Red pepper can trigger a skin rash in some individuals. The red pepper might refer to any form of capsicums ranging from the mild variants that are eaten cooked or raw and the chili peppers that are used as a spice.
Am I allergic to red pepper?
Allergies are a response of the body to a substance that it perceives as a threat. It is important to note that red peppers contain proteins such as profilin, osmotin and Bet v 1 depending on the type. A wide array of red peppers includes most of these 3 proteins which are known allergens.
Aside from a skin rash, red peppers have been reported to cause airway constriction which makes it hard to breathe.
Why irritation occurs?
The compound present in red pepper that makes some of them hot is capsaicin. It is vital to note that capsaicin is also utilized as a topical analgesic due to its numbing qualities.
Whether applying the cream or rubbing red pepper against the skin, capsaicin can cause irritation that results to a skin rash or inflammation.
Should I undergo testing?
Various allergies can trigger the breakout of a skin rash. If an individual is suspected with an allergy, a doctor should be consulted. The doctor might perform tests including a skin prick test or serum immunoglobulin E tests to distinguish the specific allergy.
Remember that red peppers are often utilized as an ingredient in various dishes. This is the reason why it is difficult to pinpoint the root of the reaction.