Fig Allergy Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Figs are a delicious and nutritious fruit. But for some, this sweet summer snack may cause a reaction if you have a fig allergy.

Here's everything you need to know about allergic reactions to figs, including what causes them and how to treat them.

Despite their health benefits, it's possible to be allergic to figs. Here's the breakdown of how the fruit (and it's tree) can cause an allergic reaction and why:

Though figs aren't one of the major food allergens (i.e., it's not a common allergy), it's certainly possible to be allergic to the fruit itself.

Food allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a certain food (or an ingredient in the food) and releases chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It's more common to have an allergy to fig leaves and the root sap of fig trees, according to January 2019 research in the ‌Indian Journal of Dermatology‌. This can include house plants like the weeping fig.

This type of allergy usually causes skin reactions (more on that in a moment).

Sometimes figs aren't to blame for your fig allergy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with a latex allergy are more likely to have an allergic reaction to certain fruits, including figs.

Other foods to avoid if you have a latex allergy include the following, per the Cleveland Clinic:

• Fruits like apples, bananas, avocados, peaches, nectarines, kiwi, melon, papayas and tomatoes
• Vegetables like potatoes, celery and carrots
• Chestnuts

If you're allergic (or suspect you're allergic) to figs, watch out for the following symptoms when you eat or come in contact with them, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Tingly or itchy mouth
• Skin rashes like hives or eczema
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat
• Congestion
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Digestive symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting

You may experience similar symptoms if you have a latex allergy and react to figs, per the Cleveland Clinic.

On the other hand, if you're allergic to fig tree sap, you'll notice mostly skin-related symptoms, per the ‌Indian Journal of Dermatology‌ research. They usually crop up about 24 hours after exposure, and may include:

• Burning sensation
• Pain
• Itchy, red rash
• Edema

If you regularly have an allergic reaction to figs, see your doctor so they can confirm this diagnosis and decide on the best line of treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic.

If you do indeed have a food allergy (or a latex allergy), your best bet is to avoid the fruit entirely.

If you're accidentally exposed, though, your doctor may recommend prescribed antihistamines, an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) or, in extreme cases, a trip to the emergency room, per the Mayo Clinic.

Similarly, your doctor can help you determine the best treatment for a fig tree allergy if you accidentally make contact with the sap. According to the ‌Indian Journal of Dermatology‌ research, this may include medication or bandaging of the affected area.

Figs share some common antigens with other related plants, so it's possible you may experience an allergic reaction to these fruits or their pollens.

In fact, cross allergies are a common feature of oral allergy syndrome — when your body's immune system confuses the proteins found in pollen with those found in fruits and vegetables, and causes an allergic reaction around the face and mouth, per the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

According to an older but still-relevant April 2010 study in ‌Clinical & Experimental Allergy‌ of 85 people with a birch pollen allergy, 78 percent experienced a reaction to fresh fig. A majority also reacted to these related allergens:

• Mulberry
• Jackfruit
• Hazelnut
• Rosaceae fruits like apples, pears and plums

However, larger studies need to be conducted to better establish this link.

As always, it's best to talk to your doctor about whether you should avoid other foods if you have a known fig allergy.

Like all fruits, figs are packed with good-for-you nutrients that make them a healthy snack (if you're not allergic to them).

Among the health benefits: Figs are fiber-rich (one large fig contains about 2 grams of fiber, per the USDA), which can aid in digestion and the breakdown of sugar in your body, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Plus, they provide essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium, per the American Heart Association.

And dried figs, in particular, contain phytochemicals (plant-based nutrients), and antioxidants, which can help improve your immune function and prevent certain diseases, per UCLA Health.

Figs are a healthy, sweet treat. Here's a breakdown of their nutrient content, per the USDA:

If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction after eating figs or any of the possible cross-allergens, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, dizziness or fainting, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate treatment.