Can Mangoes Trigger Skin Allergies? Here’s Why You Might Get Rashes Or Pimples

With summer creeping in, the season’s first mangoes have arrived in the market.

The juicy and fragrant mangoes can brighten up anyone’s mood in this hot weather. You can have it in desserts, salads, or just as a side to jazz up a boring meal. However, this joy comes with skin reactions for some people.

Some people notice rashes, pimples, and other skin reactions when they are indulging in mangoes. While they are usually mild, some people can experience severe symptoms as well.

Here are some reasons why some people experience skin reactions when eating mangoes.

Urushiol: Found in mango skin and sap, this oily substance is also present in poison ivy. This oil is naturally present in mango trees to protect the leaves from animals. However, some remnants of it can be found on the skin of the fruit. Direct contact can cause itching, rashes, redness, or even blistering, especially around the mouth or hands.

Heat and Humidity: During summer, the skin is already sensitive due to sweat, heat, and sun exposure. Eating mangoes or touching the sap with sweaty or damp skin can increase the risk of allergic reactions.

Artificial Ripening: Sometimes, mangoes are ripened using calcium carbide. This chemical can cause irritation to the skin and may also cause internal discomfort.

Now that we know what causes skin reactions, here are simple ways in which you can avoid them.

Always Wash Mangoes Thoroughly
Rinse the fruit under running water before cutting to remove any residue of urushiol or ripening agents.

Peel Carefully Without Touching the Skin
If you’re sensitive, ask someone else to peel the mango or wear gloves while handling it. Avoid letting the skin touch your lips or face.

Avoid Sucking Mango Pulp Directly from the Fruit
This is a common habit but can lead to “mango mouth” – a rash or irritation around the lips and chin.

Soak Mangoes in Water Before Eating
Traditional wisdom suggests soaking mangoes in water for 30–60 minutes. This helps reduce “heat” from the fruit and washes off any irritants.

Moderate Your Intake
Overeating mangoes in hot weather can lead to body heat imbalance, which may trigger not just skin issues but also digestive discomfort. Additionally, ensure that you do not buy mangoes that have a thin layer of white powdery substance on them, as it can be calcium carbide.