swim alone. 

Shoe Allergy (Leather)

You may not have heard about shoe allergies before. The allergy is so strange that most people would have thought it didn’t exist. However, some people have allergies to shoes, especially leather ones. The chemicals used in the leather tanning process are the culprit. The typical symptoms are skin rash, itchiness, and eczema. Leather shoes are excellent but may not be ideal for you if you have allergies to leather. It is best to avoid wearing leather altogether to avoid an allergic reaction. On the other hand, if you need to wear a pair, use thick socks to prevent skin contact.   

Know Your Allergies and Enjoy a Healthy Life

Learning about your allergies and their symptoms can help improve your quality of life. You can minimize the risks of an allergic reaction and enjoy a better lifestyle. 

Regardless if you have a common or uncommon allergy. Your journey to an allergy-free life begins at Brazos Valley Allergy & Asthma Clinics. We offer accurate allergy testing followed by appropriate treatment to provide quick relief and lasting effects. Know your allergies today by booking an appointment. Click on this link to talk to our expert allergists.