Flaxseed allergies may be becoming more prevalent, according to a press release from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). Experts explained that the use of flaxseed has increased because of its perceived health benefits—appearing more often as a food substitute or an ingredient in paint. Two medically challenging cases presented at the ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting have demonstrated that ingesting or coming into contact with flaxseed-containing products may lead to allergic reactions, including dermatologic reactions.
In the first case, presented by de Almeida et al, an 18-month-old patient experienced a rash after consuming a packet of oatmeal with premixed flaxseeds. After conducting a skin prick test, physicians determined that the patient had a flaxseed allergy. In the second case, presented by Harris et al, a patient experienced a recurring rash on the hands as a result of using oil paints comprised of linseed- and flaxseed-based oil. Following patch testing, physicians found that the patient had severe contact dermatitis triggered by the flaxseed-containing products.