Fig Allergies: 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 deal with it.

There are a number of reasons why you may 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, it's certainly possible that you can be allergic to figs.

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, though, to have an allergy to the leaf and root sap of the fig tree, according to January 2019 research in the ​Indian Journal of Dermatology​.

The sap contains compounds called furocoumarins, which can cause an irritating condition called phytophotodermatitis if they make contact with your skin (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 experience an allergic reaction from certain fruits, including figs.

If you have a food allergy to figs, you may experience the following symptoms, 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, visit 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.

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.