Is Balsam of Peru a common allergy?

A number of surveys have identified Balsam of Peru as being in the ‘top five’ allergens most commonly causing patch test reactions in people referred to dermatology. It is a marker for allergy to perfumed products.

What common products contain Balsam of Peru?

Foods containing Balsam of Peru include products containing citrus peel (marmalade, baked goods, juice), products flavored with essences (baked goods, candy, chewing gum), ice cream, some nonalcoholic beverages, and products made with cinnamon, cloves, or vanilla.

How many people are allergic to Balsam of Peru?

Allergy. A number of national and international surveys have identified balsam of Peru as being in the “top five” allergens most commonly causing patch test reactions in people referred to dermatology clinics. A study in 2001 found that 3.8% of the general population patch tested was allergic to it.

What causes Balsam of Peru allergy?

What foods can trigger systemic contact dermatitis? There are several food triggers of SCD. These include foods that contain nickel, processed foods that contain propylene glycol, and foods that are related to balsam of Peru, which is a type of fragrance additive.

Can you be allergic to balsam?

Typical allergic contact dermatitis reactions may occur in individuals allergic to Balsam of Peru or any other chemically related substances. A flare-up of hand eczema is common in sensitive individuals if they use or consume products containing Balsam of Peru or related allergens.

What can you not eat with a Balsam of Peru allergy?

It most commonly causes a contact dermatitis; highly allergic individuals may suffer adverse reactions after consuming foods containing Balsam of Peru including soreness of the tongue and mouth. Implicated foods include spices, citrus fruit peel, baked goods, aperitifs, benzoic acid and related preservatives.

Can balsam cause an allergy?

Allergic Reactions of Balsam of Peru Balsam of Peru is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, which occurs when an allergen causes an immune reaction in the skin it has come into contact with. When this occurs, a person may experience the following symptoms: Red, sore, itchy skin. Swelling and blisters.

Does balsamic vinegar contain Balsam of Peru?

Balsamic vinegar contains no balsam or balsa.

Are people allergic to balsam?

Does benzyl alcohol contain Balsam of Peru?

Benzyl alcohol is found in many naturally occurring plant products such as Balsam of Peru and is also a component of essential oils such as hyacinth, jasmine, and ylang ylang oils.

How do you avoid Balsam of Peru?

People with Balsam of Peru allergy are advised to avoid any contact with items that contain the substance or any related substances, which means using fragrance-free or unscented items.

What foods do not contain Balsam of Peru?

Balsam of Peru Avoidance Diet An avoidance diet includes excluding foods containing BofP constituents like cinnamates, vanillin, benzoic acid, and eugenol. Balsam of Peru chemical constituents are found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, spices, condiments, sweets, and liquor.