Spinach allergy! Anyone else?

[pinkism]

Gave my 8mo DS spinach for the first time yesterday, he picked it up and chucked it on the floor after maybe a lick. He got hives within a few minutes. Thought it might have been the new veg oil I had used to cook the turkey mince in (rapeseed oil) so did a patch test, oil on one arm and spinach on the other. Spinach came up red and angry lumps. Didnt believe it so put some on his back and sure enough it reacted. Gave piriton as soon as he got the first reaction and has been fine.

Does anyone else have this allergy and is it linked to anything else?
So far we have CMP, eggs, sesame and now spinach plus mild oral allergy to tomato and citrus. Havent had tests yet, just given pepti-J by consultant and avoiding eggs/sesame/nuts. Waiting for dietician too.

[Buntybear]

I have not heard of a spinach allergy before 

I notice you are in the UK - have you also been told they can have skin tests before 1 year old??

[deb]

Wow, that's a first for me - never heard of a spinach allergy before, although the other things in the list I have heard of before. I hope you're able to get to a dietician AND an allergist!

[pinkism]

thanks for the replies, thought it was an unusual one!
Bunty they haven't offered a skin test as all his reaction have been really obvious, he gets urticaria almost immediately and I've been doing my own basic skin testing on his inner elbows. He will be reviewed at 12months and then consider our options because apparently it wouldn't change his management. I'm supposed to test new foods really carefully but didn't really consider spinach as i think he's had it in baby food- the ellas kitchen organic pouches. Although this was just steamed so maybe it's the process??

[deb]

I know there's a difference between cooked and raw spinach, but not sure that there'd be a difference in how it's cooked, like boiled or steamed. Hmmm.....

Found this: http://www.livestrong.com/article/128076-spinach-allergies/

Here's some more with specific info: http://www.allallergy.net/fapaidfind.cfm?cdeoc=1461

[pinkism]

It was pretty well done, like mush cos I forgot about it whilst removing him from the fireplace 

[Gypsymom]

According to my guide, spinach, tomato, and raw celery are all very allergenic.

[ireneee]

Hi there,

I wonder if it might be the natural histamine in spinach?

I know tomatos have quite a high amount of histamine and some ppl react by a red reaction, not quite hives but kind of sore looking, IYKWIM. My OH used to react to tomatos as a kid and got red cheeks. LO used to get red bits around her mouth but seems to be fine now. It also happened with some Chinese veg (not sure of English name) but my mum grows it in the garden and although she cooked it in just plain water, LO got red patches around mouth which made me think it was the histamine in her case.

I don't have a lot of info about this kind of reaction but you could ask the allergist?
They might be able to give you more info...

Hope this helps!
Irene

[pinkism]

Thanks, just going to avoid it until his next appointment! got another reaction today, he was eating all familiar foods but I had mustard on mine and touched his food. doh. Wasn't planning on giving him mustard anytime soon anyway.

[Buntybear]

Gosh he is a sensitive little thing. Bless.

[pinkism]

I know, I've stopped talking about it in public because I sound like I'm just a neurotic mother.

[~*Nicole*~]

My DD is allergic to raw celery. Someone one each side of the family had this allergy.

[15milner]

My sister has to avoid most raw fruit and veg, oh of course and nuts (except Brazils and I think cashews?)

There are only a handful of fruit that she can eat without cooking.  Mango, banana, grapes, raspberries and citrus.  Strangely, once cooked she can eat apples, strawberries, raspberries etc.  She needs vegetables cooked till pretty soggy - if al dente then she could be in trouble with an anaphalactic type reaction

The only one she can't do raw or cooked - celery.  I think she avoided parsley too.