Korean J Dermatol.  2013 Sep;51(9):730-733.

Oral Allergy Syndrome to Watermelon and Melon

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Korea. hyeonekim@hallym.or.kr

Abstract

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) usually presents as an immediate swelling and itching sensation of the mouth and throat after ingestion of a food allergen. OAS may be the most common food allergy-related manifestation. Watermelon and melon belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and often show allergenic cross reactivity. Profilin is a 13 kda protein that is identified as a relevant pollen allergen in airborne pollen and related plant food allergies. Profilin is found in both watermelon and melon. Here we report a case of OAS to watermelon and melon in an 11 year-old boy. He was positive to the skin prick test, patch test and oral challenge test with watermelon and melon.

Keyword

Melon; Oral allergy syndrome; Watermelon

MeSH Terms

Citrullus
Cucurbitaceae
Eating
Food Hypersensitivity
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Mouth
Patch Tests
Pharynx
Plants
Pollen
Profilins
Pruritus
Sensation
Skin
Profilins
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