The skin (rind) of the mango contains urushiol, so exposure can result in a contact allergic dermatitis similar to that seen with poison ivy, poison oak, Rhus sap (lacquer) and related plants.
Plant: Mangifera indica
Allergen: urushiol [alk(en)yl-catechols, such as 3-n-pentadecyl-catechol]
People at risk:
(1) history of sensitivity to poison ivy, poison oak or lacquer
(2) history of allergy to mango
Distribution of the allergic reaction:
(1) skin of hands - if unpeeled mangos are picked or handled
(2) perioral dermatitis or cheilitis (inflammation of the lips) - if the teeth are used to peel the skin (rind) off the fruit
The rash may be:
(1) urticarial
(2) pruritic
(3) eczematous
In theory swallowing the skin should cause an allergic gastroenteritis in a sensitized individual as well as a systemic allergic dermatitis.
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