Preservatives occasionally cause contact allergic dermatitis. Preservative allergy is more common in women than in men. It results in dermatitis in areas exposed to the responsible chemical.
How do you tell if you are allergic to preservatives?
Possible Reactions
- Skin reations: Hives (uticaria), angiodema, atopic dermatitis, sweating, itching, flushing.
- Gastrointestinal (digestive) reactions: Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea.
- Respiratory reactions include: Asthma symptoms, cough, rhinitis (stuffy nose), anaphylaxis.
Can you be allergic to a preservative?
So actually, preservatives perform a very necessary function in keeping our food supply safe. It is unfortunate that some individuals are allergic or sensitive to these compounds. Preservatives such as sugar, table salt and vinegar have been used for thousands of years and generally don't cause negative reactions.
