Yam, also known as yam, is one of the common complementary foods. It is rich in vitamin content and types, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and is easy to digest, making it very suitable for babies. However, some babies with special physiques may be allergic to yam. What should I do if my baby has skin allergies after eating yam?

Causes of skin allergy to yam

Yam is the choice of many mothers as complementary food because it is rich in nutrients and suitable for babies. But why do hands that come into contact with yams feel itchy? What is the cause of skin allergy to yam?

Yam is also called yam, yam, yam, yam, yam, and white yam. Each 100g of yam contains about 75g of water, 14.4~19.9g of carbohydrates, 1.5~2.2g of protein, and 0.1~ of fat. 0.2g, 50ug of diosgenin and B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The carbohydrates are mainly starch. Precisely because it is rich in nutrients and comprehensive, yam is also one of the common raw materials for making complementary foods.

But when moms are handling yam, they will have a little trouble, that is, their hands will be itchy and uncomfortable. What causes itchy hands is the mucus that appears when you cut a yam. The sticky substance in the yam is composed of mucin combined with mannan and globulin. Moreover, the mucus of yam contains plant alkaloids, which will itch the skin when it comes in contact with it. In addition, the saponin in the skin of yam also makes the hands very itchy. This symptom is medically classified as a type of contact dermatitis, and since not everyone has this symptom when exposed to yam, it may also be an allergic reaction. Generally, this symptom does not last long. If the mother has other more serious symptoms besides itching after being exposed to yam, it is best to go to the hospital for examination and diagnosis.

Symptoms of yam skin allergy

What are the symptoms of yam skin allergy? Some people will develop skin allergies after being exposed to yam, such as cutting or peeling yam. The most common symptom is itching on the hands.

Yam has the effects of nourishing and strengthening, aiding digestion, relieving sweating, and stopping diarrhea. It is mainly used to treat diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, cough caused by lung deficiency, diabetes, thirst, short urination, spermatorrhea, leucorrhea in women, and chronic enteritis with indigestion. . However, the plant alkaloids and saponins in yam skin and mucus can cause allergies, which is medically a type of contact dermatitis. But since not everyone experiences these symptoms when handling yams, it could also be an allergic reaction. The main phenomenon of this kind of skin allergic reaction is that the skin in contact will appear itchy, red, swollen, and itchy.

If your skin has other more serious symptoms, you should go to the hospital to confirm the allergen and take medication in time to relieve the allergic symptoms. In addition, there are many causes of skin allergies, such as those caused by ingredients in cosmetics or skin care products, psychological stress causing reduced immunity, leading to allergies, etc. Therefore, it is recommended that you eat more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, a balanced diet, and foods rich in vitamin B. And drink more boiled water to moisturize your skin and promote metabolism.

How to deal with yam skin allergies

How to deal with yam skin allergies? It’s actually very simple, let’s take a look now!

Method one, apply vinegar. First, wash your hands under the tap with water after handling the yam, and then apply vinegar on your hands, remembering to apply it also under your fingernails.

The principle of this method is acid-base neutralization, that is, the neutralization of vinegar and plant alkaloids. After a while, the itching sensation will gradually disappear. In the same way, applying crushed fresh lemon on the affected area can also relieve itching.

Method 2: Use low fire to roast the itchy area. Just turn your palm over the fire repeatedly to allow it to heat evenly. The principle of this method is that saponin can be decomposed at high temperatures, thereby making the itching disappear. However, be careful not to burn your hands when using this method. Or, prepare a basin of hot water and soak your hands in the hot water. The itching effect can be achieved after a few minutes.

Method 3: Apply with toilet water or essential oil. You can also get relief by pouring essential oil or toilet water into water and then rinsing your hands.

Method three, rub your hands with ginger. Cutting ginger into pieces and applying it to the affected area can also relieve itching and reduce swelling.

Another way is to let nature take its course. Because generally speaking, the symptoms of this kind of skin allergy will not last long and will disappear in about a day. However, if the symptoms on your hands last for a long time and do not get better, and are still red, swollen and itchy, it is best to take allergy medicine or go to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.

Precautions for removing yam skins

Because the saponins on yam skins can cause skin itchiness, mothers should be careful when handling yam as food supplement. So, what are the precautions for removing yam skin?

The simplest and crudest method is to prevent your hands from coming into direct contact with the yams. Mothers can wear gloves to handle the yam, or use plastic wrap to peel one end of the yam, and then use the same method to peel the other end. In this way, the skin will not be in direct contact with the skin, and allergies will naturally be avoided. In addition, you can wash the yam and cut it into sections, then boil it in a pot with water for 20 to 30 minutes, dry it, and then peel off the skin of the yam directly with your hands (washed). Peeling yam skin in this way will not cause skin allergies, because cooked yam has no mucus, which means that the allergens are directly cut off, so there will be no allergies. In the same principle, in addition to boiling the yam, you can also wash the yam and steam it in a steamer for 25 to 35 minutes. Then use a knife to lightly score the yam skin (from beginning to end) and peel the yam directly. It is very easy. Peel it off!

Warm reminder, if you need to wait for a while after peeling, soak the cut yam in clean water and fish it out before use. Of course, you should also wear gloves during the operation and be careful not to come into contact with the yam mucus. Moreover, after removing the yam skin, you must cook or cook directly. Otherwise, if the time is longer, the yam will be oxidized and turn black, affecting its nutritional value and consumption.