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Do you know you can be allergic to sun or water? Yes, you have read that right; some people have allergic reactions towards uncommon things, and we will learn in detail about them in this write-up. Allergies are widespread and affect millions of people across the world. These allergies occur due to an overactive immune response, and the immune system mistakenly recognizes allergens as a potential threat and releases antibodies against them. Some of the common allergens are pollen, dust, and some food items. In this article, we will explore the top 5 rarest allergies to expand your knowledge base so that you can take measures to avoid and treat these allergens.
What are Rare Allergies?
Rare allergies are the ones in which some individuals exhibit an increased sensitivity towards the things that are encountered on a daily basis, such as sun or water. Let’s understand more about the top 5 rare allergies in the world.
1. Aquagenic Urticaria (Water Allergy)
One of the rarest types of allergy is aquagenic urticaria or water allergy. In this condition, the person develops red, itchy, and painful hives when the skin gets exposed to water. The condition is not dependent on the temperature of the water, and it really deteriorates the quality of life of the patient as it becomes challenging to avoid exposure to water.
2. Photosensitivity (Sun Allergy)
The next type of rarest allergy is photosensitivity, which is also referred to as sun allergy. In this condition, the person develops redness, swelling, and painful hives when the skin gets exposed to the sun. Some areas are the most common sites of sun allergy, like “V” of the neck or suprasternal notch, hands, outer surface of lower legs, and outside of arms.
The allergic reaction is produced as the mast cells present in the skin secrete histamine. People who are sensitive to sunlight should limit their sun exposure, especially for longer durations, wear covered clothes, and use sunscreen lotions before stepping outside.
3. Cold Urticaria (Allergy to the Cold)
It is also a rare form of allergy in which the hives develop on the skin after the skin gets exposed to cold temperatures. The individual who is sensitive to cold develops an allergic reaction on exposure to cold air, cold water, and even after consumption of cold items like ice cream or cold beverages.
The symptoms of this condition range from redness and itching to more severe symptoms that involve inflammation and anaphylactic reactions. The affected person must avoid exposure to cold air and consumption of cold items.
4. Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis is also one of the rarest forms of allergy that is triggered by any physical activity. This is an uncommon condition, and the symptoms include hives, angioedema, difficulty in breathing, nausea, swelling on the face, and, in severe cases, low blood pressure, which can lead to unconsciousness or shock. This allergic condition can occur due to any physical activity, and the severity of the allergy depends on different individuals. If a severe reaction has occurred, then immediate emergency interventions are needed.
5. Cholinergic Urticaria (Sweat Allergy)
Sweat allergy is also a rare form of allergy in which the body’s defense mechanism is triggered by exposure to sweat, and there is a rapid development of heat bumps or small round, itchy papules that occur on the skin as soon as the body temperature is elevated. These bumps usually go away within a few hours. This allergy also impairs the quality of life of the affected individual as the person is unable to engage in intense sports activity or any physical workout.
How can Ayurveda Treat Rare Types of Allergies?
We have learned about the top 5 rarest allergies; fortunately, Ayurveda has an answer for even the rarest types of diseases. The reason behind Ayurveda’s powerful legacy is a strong foundation that lays on the balance of doshas and the elimination of harmful toxins from the body through detoxification methods.
With Ayurvedic principles, these rarest types of allergies can also be effectively managed. The common principle is to understand the balance of the doshas and to interpret the individual’s unique body constitution. With this information, a personalized treatment strategy can be formulated that involves internal herbal medications, external purification therapies or panchakarma, and external application of herbal pastes and other medicines.
If you or your loved one suffers from any rarest type of allergy or common allergy, you can contact IAFA’s diligent team of doctors, Dr. Sahil Gupta. IAFA is one of the most trustworthy and committed institutions to improving the world through its original and holistic approach. Dr. Gupta’s team treats all types of allergies using 100% natural and herbal products.
References
ENT, B. (2023, September 7). What Is The Rarest Allergy? | Philadelphia, PA. Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy. https://www.beckerentandallergy.com/blog/rarest-allergies
