Tomato Allergies: Rare but Serious, Here's How to Cope
Tomato allergies, despite their widespread consumption, are remarkably rare. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allergologie und klinische Immunologie (DGAKI) and other organisations inform and sensitise about food allergies, including tomatoes. Avoidance is the primary treatment, but antihistamines and topical steroids can also be used.
Symptoms of a tomato allergy typically appear soon after consuming the allergen and can include skin rash, eczema, hives, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching in the throat, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat, and rarely anaphylaxis. People with a tomato allergy may also react to latex, a condition known as latex-fruit syndrome. A tomato allergy is a type 1 hypersensitivity, commonly referred to as a contact allergy.
The best treatment is avoidance, but alternative recipes can help. Bechamel, Japanese-style pasta sauce, and Alfredo sauce can all be made without tomatoes. These alternatives use ingredients like chicken or vegetable broth, butter, half and half, flour, onion, salt, white pepper, thyme, cayenne pepper, carrots, beets, celery, bay leaves, miso, garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, arrowroot, heavy whipping cream, cheese, and egg yolk. People with a tomato allergy may also react to other nightshades like potatoes, tobacco, and eggplant. Eczema, while not common in food allergies, can be irritated by tomatoes.
Tomato allergies, though uncommon, can cause a range of symptoms. Avoidance is key, but alternative recipes can help. While no single organisation centrally promotes tomato-free recipes, online communities, blogs, and experts share these alternatives. If you suspect a tomato allergy, consult a healthcare provider for a skin prick test or blood test to confirm the allergy.
