Allergies to Tomato Plants: Treating Tomato Rash in the Garden

Many plants can cause allergic reactions, including common garden plants such as tomatoes. Let’s look at what causes tomato rashes and other allergies to tomato plants.

Allergies to tomato plants

Everyone’s sensitivity to plants is somewhat different, and what disturbs one person may have no impact on another. There are several types of reactions that people can have to plants. A rash can develop even if the person has not been exposed to a plant before. A good example of this happens with nettles. When you rub them, they cause a tingling sensation in the skin that sets in and disappears quickly. This is also called non-allergic contact dermatitis.
Another type of reaction is called allergic contact.
Dermatitis, which produces a rash within 24 hours. A good example of this type of reaction is poison ivy. There are people who are not worried about poison ivy at all, but there are others who have terrible reactions. People can also be allergic to tomato plants, which is another form of allergic contact dermatitis.

What causes tomato rashes?

For those who are sensitive or allergic to tomato plants, a rash on the tomato plant will appear soon after the tomato has been affected. The skin becomes red and you may experience extreme itching.
Allergies to tomato plants can be mild or extremely severe, causing great discomfort. Severe reactions can cause wheezing, hives, nausea, vomiting, sneezing and runny nose. Several exposures will be necessary before accumulating the antibodies needed to counteract the proteins in the tomato.

How to treat tomato rash

It is always best to consult a doctor if you have a severe allergic reaction to a tomato plant. Your doctor will usually prescribe antihistamines to reduce pain, itching and swelling. There are also topical steroid ointments that are useful for treating contact dermatitis.
If you know you are allergic to tomato plants and come into contact with them, wash the skin area immediately. Once you have been diagnosed with a tomato allergy, try to stay away. People with severe allergies should also read food labels carefully to avoid a possible reaction to eating tomatoes.