From the Guidelines
Mango allergy is a cell-mediated allergic reaction that may be triggered by contact with chemical moieties in the fruit, such as oleoresins, causing perioral dermatitis or other skin reactions [ 1 ].
Key Characteristics
- The reaction is initiated by contact with the allergen, which can be found in the skin or sap of the mango
- Patch testing may be used to diagnose the allergy, with positive reactions assessed 48 to 72 hours after application of the suspected allergen to a healthy area of the skin [ 1 ]
- A detailed medical history is essential in diagnosing mango allergy, including the absence of symptoms while the causative food is avoided
Treatment and Management
- Treatment typically involves topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines to relieve symptoms, although the specific treatment may vary depending on the severity of the reaction [ 1 ]
- In severe cases, a short course of oral prednisone may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent long-term skin damage
- It is essential to distinguish between irritant reactions and true allergic reactions to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment [ 1 ]
From the Research
Definition and Symptoms of Mango Allergy
- Mango allergy is a rare condition that can cause an allergic reaction, ranging from mild to severe symptoms, after consuming or coming into contact with mango fruit 2, 3, 4.
- The most common clinical manifestation of mango allergy is contact dermatitis, which can be localized or systemic, and is often characterized by erythematous and pruritic skin lesions 2, 5.
- Other symptoms of mango allergy may include urticaria, facial edema, stomach pain, watery diarrhea, and anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction 3, 4.
Causes and Triggers of Mango Allergy
- The exact causes of mango allergy are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the presence of certain allergens, such as alk(en)yl catechols and/or alk(en)yl resorcinols, in the fruit 2, 6.
- Cross-reactions between mango and other allergens, such as urushiol (found in poison ivy and oak), mugwort, and birch tree profiling, may also contribute to the development of mango allergy 6, 4.
- In some cases, mango allergy may be triggered by the consumption of other foods that contain similar allergens, such as pear, apple, and peach 4.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Mango Allergy
- Diagnosis of mango allergy typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as patch testing and skin prick tests 2, 5, 3.
- Treatment of mango allergy usually involves avoiding exposure to the allergen and managing symptoms with medications, such as topical steroids, antihistamines, and adrenaline autosyringes 5, 3, 4.
- In severe cases of mango allergy, an elimination diet and emergency medical treatment may be necessary to prevent anaphylaxis and other life-threatening reactions 4.