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Be Wary of Undercooked Shiitake Mushrooms: A Case of Dermatitis and Itching

Take Caution: Shiitake Mushrooms Should Always Be Thoroughly Cooked to Avoid Skin Reactions

Published on October 18, 2023 at 17:20 | Views: 8 | Last Modified on October 18, 2023 at 17:33 | Views: 8

Introduction

Even commonly used ingredients in cooking can have adverse effects on the body, especially for individuals with severe allergies or weakened immune systems. A recent case has shed light on the potential dangers of consuming undercooked shiitake mushrooms. The repercussions can range from allergic dermatitis to various uncomfortable symptoms. To understand the severity and implications of this situation, let’s delve into a reported incident involving a 72-year-old man and his encounter with shiitake mushroom-induced dermatitis.

Unfortunate Consequences

In an article published by the New York Post on the 17th, an unnamed elderly man suffered an abnormal skin reaction after consuming uncooked shiitake mushrooms. Despite his love for mushrooms and regular consumption, this particular instance resulted in an unpleasant rash on his back, accompanied by intense itching. The discomfort was so severe that it hindered his ability to sleep.

Seeking medical attention, the man was diagnosed with shiitake dermatitis and subsequently treated with steroids and antihistamines. Additionally, horizontal and vertical stripes appeared on his back—a distinctive pattern that further highlighted the issue at hand.

Understanding Shiitake Dermatitis

Shiitake dermatitis, which was first documented in Japan in 1977, produces several symptoms such as skin rash, itching, and diarrhea. The whole body suffers from incessant itchiness, resulting in an urge to scratch, thereby causing swelling and linear marks. Furthermore, continuous scratching can lead to wounds and inflammation.

The primary cause of this condition is an element known as lentinan, which is present in shiitake mushrooms. While lentinan is generally regarded as a beneficial substance with anti-cancer properties, it can trigger allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with severe allergies or compromised immune systems. Cytokines, active protein substances secreted by white blood cells, are responsible for converting lentinan into inflammatory agents that induce dermatitis.

Preventive Measures

To avoid falling victim to shiitake dermatitis, it is vital to thoroughly cook shiitake mushrooms and expose them to temperatures higher than 145 degrees Celsius. According to an expert at the University Hospital of Geneva in Switzerland, this temperature threshold is sufficient to destroy lentinan and prevent potential skin reactions.

Additionally, if you experience a severe rash accompanied by pain, following the footsteps of the aforementioned man, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. While symptoms may subside after a few days, untreated instances can lead to persistent irritation and scarring.

It is advisable to undergo allergy testing to identify any predisposition to certain food items. Various tests, such as the MAST, ImmunCAP blood test, and skin reaction tests, can determine specific allergens and guide individuals in taking preventive measures.

With a striped rash and itching on the back… Shiitake mushrooms must be thoroughly cooked before eating

Entered 2023.10.18 17:20 Views 8 Entered 2023.10.18 17:20 Modified 2023.10.18 17:33 Views 8

If you have a severe allergic reaction or your body’s immunity is low, eating undercooked shiitake mushrooms can cause dermatitis. [사진=왼쪽 피부염 : 뉴욕포스트 캡처/ 오른쪽 표고버섯 : 게티이미지뱅크]As the saying goes, it’s dark under the lamp, so be careful if there are any adverse reactions to the body, even if it is a food that is often used in cooking. Recently, the case of a man who developed dermatitis after eating shiitake mushrooms, which are often on the table, was reported. The man’s back was full of red marks as if he had been whipped. What kind of symptom is this?

On the 17th, the New York Post, an American media outlet, reported on an unnamed 72-year-old man who suffered an abnormal skin reaction after eating unripe mushrooms. He, who always enjoyed eating mushrooms, prepared and ate a menu including shiitake mushrooms. Two days later, a rash appeared on the skin in horizontal and vertical stripes on his back, as well as itching.

Feeling so much pain that he could not sleep, he went to the hospital and was diagnosed with shiitake dermatitis. He was reportedly treated with steroids and antihistamines.

The first case of dermatitis occurring after eating shiitake mushrooms, which are native to East Asia, was first recorded in Japan in 1977. Side effects of shiitake dermatitis include skin rash, itching and diarrhea. In particular, the whole body itches and when scratched, it swells and a line-like mark is formed. If you continue to brush your teeth, wounds and inflammation can occur.

The cause of shiitake dermatitis is an ingredient called lentinan. Lentinan is known to be a beneficial ingredient with anti-cancer effects, but may be sensitive to those with severe allergic reactions or who have a weakened immune system. Lentinan converts cytokines into substances that cause inflammation in the body, causing allergic reactions such as dermatitis. Cytokines are active protein substances that are secreted by white blood cells.

What should I do to prevent shiitake dermatitis? When cooking shiitake mushrooms, apply enough heat to destroy the lentinan. According to an expert at the University Hospital of Geneva in Switzerland, shiitake dermatitis does not occur if shiitake mushrooms are cooked at a temperature higher than 145 degrees Celsius.

If you, like the man in the story, develop a severe rash on your skin and come with pain, you should not neglect it and go to the hospital. Symptoms may be relieved after 2-3 days, but if you do not receive appropriate treatment, the skin may remain irritated and scars may form.

It is also wise to check in advance which foods you are susceptible to. Allergy tests can be carried out through MAST, which can check for different types of allergies, blood tests such as the ImmunCAP method, which tests for suspected substances, and skin reaction tests by injecting a small amount of the causative substance into the skin.

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