Allergies are a common occurrence, with many people experiencing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses when exposed to certain triggers.

However, there are some allergies that are considered strange due to their uncommon triggers and symptoms. In this article, we will explore ten unusual allergies that you may not have known existed.

1. Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis

Exercise is usually associated with positive health benefits. However, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction after exercising.

This condition, known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis, can cause symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylactic shock. The cause of this allergy is still not fully understood, but it is thought to be triggered by a combination of exercise and other factors like food consumption.

2. Sunlight Allergy

Believe it or not, some people are actually allergic to sunlight. This condition, known as solar urticaria, causes the skin to develop red, itchy, and painful hives when exposed to sunlight.

The symptoms can appear within minutes of sun exposure and can last for several hours. People with this allergy often have to take precautions like wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF).

3. Water Allergy

Water is a basic necessity for life, but some individuals are allergic to it. Aquagenic urticaria is an extremely rare condition in which the skin develops hives when it comes into contact with water.

The symptoms can range from mild itchiness to severe hives and pain. While the exact cause of this allergy is not known, it is believed to be related to a reaction between water and substances on the skin.

4. Allergy to Cold

Imagine being allergic to cold temperatures. For people with cold urticaria, exposure to cold air or cold objects can trigger symptoms like hives, itchiness, and swelling.

The severity of the allergic reaction varies from person to person, with some individuals experiencing only mild symptoms while others may be at risk of life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

5. Allergy to Vibrations

While it may sound bizarre, some individuals are allergic to vibrations.

This condition, known as vibratory urticaria, causes the skin to develop hives or painful welts when exposed to vibrations from activities like using a power tool or riding a bicycle. The exact cause of this allergy is unknown, but it is believed to be an abnormal immune response to vibrations.

6. Exercise-induced Food Allergy

Exercise is usually associated with burning calories, but for some people, it can also trigger an allergic reaction to certain foods.

This condition, known as exercise-induced food allergy, causes symptoms like hives, nausea, and gastrointestinal issues when specific foods are consumed before or after exercise. The exact mechanism behind this allergy is not yet fully understood.

7. Allergy to Touch

Most people enjoy physical contact, but for those with dermatographia, even the slightest touch can cause red, raised welts on the skin. This condition is often referred to as “skin writing” as the welts can literally be written on the skin.

While not a true allergy, dermatographia is a hypersensitivity reaction that is triggered by pressure or friction on the skin.

8. Allergy to Sperm

It may come as a surprise, but some individuals are allergic to sperm. This rare condition, known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity, causes symptoms like itching, burning, and swelling in the genital area after contact with semen.

The allergy is triggered by an allergic reaction to proteins found in semen and can make sexual intercourse or other forms of intimate contact uncomfortable or even painful.

9. Allergy to Metal

Many people wear jewelry made of different metals without any issues. However, for some individuals, contact with certain metals can lead to an allergic reaction.

This condition, known as metal allergy or contact dermatitis, causes symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling when the skin comes into contact with metals such as nickel, gold, or silver. The reaction is usually localized to the area of skin in contact with the metal.

10. Allergy to Electricity

Although it may seem strange, some individuals are actually allergic to electricity.

This condition, known as electrical hypersensitivity or electromagnetic hypersensitivity, causes symptoms like headache, fatigue, and skin rashes when exposed to electromagnetic fields from devices like cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, or power lines. While controversial and not widely accepted by the medical community, those who claim to have this allergy often have to limit their exposure to electronic devices.