Mushroom allergies are often linked to mold allergies, which are fairly common. As members of the fungus family, mushrooms and mold can trigger similar symptoms, including skin rashes and irritations. You may have a reaction after inhaling tiny airborne mold spores, eating or even just touching a mushroom. If you suspect you’re allergic, consult your doctor. There is no cure, but your doctor can prescribe medicine to treat the symptoms.
Causes
If you're allergic to mold and mushrooms, your body overreacts to the spores and produces antibodies, which trigger the release of histamine. This cause a skin rash and other symptoms. You should also avoid eating yeast, cheese, dried fruit and pickled products, and check all foods carefully for signs of mold. You're more likely to develop a mold allergy if you have close family members with one. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America also reports they are more common in people in certain professions, such as farmers, bakers, dairy and mill workers.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include hives, a red bumping of the skin, eczema and general itching. They usually occur soon after eating mushrooms. A rash often develops on the face or around the mouth, but it can be anywhere on your body. If you get a rash where you touched the mushroom, this is known as allergic contact dermatitis. Other symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.
Tests And Diagnosis
If you suspect your skin rash is caused by mushrooms, or another allergy, talk to your doctor. Be prepared to describe your symptoms and keep a food diary, noting any adverse reactions. You may be asked to take a skin test, where the skin is pricked allowing a tiny amount of allergen below the surface. If you’re allergic, a rash will develop.
Treatment
You can treat a rash by taking oral antihistamines, which help stop the itching by blocking histamine which causes inflammation. Corticosteroid skin creams, such as hydrocortisone, can relieve allergic skin reactions. You can buy low-strength creams without a prescription, or your doctor may prescribe a stronger one. Use them relatively sparingly, since overuse can cause thinning of the skin or easy bruising. Of course the best way to prevent a rash is to avoid contact with mushrooms, mold and other triggers as much as possible.
