More than Just Pollen

While seasonal allergies garner most of the headlines, allergies are much more than just pollen. Thousands of people across the world suffer with obscure, life-altering allergies. From chocolate to exercise, these allergies will surprise you. 

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Cold Temperatures

Just a few minutes of exposure to cold temperatures cause some people with this allergy to break out in hives. Doctors refer to this as an "irritant allergy." Fog is another irritant allergy which can produce a similar response in patients. Read about the medical details from the Mayo Clinic.

Heat

Hot shower, saunas, blankets, jackets and even spicy food are triggers for people with heat allergies. Welts, itching, burning, or swelling skin are all reactions when people who are allergic to heat are exposed to high temperatures (usually above 100 degrees). Antihistamines and beta blockers have been proven to help patients with heat allergies. Read about the medical details on about.com.

Sun

An itchy rash, welts, and, in the worst cases, blisters can result from a sun allergy. Symptoms can be seen in less than an hour or a few days. Some people have a hereditary type of sun allergy, while others develop the allergy after using certain types of medications. Steroid creams or pills can be used to ease symptoms. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction to the sun is to wear sun-protective clothing and limit your exposure to the sun. Read about the medical details from the Mayo Clinic.

Chocolate

This may be the worst allergy ever. Headaches, hives, an itchy mouth and throat, even a swelling of the tongue can accompany this allergy. Because chocolate includes milk, eggs, and sometimes nuts, it may be another ingredient which is causing your allergic reaction.  The only way to be certain is to check with your doctor.  In the meantime, avoid the chocolate cake. Read more about chocolate allergies on Discovery health.

Kissing

Swollen lips, hives, and a swelling of the throat accompany this allergy. Usually, it's not the act of kissing that causes this allergy, rather it's the allergens your kissing partner has consumed recently.  For example, if you're already predisposed to a nut allergy, your partner's recent snack on a handful of peanuts could cause an allergic reaction when you kiss them.  Learn more about this allergy.

Water

A rare few people suffer from aquagenic urticaria, a condition where a person breaks out in hives when water touches their skin. Like the chocolate or kissing allergy, some people are not allergic to the water but the additives in the water (i.e. chlorine or other chemicals). However, for those rare few who are truly allergic to water showers and even rain can cause an allergic reaction. Learn more about water allergies from the Mayo Clinic.

Exercise

It sounds like a great excuse to not work out, but it's a serious condition for those who have it. An exercise-induced allergy can results in hives, stomach problems, and life-threatening breathing issues. Experts recommend you find an exercise partner who can help if you run into trouble. Of course, see your doctor first. They may have some advice or medications that can help. Learn more about exercise allergies from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Vibrations

Cars, lawn mowers, or other vibrations can cause allergic reactions in some people. Like other allergies, this is caused by the body mistaking harmless contact as an attack, so the immune system kicks in.  Welts, rashes, and skin irritation can set in within 5 minutes of exposure to vibrations. They can last several hours or days.  Antihistamines, steroids, and calamine lotion can help.