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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Itchy Throat, Runny Nose , Itchy Red Areas In Lower Face, Abdomen After Eating Crab. History Of Eating Snow Crab Without Any Allergy. Guide

Is it possible to be allergic to one type of crab and not to the other types? After eating the meat inside the bodies of a dungeness or blue crab (not sure which one) my throat became itchy, had runny nose, few itchy red areas on my lower face, abdomen, one arm and leg (happened the second time eating this type of crab). But after eating snow crab legs I never had those reactions. Or could it also possibly be what was in the body of crabs?
posted on Wed, 19 Jun 2013
Twitter Thu, 20 Jun 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 20 Jun 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi! Thank you for your question. Yes, I believe that both are possible scenarios. There may be specific proteins that are produced by the particular crab - not produced by the other crab - that act as allergens to you. And it may also be possible that there are also allergens inside the crab body that you are also reacting to. Whatever the case, what I would recommend is that you avoid the dungeness or blue crab so that you will not trigger the allergic reaction again. Lastly, always be vigilant whenever you eat crab (or anything else) that triggers your allergies - some reactions may be mild but a few can also be life-threatening so never hesitate to seek medical advise when this happens. Thank you and take care!
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Itchy Throat, Runny Nose , Itchy Red Areas In Lower Face, Abdomen After Eating Crab. History Of Eating Snow Crab Without Any Allergy. Guide

Hi! Thank you for your question. Yes, I believe that both are possible scenarios. There may be specific proteins that are produced by the particular crab - not produced by the other crab - that act as allergens to you. And it may also be possible that there are also allergens inside the crab body that you are also reacting to. Whatever the case, what I would recommend is that you avoid the dungeness or blue crab so that you will not trigger the allergic reaction again. Lastly, always be vigilant whenever you eat crab (or anything else) that triggers your allergies - some reactions may be mild but a few can also be life-threatening so never hesitate to seek medical advise when this happens. Thank you and take care!