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Shiitake mushrooms are an Asian delicacy frequently added to stir-fries or used as a source of protein in vegetarian cooking. What may come as is surprise is that one can be “allergic” to undercooked shiitake mushrooms so it is suggested that people always cook them thoroughly before eating.
On February 18, 2011, the New York Times ran an article about a woman who developed a pretty severe red-lined rash all over her body. The rash was not particularly itchy nor was it painful. Her doctor was stumped so he called in other doctors to evaluate her. After examining the rash, one of the doctors paused for a moment then asked her if she had recently had shiitake mushrooms? Surprised, she said she had a few days before the outbreak as a sample sautéed in garlic and oil at a grocery store.
Apparently, the shiitake mushrooms were undercooked which left a starch-like substance in the mushrooms called lentinan that was not sufficiently broken down in the portion she ate. Heating lentinan prevents the body from having a toxic reaction to it when consumed. Unlike a true allergy, people who react to uncooked shiitake mushroom do not show a typical immune response in their blood levels nor do they develop classic symptoms of hives, itching and swelling. The response to shiitake mushrooms has been labeled as a toxic reaction rather than an actual allergy.
Interestingly, lentinan has been used as an anti-cancer agent. According to sloankettering.org, lentinan use has been studied extensively. The protein component of lentinan is called lentin, which has been found to have anti-fungal properties, reduce the growth of leukemia cells and suppress HIV viral enzyme activity. Lentinan has also been studied for use in prostate cancer suppression though the results did not show it alone could sufficiently prevent it. It is important to note that most clinical studies do not test patients using actual shiitake mushrooms but use extracts in powder form.
Shiitake mushroom do have natural health and nutritional benefits but they should never be eaten raw even if in the past one has not had any problems. Allergic or toxic reactions can occur even after years of exposure to a substance then without warning, the body can react even though the substance had never caused an outbreak before. Additionally, all mushrooms contain other molds and spores that could cause an actual allergic reaction so it is best to have a doctor evaluate any rash that occurs after consuming mushrooms.
source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/magazine/20fob-diagnosis-t.html?ref=health
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69377.cfm
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s health care and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles
Add a Comment29 Comments
My husband has the rash over his entire body. Very ichy and burns. He can't find any relief and hasn't slept in days. Any suggestions to help with the iching and burning?
January 29, 2013 - 9:05amThis Comment
You are welcome!
I've got to say, I wrote this article almost a year and a half ago and every so often, someone comes across it and is thrilled to find out what may be causing their rash. Glad to be of help!
August 12, 2012 - 7:44pmThis Comment
Wow. I'm sorry for everyone's discomfort but so glad to know its not just me! This is my 2nd bout with this rash in 4 weeks, the first time I thought it was just a heat rash. But in both instances, I had been eating raw shiitake mushrooms for about 2 days prior. Why aren't there more warnings about this in the media or even a sign at the grocery store? I am covered hairline to feet (and worse of all in my pubic region!) in red welts, streaks, bumps, and flat red dots that look like petechiae. I took a steroid last time but I still endured it for about 7 days. Thanks for the info, Ms. Blacksberg!
August 12, 2012 - 5:50amThis Comment
Sooooo very glad I found this! I am suffering my 10th day of itchiness. I know the woman in the article didn't experience the itch, but I think my immune system kicked in causing an allergic reaction as well. My right eye was swollen! I had the streaks and red bumps all over. The rash is fading now. I ate raw shiitake mushrooms two days in a row and got the rash on the 3rd day. It started on my forearms, my eye, and my neck. The welts on my torso and back showed up the next day. I also had welts on my shoulders, behind my ears, my face, hairline, and one down my nose. I don't have health insurance so I haven't seen a doctor. Antihistamines helped somewhat with the itching. A hot shower provided the most relief. I hope this itching goes away soon. Not at all intense, but annoying nontheless.
April 20, 2012 - 6:54pmThis Comment
I have a rash covering almost every inch of my body. The only new food consumed was raw shiitake mushrooms-eaten in salads over several days. Small red dots and lines everywhere with large red patches on my neck, middle back, and hips. Have had the rash for five days, with new areas of dots still breaking out, mostly on my legs. Was given a prescription for prednisone for 10 days, 39 pills, but this is serious medicine, so I am toughing it out using Sarna anti-itch lotion with menthol. Most comfortable with nothing on in cool air!
August 6, 2011 - 11:44amThis Comment
I have the same rash all over my body due to eating two mushrooms. It has been 4 days of painfull itching rash all over body. I was also prescribed prednisone but thought i could wait it out but still no reduction. Anyone have an idea of how long this rash typically lasts?
March 11, 2012 - 12:48amThis Comment
When this happened to me, it lasted for 3 weeks. Good luck :)
March 11, 2012 - 10:37pmThis Comment
Glad the info was helpful. You might want to read the NYT's article in my source list to hear about another woman's experience. The info indicated that the reaction is not really an allergic reaction but a toxic one so anti-histamines may not be as effective. Your girlfriend might want to go see a dermatologist and see what they suggest about any other creams or oral medications she could take.
March 10, 2011 - 8:12amThis Comment
Thank you for this interesting article.
My girl-friend just had a rash after eating shiitaké. The shiitaké mushrooms were fresh from the market, and I ate 3 of them raw and didn't feel any itchy sensation. However my gf started having A LOT of red marks and many small pimples all over her body (neck, hands, forearms, legs, hips...).
It really looked like hives so I gave her a histamine antagonist pill. No effect at all. I gave her another one (a different pill from another laboratory, stronger than the first one). No effect whatsoever.
A cream for Eczema reduced a bit the itchy sensation, but only for a limited time.
It's been 5 days now and she is still feeling itchy and she is still covered with red marks...
it is weird cause it really looks like hives or Eczema at first glance.
March 10, 2011 - 2:44amThis Comment