Can you be allergic to cinnamon

Cinnamon is not only used in food but also perfumes, cosmetics, and other beauty products. The Food and Drug Administration does not monitor cinnamon use, so it may be difficult to monitor your exposure if you’re allergic.

This article explains what a Cinnamon Allergy is and how it is diagnosed and treated.

What is a Cinnamon Allergy?

Most people have food allergies.

• Milk
• Fish
• Eggs
• Tree Nuts
• Crustacean Shellfish
• Peanuts
• Wheat
• Soybeans

Spice allergy accounts for about 2% of food allergies. Ingesting, inhaling, or touching cinnamon can cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic.

Symptoms of a food allergic include:

• Rash or hives
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath or coughing
• Lips, face, throat and tongue swelling
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Tingling or itching in the mouth

The symptoms can occur anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of hours after you come into contact with the allergen.

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction to allergens. Anaphylaxis symptoms can include swelling, rashes, and wheezing.

Anaphylaxis is treated with an epinephrine pen and urgent medical attention. Go to the nearest emergency room after administering the injection.

Cinnamon allergy can also be caused by other types of allergens

A common cause of an allergic reaction is ingestion of an allergen such as cinnamon. Different non-life-threatening allergic reactions may still need to be evaluated.

Contact Dermatitis

Cinnamon may cause a non-life-threatening rash called Contact Dermatitis. This is different from an allergy. Contact dermatitis is usually caused by the skin reacting to a substance.

Contact dermatitis symptoms are milder than true allergies. They usually present as a rash with peeling and itching, which looks like a sunburn. The best way to avoid this rash is by avoiding cinnamon and products containing cinnamon.

Contact dermatitis is likely caused by cinnamaldehyde, the chemical compound which gives cinnamon its smell and flavor. 1 In Europe, it is an allergen and must be listed on the ingredient list if present in a higher amount.

Contact dermatitis is difficult to diagnose because it can appear a few weeks after exposure to cinnamon-containing products.

Stomatitis

Stomatitis refers to inflammation of the lips or mouth. The symptoms include ulcers, pain, and peeling mucosa. You would normally have eaten cinnamon before without experiencing any reaction and then tried it again to develop this irritation.

You may not have realized that cinnamon is also in your toothpaste, gum, mouthwash, and other everyday products. The most common sources of stomatitis caused by cinnamon are toothpaste and gum.

OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can ease pain and inflammation caused by stomatitis. Mouth rinses and increased fluid intake are also helpful.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Canker sores.

Diagnosing Cinnamon Allergy

Your allergist may perform a Skin Test to diagnose a cinnamon allergy. This is a non-painful prick test performed on your back or arms. The skin test is performed by pricking your skin with a sterile probe containing a small amount of cinnamon extract.

Results are usually available within 15-30 minutes. A blood test is an alternative if the cinnamon extract isn’t available. However, skin testing is preferred.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Food allergies testing and diagnosis.

You are probably allergic to cinnamon if you’ve had a reaction before and have a positive test. Your allergist will prescribe an epinephrine syringe and explain how to use it.

Contact dermatitis and stomatitis are different from food allergies. If you have a rash similar to sunburn, a test will be most helpful. A patch test can also help determine what allergen is causing your stomatitis.

Manage Your Cinnamon Allergy

Cinnamon can be hard to avoid due to the lack of regulations regarding accurate labeling of fragrances and spices. Be vigilant about your diet and products, and let your family and close friends know if you have an allergic reaction.

Please read the labels of your food to know exactly what’s in it. Cinnamon may be in a blend of five spices. Tell your waiter about your allergy when dining out, and carry an epinephrine syringe with you.

Avoid topical products that contain cinnamon if you suffer from contact dermatitis. Your allergist will be able to recommend a skincare regimen that is right for you. Topical steroids (such as tacrolimus) or other creams can reduce inflammation. Antihistamines will help to relieve the itching that is associated with the rash.