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Allergic Reactions02:06

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Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...
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A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
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Intimate behavior and allergy: a narrative review.

Gennaro Liccardi1, Gianenrico Senna, Giuseppina Rotiroti

  • 1Division of Pneumology and Allergology, Department of Chest Diseases, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy.

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|December 7, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Intimate contact, including kissing and sexual activity, can trigger allergic reactions. While literature is limited, allergies to seminal plasma and latex condoms are recognized, with diagnostic and treatment options available.

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Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Sexual Health
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Intimate contact and sexual activity may facilitate exposure to sensitizing substances, potentially leading to allergic reactions.
  • The relationship between sexual behavior and allergic responses is an under-recognized area in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing literature on sex and intimate contacts as risk factors for allergic reactions.
  • To identify specific behaviors and substances associated with allergies in intimate contexts.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of the MEDLINE database using keywords related to sex, sexual intercourse, kissing, seminal plasma, condoms, and allergy.
  • Inclusion of studies based on clinical relevance, including presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Sex and intimate behaviors are increasingly reported as triggers for allergic reactions, primarily through case reports.
  • Kissing is a risk factor for severe food and drug allergies; seminal plasma allergy is well-documented with diagnostic and desensitization protocols.
  • Allergic reactions to latex condoms are frequently reported, with standardized diagnostic procedures.

Conclusions:

  • The literature on sex and allergy is limited due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
  • Reliable diagnostic procedures exist for specific conditions like seminal plasma and latex condom allergies.
  • Allergists should consider sexual and intimate behaviors as potential triggers for unexplained allergic conditions.