After years of dealing with severe eczema on my face, neck and hands, I was recently was diagnosed by my dermatologist with a Balsam of Peru allergy. What exactly is this said allergy? Well, according to a quick web search and confirmed by my doctor, Balsam of Peru is defined as, "Balsam of Peru is a sticky aromatic liquid that comes from cutting the bark of the tree Myroxolon balsamum, a tree that is native to El Salvador."
Basically, Balsam of Peru is a flavoring/fragrance added to foods, cleaning supplies, scented candles, oils, etc. to give it it's flavoring and scent. Balsam of Peru is sneaky because it goes by many different names and can be found in just about EVERYTHING! Balsam of Peru can be listed in the ingredients column as follows:
Eugenol and isoeugenol
Component of essential oils obtained from spices including cloves and cinnamon leaf. It smells and tastes like cloves. It is also found in pimento, nutmeg, camphor, roses, carnations, hyacinths and violets.
Benzoin, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol
Rosin (colophony)
Citrus fruit peel
Tiger balm (Chinese proprietary ointment)
Vanilla
Balsam of Tolu
On the no-no list of things to eat while trying to eliminate Balsam of Peru from one's diet:
-Products containing citrus (including oranges, grapefruit, mandarin oranges, jams, juices and bakery goods)
-Flavoring agents such as those found in Danish pastries or other bakery goods, candy and chewing gm.
-Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, curry, allspice, anise and ginger.
-Spicy condiments such as ketchup, chili sauce, BBQ sauce.
-Pickles and pickled veggies
-Wine, beer, gin and vermouth
-Perfumed or flavored tea
-Chocolate
-Cough medicines and lozenges
-Ice cream
-Cola
-Chili, pizza, Italian and Mexican foods with red sauces
-Tomatoes and tomato-containing products.
In addition to topical medicines, I must cut out any Balsam of Peru containing food and severely limit my contact with any product containing Balsam of Peru in order to get my skin back to feeling normal. Living with severe eczema like mine gives a whole new meaning to not being comfortable in one's own skin!
It's hard to eat when EVERYTHING seems to be off limits! So, all of that being said, what is left for a girl to eat??!
Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteYour post is very interesting to me because I was just told after a patch test that I am allergic to colophony. Before I was diagnosed I was convinced that my hand eczema (contact dermatitis) was due to a citrus allergy. After reading your post I am wondering if I might also be allergic to balsam of peru. How is Balsam of Peru related to tomatoes? I recently found out that citrus fruits are coated in colophony and that is why I must avoid citrus. I'm going to try omitting the things you listed above and see if that makes a difference. Thanks for posting. I hope you still look at this from time to time. If you could send me an e-mail i'd appreciate any advice you might give. Thanks, Sally sallyerroa@gmail.com
I'm replying to a 5.5 year old comment here, but just in case anyone else Googling about BoP allergy comes across this and wonders the same thing...chocolate, tomato, soy bean, avocado, peaches, plums, berries, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and so much more DO have something in common with balsam of Peru. They are naturally high in benzoate. So someone with a BoP allergy is probably actually sensitive to benzoate and not just BoP. Benzoate occurs naturally in many things, including BoP and all the foods I've listed, but it is also a common food additive. Avoid anything with a -benz ingredient (except Mercedes Benz). All artificial flavorings, flavor enhancers, and colorings made from Balsam of Peru must be avoided. Soy sauce, miso, soy beans, tofu, soy protein, and other soy derivatives should be avoided...it's a not bc of an anaphylactic reaction like kids with a soy allergy...it's the cutaneous eczematic reaction that follows. I'm interested to know if people who test positive for BoP are sensitive to soy bc of the benzoate connection. My daughter has a completely different immuno reaction to benzoate...she has an orolabial granulomatous reaction...AND she has to avoid all benzoate-ish things including soy and BoP. So it makes me wonder if people who test positive to BoP cutaneous allergy would benefit from avoiding all benzoate stuff.
DeleteI’ve been patch tested for BoP. I’m very sensitive to tomato based products, sodas, and any frangrance but I’m not sensitive to soy. I’ve tried some soy sense being tested but I’ve never had an issue. But everyone with this allergy will be more sensitive to different things than others.
DeleteMy daughter did not test positive for soy (blood or patch) but the diet for her autoimmune condition, orofacial granulomatosis, recommends avoiding soy bc it is naturally high in benzoate. She does not appear to react (redness around mouth and lip swelling) to soy bean oil or soy lecithin, which is in so many US products. She definitely reacts to soy sauce but I am not sure if that is because they soy sauce she was exposed to contained the additive sodium benzoate (which she def. reacts to) or because it is soy. I've been afraid to try a more natural sodium benzoate free soy sauce with her, or let her try tofu. Her oral immune reaction is not the same allergic reaction that causes dermatitis, so I don't know what to make of it all.
Deleteluckyfatima-thank you so much for your posts. I patch tested positive for benzyl alcohol among other things and have worked to get topical products containing it out of my life but I didn't realize all those foods contained it as well! May be the reason my eczema continues.
DeleteHello viewer’s
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DeleteDoes anyone know where I can get a list of what products contain Balsam of Peru. I just discovered I have a contact allergy. I need your help.
DeleteForgot to add my email address fplegalsolutions@gmMAIL.COM
DeleteYou’ll find a lot of helpful information here. Including foods to avoid and safe foods to eat. https://www.dermatitisacademy.com/bop-diet/#toggle-id-8
DeleteHi, I have horrific eczema (all my life), and many different allergies. I just was found by an allergist to be allergic to Balsam Peru as well. I'm trying to understand how and why the spices you mentioned (cinnamon, cloves, anise, ginger) as well as tomatoes and chocolate could be included in the "what to avoid" list. What if the above items are organic and unadulterated (ie, organic cinnamon or nutmeg, where the container states just "organic nutmeg" or "organic cinnamon")? Thanks!
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DeleteI too have the BoP allergy, diagnosed six years ago following patch tests. It all kicked off after treatment for scabies (which I actually didn’t have) and the resulting treatment, with a cream containing BoP. According to the Dermatologist, it was this exposure over a two week period which started this whole thing off.
DeleteI cook all my meals from scratch……it’s the only way to be sure you aren’t eating something which will trigger an outbreak of dermatitis, which will then take weeks to get under control.
Shopping for food is a nightmare and the list of things I can eat is decreasing. I recently discovered that Asparagus is now on my list, having researched on Google.
With the upcoming season of preparing for Christmas, I get frustrated, no Christmas pudding or mince pies for me, everything is just plain and simple…….no spices whatsoever. Eating out with friends is a nightmare, to the point that I now don’t, unless the restaurant can be sure I have a choice that will not cause me significant problems.
I would love to eat all the foods on my no no list……..tomatoes, peppers , marmalade, oranges and lemons and shop bought things like coleslaw, which for some reason contains a spice and sausages, which in my previous life would have made a quick meal, are now made with a spice.
If I allowed it, I could become very depressed and I can’t even indulge in chocolate to make myself feel better. Life with BoP is the pits.
I was told on Monday (today is Friday) that I am allergic to Balsam of Peru. The problem is that I have no idea what to do. I was told to use trial and error and to do my best to figure out what to do about cosmetics and diet. I have always known that I am severally allergic to Pineapple and most citric fruit and even pecans and ketchup make my mouth itch and swell... so I just thought it was something random and I was weird. So how you I figure this out? How do I shop for food?? Do I carry around a list of names for balsam of Peru and check EVERY label as I go through the store or is there a list of products to avoid???? I need help!
ReplyDeleteHey Erin,
DeleteIt's all very confusing at first! But when you know what to look for it's pretty easy. I'm not surprised that ketchup has made your mouth itchy and swell - ketchup has spices in the ingredients! All spices, vanilla and citrus peel are your main culprits for an allergic reaction (I am surprised about the pecans).
So yes you need to check the ingredients label for everything you buy. It's really not as bad as it sounds. I make a lot of things from scratch now and buying basic ingredients is not a problem, mostly ready made foods that are the issue. Avoid anything and everything with 'flavourings' or 'natural flavourings' in the ingredients list. I have found this mostly means vanilla (or vanillin) which is one of the main allergens.
It's all good really, I hardly eat any processed foods anymore - very healthy! Anyway good luck with it all, I have just started a blog on the matter if you are interested where I will be posting advice, recipes, philosophies and bits of chemistry about Balsam of Peru - http://thespicelesslife.blogspot.co.uk/
Erin,
DeleteYes to all you said. When I was diagnosed I spent hours in the store. So what i did...i started with my basic needs. first, i looked at the ones i had at home (ingredients). eliminated the basic needs that contained the allergen...then went to the store to replace them. It is pretty overwhelming. I do carry the list with me because after 2 years I still have to refer to it and they come up with new names to call it...so you have to update the list periodically. it is such a evasive allergy. Eat no processed food. cook your own stuff. i find that once i got everything calmed down and eating right then i find once in a while i can eat a small amount of something. never citrus though.
Has following a balsam restricted diet helped your eczema? I have been diagnosed with the same allergy but my main symptoms are chronic puffy eyelids, which can be very itchy. I have found some conflicting information on the internet about what to avoid. Is apple cider vinegar okay as a topical application and to ingest? I am also unsure about whether I should be avoiding citric acid, as that is pretty much in everything including many cleansers and shampoos. If anyone has any advice I'd really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI am not happy to hear that your eyes are puffy-but it explains my puffy eyes-
DeleteHi, today I have been diagnosed with the same allergy. What I find strange, earlier this year I had blepharitus (inflammation of the eye lids) round my eye which caused men to have a big puffy eye. Seems strange others with the same allergy have similar symptoms. Could this be another effect of this allergy?????
DeleteYes, as Balsam of Peru is contained in cosmetics and medicines, as well as food.
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DeleteThankfully my doctor is part of the American contact dermatitis society and had me download the app and they had a couple codes I plugged in and it shows me what products I can safely use on my skin for my BoP and acrylate. I have been wanting to go more natural - I guess my body agrees. The doctor was explaining even nail polish or a soap use used to wash your dog -for examples if the product contains these items and you rub your eye even for just a moment could cause a breakout. So maybe something you don't use everyday is causing you the reactions. We have to carry everything we would use with us - sanitizer, hand soap, etc
DeleteCan you share the app you downloaded?
DeleteCarolyn,
Deletecan you please share the app
Hi sorry Carolyn when you asked in September I couldn't find my comment to add this on and forgot to go back when I had time. If you look it up on your phone apps it is ACDS camp . You have to have a special code provided by your dermatologist and it will then give you confirmed stuff you can use. Not all companies know about this program or the app so there may be other products you can still use. It is best to look up what allergies you have that may have other names -though not related here is an example. .. Dairy allergy you need to look out for whey. Personally I am allergic to Acyrlic - that is one that has so many other names. I had to research what all the other names are
DeleteIf it's any consolation (Iknow it won't be) I'm allergic to balsam of Peru, chromium, carba mis, thiuram mix and hayfever (grasses) so I'm basically allergic to life.
ReplyDeleteWith balsam of peru alone it is very difficult cos you naturally assume organic or all natural food is edible but for us it's a very different case, having said that however, so long as we avoid spices (especially cinamin), citric fruits and benzyl products we do ok. AT first you do have to carry around a list of chemicals/foods/spices/things you can't have but after a while your eyes just get used to seeing the names and you know what to put back onto the shelf (one of my allergies means a react to paper to had to laminate mine and looked like a right idiot! lol)
I found this websire the best for information http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/balsam-of-peru-allergy.html but unfortunately there is nothing that gives you a product list you can use or a foods list you can use so it really is down to us and websites like this to help each other out.
You might find that you react to some balsam of peru synonyms and not the others but I react to them all and I'm sure there are some I haven't found yet, lol! I'd put the list on here but don't want to scare anyone further. I've been living eith it since 2011 and still don't have all the answers... can tell you I found a shampoo "e45" shampoo is free from all of the synonyms like citric acid, benonates etc but if anyone on here can suggest a shower gel or toothpaste I could use it would be greatly appreciated :oD
I have balsam of peru and chromium allergy. I use "Free & Clear" shower products by Vanicream. The many shampoo, conditioner, hair spray and soap as well as lotion. I use baking soda to brush my teeth. I found a substitute but it tasted like soap! Baking soda doesn't really have a taste and it rinses well.
DeleteVanicream makes sunscreen too. I've used it and it's very good.
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DeleteI used the Vanicream products when I was first diagnosed but have since found products I like better. I use VMV shampoo and conditioners. There is also a company called Magick Botanicals that makes many hair care products. You can get that at Amazon. You have to go to www.dermstore.com for the VMV.
DeleteI love the Vanicream products
DeleteRegular Colgate tooth paste is on the list my doctor have me for bop allergy.
DeleteYou can eat white bread as long as it doesn't contain natural flavors or spices. Gluten is not a component of BOP that I am aware of. Cereals are ok as long as no natural flavors/vanilla. Most unfortunately do have natural flavors, I am able to have Frosted Flakes no problem.
DeleteTarget also has a brand called Honest in the baby section that has shampoo and conditioner that are really good! I've also found Kodiak pancake mix (which has a dark chocolate version that is bop friendly) that you can make muffins/cupcakes out of if you add an egg!
DeleteOh, Cordelia! So sorry to hear about all of your allergies! It's rough, sometimes, isn't it? Hang in there and thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteThanks :oD
ReplyDeleteI literally may have just found a brand to help us with our Balsam of Peru issues. It's not 100% as some of the products have benzonates in them (either sodium benzonate or C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate) but generally they look great, I've emailed the site asking to double check ingredients (as I found the suncream twice without C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate and once with so wanted to be certain) but some of the other stuff shampoos, conditioners, day cream, night cream, face wash, toner & hand and body wash look great! (steer clear of the sun cream though until I get a response just in case! They even have a concealer, check it out if you get any time: http://www.cleure.com/default.asp
I haven't felt this satisfied shopping of wash products since I had to stop using smellies and they do sample sizes so you can try before you spend a fortune! Fingers crossed for the sun cream, if you know of a sun cream we can use I'm all ears :oD
Hi! I've also just been told, by my allergist, that I have an allergy to Balsam of Peru and am now trying to find out as much as I can on how to avoid it. You mention you may have found a brand that may be good for those with this allergy, but I did not see a brand name in your post. Could you tell me which it is and if it really works? Thanks so much. Liz
DeleteI am allergic to colophony. I have a four page list of items both foods and products that contain it. I am still trying to figure out what foods I can eat. It seems to be in everything and according to an email reply from the FDA, it can be listed under natural flavors. So the only way to tell is basically to eat it and react to it, then don't eat it again. Which is getting old because I am tired of feeling sick and having blisters on my face. Its hard to search the internet for it because there are companies with the word evergreen in their name and they come up instead of information you're searching for. Basically anything made from evergreen or that is an evergreen: pineapple, bananas, peaches, nectarines, tea, chocolate, coffee, milk, ice cream, coca cola, fruit drinks, citrus fruits, and the list goes on. I have a word press blog called colophony that has the list.
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DeleteI am allergic to balsam of peru and chromium. Like everyone writes here, it is very difficult to narrow down what you can and can't have. Basically, you need to go on and elimination diet which means, for at least three weeks, eat the same food every day. This is food that you know you won't react too, like chicken and rice. After three weeks, when your symptoms have cleared, you can add one new item every per week. It is very difficult to stick to but once you do, you really feel much happier because you can find "oh, I can have this now" as you try new foods.
ReplyDeleteHi I've been diagnosed with balsam of peru allergy for ten years, after thirty trying to work out why I reacted badly to so much. I moved to organic stuff and making food, as my daughter was diagnosed with food colouring allergies at the same time. It was fun teaching a three year old she wasn't allowed candy or orange squash but her child minder was fab and she would tell everyone no if offered. Even now she drinks only water, decafe coffee and hot choc. Give her a coke and she is running hyper for hours, give me a coke and I throw up. Families you've got to love them.
ReplyDeleteAnyway I don't know of a toothpaste, but maybe research what our ancestors used as that would most probably be ok ( before victorian I mean). I use warm salt water to gargle and for ulcers. It's a hell of a lot cheaper than what my dentist would rather I take even when I remind her I have this allergy every time.
My consultant recommended Dove. That was ten years ago so I expect formulas have changed by now. Dove deodorants is usually ok if you get the none frangance one.
I currently use SIMPLE, from bigger boots, and probably online. They do shampoos, conditioners, shower gels and deodorants. All totally anything free. I suggest buying in bulk so you don't run out at inopportune moments and have to finish off with something else in the house that might set you off.
Anyway good luck and stay strong. It's horrid when it flares up but don't panic.
I can't find a "bigger boots" line of products, can you provide a link, please?
DeleteI think she means that the SIMPLE products are carried at the chemist or pharmacy named "Boots".
DeleteMy doctor have me a list of safe products. You can use basic Colgate tooth paste and Tom's of Maine.if you use dove it has to be invented for sensitive skin. Free and clear tide and all 7th generation products.
DeleteI am able to use Crest Diamond Strong whitening toothpaste, I just try not to let it get on my skin for too long.
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ReplyDeleteThrough patch testing, we discovered that I am allergic to many topical items, including Balsam of Peru. My allergist was able to provide me with a list of products that do not contain the items to which I am allergic. The website is acdscamp.org.
ReplyDeleteI am still having some issues so the next step is to eliminiate Balsam of Peru from my diet. Not looking forward to saying goodbye to chocolate and many other items. :-(
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DeleteHi Busby,
ReplyDeleteI am allergic to fragrance mixes and BoP. It is very difficult for me to avoid all these spices because I am originally from India. I am used to those spices all my life. I think I am doing a good job in avoiding them. I have been cooking with lots of herbs and garlic, soy sauce. They are not so clear about curry powder. I am assuming because it has cinnamon, clove and nutmeg in it. They are not clear about other spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, red pepper, black pepper, cardamom, saffron. I did ask my Doctor about it. She was not sure about it but suggested to reintroduce one thing at a time. She said saffron and almond extract should be fine to use. ( We use saffron and cardamom in Indian sweets.) What is your opinion?
Sangeeta
I was diagnosed in April 2015 with a BoP allergy. I reacted to all my makeup, face creams, shampoo and foods. I get ezcema and hives around my eyes on my neck and near my ears. Also suffered with itchy scaly eyelids. I have found the following products to keep reactions at bay for me. I am from Canada and buy most of them at the Superstore, Loblaws and No Frills. There are many President's Choice (PC) and no name products that don't cause reactions: (I am anal about keeping the taboo ingredients, preservatives, flavourings, benzoates, etc. out of my food) I hope this helps the search for things you can eat. It's a hard allergy but it is doable and I keep finding more and more things that are ok to eat.
DeletePC Raspberry jam (no benzoate)
PC Shortbread fingers (no vanilla)
PC Digestive Cookies (no vanilla)
No name mustard (no benzoate)
Waterbridge imported dark Belgian chocolate (no vanilla) found at Walmart
PC Creamy Horseradish (no lemon)
Pillars allergen free lunch meats and breakfast ham (no lemon juice - most packaged lunch meats do)
Miracle Whip instead of Mayo (no lemon juice)
I use Free & Clear Shampoo & Conditioner and love it (no fragrance or benzoates)
I use a mild face cleanser from Paula's Choice, witch hazel as a toner from Walmart (watch these as some contain taboo ingredients)
I purchase my eye makeup from Epic Mineral Beauty or Earth's Beauty online. They are mostly chemical free, loose powder products but the scaly sandpaper feeling on my eyelids has disappeared.
I found a relish that was safe at No Frills (will post name later)
I buy Coconut Bliss Ice Cream - Salted Caramel & Chocolate - this one is dark chocolate with no vanilla
Dominoes makes a pizza with alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce (just watch the pepperonni as most of it has paprika)
Substitute maple syrup or almond extract for any recipe that calls for vanilla
Basil is bad! - it is a form of Eugenol so watch for it in ingredient lists. Don't eat pesto!
I use only fragance free hand soaps. Unscented is not fragrance free. It has a masking ingredient that covers up the fragrance.
Soy sauce can be bad as it can contain benzoate
I have not found a packaged hamburger that doesn't make me react so I just make my own from ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic salt.
No name onion soup mix is ok - Knorr Lipton Onion Recipe is not
Seagrams makes a vodka cooler (vodka is not aged it is distilled so no oak/vanilla issues) Wildberry flavour that has not made me react
Most unoaked white wines are ok (oak leaches vanilla in the aging process)
Motts and no name applesauce (unsweetened) snack packs don't give me any issues
The only bottled salad dressing I have found that doesn't have lemon juice in it is Renees Poppyseed 1/2 fat dressing otherwise I use oil and vinegar or make my own and leave out the lemon juice in the recipe and use vinegar (half the amount you would use if it was lemon juice)
Apple juice causes me no issues
PC brand of Alfredo sauce (check labels) there is one or 2 that are clear of BoP allergens
Walmart sells packaged cubes of organic boullion that are BoP free. I am not sure of the name but can find it if anyone needs it.
I can't guarantee that your reactions will be the same as mine but I hope it helps some of you to find grocery items that are acceptable for your allergy.
MGrant..Thank you for sharing this as I was just diagnosed with allergies to fragrance mixes and Bop..this helps tremendously 😊
DeleteI'm so happy to finally find a current blog of posters with BOP allergy! I felt so alone since being diagnosed last December ('14). I have chronic hand ezcema where my fingers and palms crack open and bleed. I go through bandaids like crazy. I'm in constant pain just trying to zip my pants or open a tube of toothpaste. But you all know what that's like. I've been very successful switching to safe hygiene products based on the ACSDCAMP.ORG list that my derm gave me. But I'm having a really hard time sticking to the diet restrictions. Now that I know I'm surrounded by real life "experts" on BOP diets, I would like to request suggestions on alcoholic beverages that are safe. I read above about Seagrams coolers. I'll check it out. Are there any red wines that are safe? My safe list just strictly says no wine/beer/gin/vermouth. What about champagne? Or rum (probably not the spiced kind but non-spiced?)? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated (and thanks MGRANT for the explanation of why wine is bad! I had no idea it was related to the oak barrels). For those that asked about sunscreen, the one that I use from my safe list is Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection, SPF55, and I find it at Publix (in the US). You can order from Amazon.com. Thanks to everyone!
ReplyDeleteShannon, Rum is aged in barrels so I would stay away from it. I had a reaction to the Bicardi coolers. I have found unoaked wines in our liquor stores (Naked Grape (Ontario Wine) brand sells both white and red) that are labeled as UNOAKED. That is what you want to look for. Champagne I am not sure about. The one nice thing about having dedicated liquor stores in Canada is that they actually have a binder of all the alcohol they sell and how each product is aged. Has been very helpful for me. Next time I am in the store I will write down the names of some other wines that are unoaked and post for you. I also have had Danzante Pinot Grigio - Delle Venezie, Italy at the Keg Restaurant several times and have had no issues. I use Banana Boat Natural Reflect "kids" SPF 50 sunscreen but it is the only Banana Boat sunscreen I can use. Glad we can all help each other...it's the only way to survive this allergy.
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DeleteMGrant, I also live in Canada and appreciate so much your knowledge and research as to food items etc that can be purchased in Canada. If you have other ideas or if anyone else has foods they can eat that would be helpful. I've read ALL OVER about foods to avoid. I think I got that now, but would greatly appreciate food items that are safe. Thanks
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ReplyDeleteHave you found a tea that is okay to have with balsam of Peru allergies? And do you avoid all products that include citric acid?
ReplyDeleteI am able to have English Breakfast tea (Twinings) and White Tea (Tealyra) without any problems. I have to avoid touching any citrus fruit and I haven't tried eating it since I was diagnosed, but I am able to have lemon juice and lime juice.
DeleteI've been patch tested positive for BOP and Propylene Glycol. My guestion, can I eat white bread? I read some where that wheat with Gluten was a subgroup or component of BOP.What about Cereals?
ReplyDeleteI don't know the answer to this question but would be interested to hear. The lists of good/bad foods are very different now than they were when I was diagnosed ten years ago. I'm so confused.
DeleteIt is a very confusing allergy. A lot of things depend on the levels of the allergens in your system. For example, I hadn't had cinnamon in years and I was able to have some the other day without any issues. It was bizarre. But things like marjoram or parsnip -- that I shouldn't really have a reaction to -- I can't have at all and immediately get a reaction, even though there is no buildup of these items in my system. There are a lot of things listed on this blog that say you shouldn't have them but you really can have them. The whole thing is trial and error and over time you understand what you can and can't have. It is also different for everyone. For the most part I just avoid anything with natural flavors, Vanilla, and Cinnamon in the ingredients. I am able to have foods with benzoate or citric acid as part of the last ingredients. My cosmetics seem to be ok with these ingredients as well although I still try to avoid in personal care products due to the likelihood of these building up in my system over time. I used to not be able to have Worstershire sauce at all but now I can have it, I just don't overdo it. When I was first diagnosed I went on a 6 month detox and avoided everything, and introduced a new food every few days. It was hard but I am glad I did it because it got a lot of the built up allergens out of my system.
DeleteI also have been patch tested positive for BOP and to add to that, Formaldehyde. It's only been 2 weeks and I'm overwhelmed with all the websites I've looked into. I love spicy food and pasta sauces. Also I am a beer drinker and love my occasional vodka. Is there a safe beer or vodka that will not effect my rashes? I am a lite beer drinker and hate to give that up along with everything else I am finding I can't have. Out to the stores today to find beauty products shampoos lotions, etc. I need to start somewhere. I do find this site helpful and am looking forward to following more replies. Thanks for the info y'all have put out there.
ReplyDeleteI am able to have Miller Lite and Bud Light, mainly beers processed in steel tanks which is the majority of them. It's the craft beers I have the most trouble with. Vodka is the only liquor I can have, I used to not be able to have wine but lately I have been able to have both white and red, just not Syrah for some reason.
DeleteI'm allergic to BoP. I only found out through the patch test today. I have noticed things with benzoate in them do give me issues. But I haven't have soy sauce since I found out. So far the big thing is completely cutting out sodas, chocolate, ice cream, ketchup, and many more good things that contain BoP. I'm anxious to know how well my skin will clear up after cutting these out. Which will be hard.
ReplyDeleteI am almost twenty, and have avoided BoP for most of my life. My mom, her mom, my sister, and I all have this allergy. From what we've seen over the years of tracking our foods and avoiding as much BoP as we can, we all have different levels of reactions, and some of us can have food the others can't. For instance, my sister and I can have thyme, sage, and oregano, but my mom reacts to those herbs. Additionally, my mom has several other allergies that my sister and I don't share with her, such as dairy and gluten. My mom has had the allergy to BoP since her childhood, and had reactions until she lived on her own and started restricting what foods she ate. Since mom knew about the allergy already, my sister and I grew up without a lot of the BoP foods/products, so we haven't had really severe reactions like most posters here, because we already avoid BoP. Though, we do react if we eat something we shouldn't, like lemon poundcake or store-bought spaghetti sauce (citrus, garlic, onions, and peppers make us react).
ReplyDeleteRecently, my mom went to a wedding in Guatemala, and found that she could eat foods there (citrus fruits specifically) that she couldn't eat here at home (United States), so now we're thinking that the difference could be that crops in America tend to have more GMOs... As such, I'm looking into gardening, to see if growing my own fruits and vegetables will remove my reactions to them. I haven't grown anything yet, because I don't have the space, so I don't have any findings on that yet... The GMOs could also explain why the list of foods to avoid has increased, as poster PAZ mentioned above.
From what I understand about BoP allergies, each person will react relatively similarly but not the exact same, and the 'list to avoid' is more of a guideline to start with. By removing what's on the list, you can bring foods back in one at a time, to see how your body reacts to that food specifically. So yes, the list is daunting, but my family has found that our reactions are much less likely to happen when we cook our own meals, so that we can keep track of what ingredients are actually in our food.
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DeleteThat is interesting what you said about you mom's trip to Guatemala. I just had the exact same experience in Africa, where I discovered I could have red and white wines there, as well as curry. I can't have curry in the States but discovered I was fine with wine all of the sudden. It makes you wonder. I was on a self-sustained farm in Africa, so there were hardly any additives in the food which I think is why I could have the curry there
DeleteMy daughter is 14 and was just diagnosed with an allergy to BOP and Fragrance. Shes is presently taking four prescriptions: Xyzal, hydroxyzine, Zyrtec and prednisone. Now they want to start Dapsone which is used to treat Leprosy but has an alternate use for acne and hives. Are any of you taking antihistamines to help control your allergic reactions? My daughters reaction is hives from head to toe!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the other posters here, but personally, I don't take any daily prescriptions for my allergic reactions. If I am going to eat something that I know I will react to, I will take benadryl. My mom however, has more severe responses than I do. She takes zyrtec daily, and takes prednisone on occasion or has a hydrocortizone shot, but only when her reactions are particularly bad. My mom says that it's helpful to have a bottle of prednisone handy in the case of a bad reaction, so that you don't have to go to the doctor.
DeleteIf you have a patch-test identified allergy to balsam of Peru, this group may be very useful to you. If you request membership, be sure to answer all the automated questions that pop up AND send a PM to the admin.
ReplyDeletewww.facebook.com/groups/284324351616200
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Hi, does anyone know if there are any sweets/candy available anywhere suitable for people with BOP allergy? I can't find anything that does not contain "natural flavourings".
ReplyDeleteReal maple sugar candy. 100% maple sugar.
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I hope this blog is still active. You all have been a Godsend with your information! I was recently diagnosed with a colophony allergy (after 5 trips to the ER with eyes swollen shut)which includes BoP. I have been searching for others who are battling this and who might have some insight and wisdom and you all are awesome! Thank you for sharing your stories. I will now begin my journey of eliminating foods to find my triggers. Does anyone have a suggestion of what to use on your cracked and broken skin after the little blisters have popped? I was using olive oil but now realize that may fall under a colophony food (anything evergreen). My derm recommended Vanicream skin cream but it doesn't seem very moisturizing. I just want to submerge my hands in a big bowl of oil for relief.
ReplyDeleteHi YayaPrielipp, I use plain vaseline. Hope this helps.
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I am so grateful to find this site! I've been struggling for weeks since my bop diagnosis.
ReplyDeleteCoffee, is there any type of coffee that is okay to consume with this allergy? what is the problem with coffee? I have not found a solid answer as to what the ingredient is that makes it a problem.
thanks!
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ReplyDeleteOne thing that you're all seeming to miss Balsam of Peru is wood pulp wood alcohols p r o v i d o n e in medicine and then literally every single pill manufactured there are five or six wood p u l p s in them
ReplyDeleteThe hanger and depression is real.
ReplyDeleteI was told not to eat spinach, avocado,chocolate and all the items you mentioned these are also like Balsam of Peru.
ReplyDeleteIt literally becomes a dance of chemistry plant life cycle of naturally occurring benzoates/cinnamides/ates tomatoes xantham gum is a biggie as are wood alcohols in the milk so far only meijer has milk I can drink many have said we use wood Esters of lanolin sheep wool for vit d and wood esters of retinol for a. Look into the grains there's some oats are ok while others may not cross contamination etc get only unbromated or unenriched flours stay away from soy palm and most olive oils are cut w soy.
ReplyDeleteCellulose methyl cellulose (cheese fillers wood pulp) benzoyls alcohols benzoyl peroxide this gets deep. Baking soda is ash trees. Like now what?
ReplyDeleteMake your own tea find where are good sources and use a metal ball thingy
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