There are cases of safflower oil allergy known.The oil is widely used for cooking, for skin and hair care and as a laxative. According to Drug Information Online, safflower oil can be allergic and causes an allergic reaction. Most symptoms appear immediately after consuming oil or after an hour. In case of adverse reactions caused by ingesting or application of safflower oil stop using it and consult a doctor.
Safflower oil allergy
The reason of safflower oil allergy is an overreaction of the immune system. It recognizes the oil as a harmful substance and tries to ward it off. The immune system defends itself and creates antibodies. The antibodies give signals to cells to produce histamine. It is histamine that induces inflammation in the body’s soft tissues and causes symptoms of allergy. The situation with canola oil allergy is the same.
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The main symptom safflower oil allergy causes is rhinitis. It includes sneezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, eye irritation and sinus headaches. Allergic reactions can be in the form of skin rashes, eczema or hives. The skin becomes inflamed and itchy. If scratches hurt the skin, it becomes vulnerable and sometimes secondary skin infections join allergic ones. The severe form of safflower oil allergy is asthmatic reactions, when people feel shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Read also about sunflower oil allergy symptoms.
Tests
There are allergy tests available to diagnose and confirm an allergy to safflower. You may undergo skin or blood testing to diagnose this allergy. During the skin tests several drops of safflower oil are placed on the skin scratches to see if the oil induces an adverse reaction. The blood tests let find out if there are a large amount of IgE antibodies to safflower in the blood.
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Is there any treatment available?
According to MedlinePlus, the most efficient treatment available for the safflower oil allergy is identification of this allergy presence and avoiding safflower use. The allergic symptoms are usually treated with antihistamines. Decongestants may lessen rhinitis symptoms. Moisturizing creams are used to hydrate dry and itchy skin. In case of strong skin rashes corticosteroid or hydrocortisone creams are applied. Consult your doctor before using these creams because they have a lot of side effects.