Health tips · त्वचा एलर्जी
Skin allergies & breakouts
Rashes, itching and breakouts have many causes. Food is only sometimes one of them, but what goes into your food is worth knowing.
What it is
A skin allergy is the immune system reacting to something, causing itching, redness, hives or eczema flares. True food allergies (like to nuts, milk or wheat) can be serious. Some people also react to food additives such as certain artificial colours and preservatives.
Common city-life contributors
- Synthetic food colours in sweets, street snacks and adulterated spices
- Preservatives and flavour enhancers in packaged and ready-to-eat food
- Very oily, fried food and high sugar intake, which many people find worsens acne
- Pollution, hard water and harsh soaps
- Stress and poor sleep
Everyday habits that help
- Read labels and avoid products with synthetic colours if you react to them
- Keep a simple food and symptom diary to spot patterns
- Eat more fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains and dals
- Drink enough water and go easy on sugar and fried food
- Patch-test new skincare and use gentle, fragrance-free products
Where clean ingredients fit in
Very bright haldi and mirch are sometimes coloured with industrial dyes such as lead chromate or Sudan dyes. Our spices have no added colour, and every batch is tested for them. If you have a nut, gluten or seed allergy, read our ingredient lists carefully: our dry fruits contain nuts, and bandhani hing contains wheat.
When to see a doctor
- A rash that spreads, blisters or does not settle in a few days
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing after eating: this is an emergency
- Repeated reactions after particular foods: ask about allergy testing
Reviewed for general readers. This is not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.
