Allergy to Sulphur

Sulphur is an important building block of life that is typically safe and not toxic through inhalation, ingestion, eye and skin contact. Sulphur exists in many forms, and individuals allergic to elemental sulphur may also be allergic to sulfites used as preservatives in foods and medications, and sulfate compounds used in soaps, cosmetics and drugs. An allergic reaction to sulphur is categorized as a sulfonamide allergy, sulfite allergy or sulfate allergy.

Sulfonamide Type 1 Allergic reaction

Three percent of patients develop a sulfonamide allergy reaction to compounds containing the SO2NH2 moiety. This allergic reaction is typically caused by sulfonamide antibiotic drugs, including Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfadiazine and Sulfacetamide. The allergic reaction these antimicrobial agents is caused by an improper breakdown of the aromatic amine connected to the sulfone group. A type 1 IgE mediated immune reaction is the most type of allergic reaction to sulfonamides, and caused by the release of histamine into the blood. The most common symptom of this allergic reaction is the development of a maculopapular or urticarial rash within one to three days of drug administration. The rash may be flat or raised, and begins as discreet pink or red spots that begin on the trunk of body, and eventually cluster together to form sheets of blotchy rashes on the extremities. A urticarial rash is typically involves swelling, redness and itching of the skin. In severe cases, swelling in deeper layer of skin tissues, anaphylaxis, loss of consciousness and hypotension may occur.

Sulfonamide Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome

A hypersensitivity reaction to sulfonamide develops within seven to 14 days of drug administration 3. This allergic reaction is the result of a delayed T cell mediated reaction, and it begins with a high fever and headache. Next, the individual develops a maculopapular rash that begins in the trunk of the body, and spreads to the extremities. In severe cases, the individual may develop Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. These deadly skin reactions begin with the eruption of painful, red blisters that begin on the trunk of the body and migrates to the extremities. These lesion erupt, and cause the top layer of the skin to peel away in large amounts, allowing bodily fluids to leak. Immediate discontinuation of the drug is required to prevent involvement of the internal organs, primarily the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver. Continued use of the drug can result in pneumonia, acute liver failure, inflammation of the heart sac and breathing difficulties.

Sulfite Allergy

Although the mechanism of this allergic immune reaction is still debated, it is possible that sulfur dioxide acts as an irritant and causes a reflex contraction of the airways, resulting in asthmatic like symptoms such as:

• wheezing
  
• coughing
  
• breathing difficulties
  
• tightness of the chest

Furthermore, 10 percent of asthmatic patients are also allergic to sulfite. A sulfite allergy may also be caused by an IgE mediated mechanism, involving the recruitment and activation of mast cells and basophils. In severe cases, a sulfite allergic reaction can result in anaphylaxis, seizures and death.

Sulfate Allergy

Sulfate is another form of sulphur that may result in an allergic reaction. Sulfate is found in injectable drugs such as morphine sulfate, and personal hygiene products such as laundry detergent, hand soap, shampoo and condition. Sulfate allergies are rare, however, individuals allergic to sulfonamide and sulfite are at a greater risk of n allergic reaction to sulfate. Symptoms of a sulfate allergy includes an itchy skin rash that develops within eight hours of exposure, and may last for several days, watery and itchy eyes, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, swelling of the upper respiratory tract and breathing difficulties is observed.