The Unusual Suspects: Five Odd Allergens

Many of you are allergic to pet dander, pollen, and dust, but just imagine being allergic to one these allergens…

Indystar.com reports that sunlight, cockroaches, cereal, stuffed animals, and even people can trigger allergies.

Sunlight causes ‘polymorphous light eruption’ in approximately 10 to 15 percent of Americans. Women are afflicted more often than men, and symptoms include an itch skin rash. Similarly, a photoallergic eruption can occur when sunlight hits a chemicals that's been applied, like sunscreen, perfume, or ointment. Some medicines also increases sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of photoallergic eruption.

Cockroaches produce potent allergens and may cause severe asthma attacks. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) states that between 23 and 60 percent of urban asthma sufferers are sensitive to cockroach allergens.

Cereal contains grains like wheat, barley, and rice with proteins that may cause allergies.

Baby Gund Tutti-Frutti DuckStuffed animals often contain materials thought to cause allergies, but more often than not, the true culprit is mold or dust mites living in the toy. Purchase only stuffed animals that can withstand frequent washings in hot water to avoid this problem.

People can cause allergic reactions, too! A small number of women are allergic to proteins in semen, and some people are sensitive to cologne, perfume, lotion, makeup, laundry detergent, or similar products on other people.

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