Allergies: Salicylate allergy

Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in plants. They are a major ingredient of aspirin and other pain-relieving medications. They are also found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as many common health and beauty products.

What are the symptoms?

Some people have a low level of tolerance to salicylates and may have reactions if more than a small amount is consumed at one time. Symptoms of salicylate sensitivity vary but may include:

Asthma-like symptoms, such as trouble breathing, and wheezing

Headaches

Nasal congestion

Changes in skin colour

Itching, skin rash or hives

Swelling of the hands, feet and face

Stomach pain

In severe cases, salicylate sensitivity can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction involving a severe drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and organ system failure. Avoiding products that contain salicylates is the best defence against a reaction.

Salicylates can be found in food, medication and cosmetics. Some examples of salicylate-containing substances include:

Foods that contain salicylates

Products that may contain salicylates

Salicylate-containing ingredients

Fruits such as apples, avocados, blueberries, dates, kiwi fruit, peaches, raspberries, figs, grapes, plums, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit and prunes

Vegetables such as alfalfa sprouts, cauliflower, cucumbers, mushrooms, radishes, broad beans, aubergine, spinach, courgettes, broccoli and hot peppers

Some cheeses

Herbs, spices and condiments, such as dry spices and powders, tomato pastes and sauces, vinegar, and soy sauce, jams and jellies

Beverages such as coffee, wine, beer, orange juice, apple cider, Indian and herbal teas, rum and sherry

Nuts, such as pine nuts, peanuts, pistachios and almonds

Some sweets, such as peppermints, liquorice and mint-flavoured gum, and breath mints

Ice cream, gelatine

Fragrances and perfumes

Shampoos and conditioners

Herbal remedies

Cosmetics such as lipsticks, lotions and skin cleansers

Mouthwash and mint-flavoured toothpaste

Shaving cream

Sunscreens or tanning lotions

Muscle-pain creams

Antacids

Aspirin

Acetylsalicylic acid

Artificial food colouring and flavouring

Benzoates

Beta hydroxy acid

Magnesium salicylate

Menthol

Mint

Salicylic acid

Peppermint

Phenylethyl salicylate

Sodium salicylate

Spearmint