Is it possible to be allergic to coconut oil

A tree nut allergy isn't necessarily related to a coconut allergy. Chances are higher of developing an allergy to touching things that contain coconut oil than developing an allergy to eating things with coconut oil in them. In both cases, your body is reacting to certain proteins it thinks are harmful. Your immune system responds by releasing an antibody called immunoglobulin E, and it tries to fight off the "dangerous" coconut invaders.

When it comes to a food allergy to coconut oil, your likely symptoms are itching, hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing and swelling in your lips and tongue. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Coconut allergy is very rare with only a few reported cases in the medical literature. If you are allergic to tree nuts, talk to your allergist before adding coconut to your diet.

Coconut is the seed of the coconut palm tree found in the tropics. In Europe, the coconut does not appear on the list of tree nuts that must always be labeled on food packages.

In the U. Although coconut allergy is rare, food allergy symptoms associated with a coconut allergy may occur after drinking or eating foods made with coconut in those who are allergic.

Severe reactions, called anaphylaxis, may occur in coconut allergy and affect multiple organ systems. However, anaphylaxis to coconut is extremely rare. Contact allergic dermatitis to coconut is more common than a full-blown allergic reaction.

This occurs due to the presence of coconut-derived products such as:. These can be found in personal-care products such as shampoos, moisturizers, soaps, cleansers and hand washing liquids. An itchy blistering rash may develop a day or two after contact with the coconut allergen, and take several days to resolve.

If you suspect contact dermatitis due to coconut, contact your healthcare provider for proper testing. Botanically, coconuts are most closely related to other palm and betel nuts. While botanical relationships aren't the only factors that determine whether two foods will be cross-reactive, close biological relatives often share related allergenic proteins. For example, cashews and pistachios are closely related and contain similar proteins.

However, the botanical distance between coconuts and tree nuts suggests that most people with tree nut allergy are likely to tolerate coconut. This suggests that the risk of coconut allergy in a person known to be allergic to peanut or tree nuts is very low. Therefore allergy testing to coconut is not considered as routine. Coconut-derived products such as coconut diethanolamide, cocamide sulfate, cocamide DEA, and CDEA , can cause contact allergic dermatitis. These can be present in cosmetics, hair shampoos, moisturisers, soaps, cleansers and hand wash.

As with any contact dermatitis, an itchy blistering rash may arise a day or two after contact with the allergen, and take several days to resolve.

If contact dermatitis to coconut products is suspected, then patch testing is an appropriate method for diagnosis. ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. Information for the community about allergic diseases, immunodeficiencies and other immune diseases. See latest edition here Join our mailing list:. Read more The content provided is for education, communication and information purposes only and is not intended to replace or constitute medical advice or treatments.

ASCIA respects your privacy. Read our privacy policy here With respect to allergies, persistent use of coconut oil on the face has been linked to an increase in contact dermatitis, which is a form of allergic dermatitis. I have had a number of patients in my practice who have experienced severe facial rash after long term coconut oil use. Coconut oil is known to contain skin soothers like vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and lauric acid, which is a fatty acid that has been shown to have anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, it can also cause irritation, and I personally think you are better off with products that have been tested and proven safe for treating skin irritation. When is it ok to use coconut oil for personal care? If you have dry hair, applying coconut oil as a hair mask will help to increase moisture and shine.