A cheese allergy. Really?

Not dairy in general. I can eat it with no problem. In fact, most cheese is no problem. There is only one problem cheese, and it happens to be very tasty. If I stick it under the broiler on toast (and it melts thoroughly) or put it in mac and cheese, it presents no problem. If I eat it on a cracker or by itself, my lips start itching. :( I figure it's some mold specific to that cheese or something in the milk related to whatever they're feeding the cows that gets destroyed in cooking. I have similar issues with peanuts, almonds, carrots, under-ripe cherries and celery--it's apparently related to the fact that I have bad seasonal allergies. But cheese? Seriously?

Interesting. Could it be the food coloring that's present in some cheese? I seem to remember that they orangey color is from a vegetable dye, but could you be reacting to that?

Or if it's one problem cheese, maybe there is something specific about where it is made, what the cows are eating, etc.

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Originally Posted by NbyNW

Interesting. Could it be the food coloring that's present in some cheese? I seem to remember that they orangey color is from a vegetable dye, but could you be reacting to that?

Or if it's one problem cheese, maybe there is something specific about where it is made, what the cows are eating, etc.

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It's a white cheddar, so no food coloring--it's pretty much milk, vegetable rennet and salt (and mold).

Oh, please don't give my body any ideas. Mold allergies run in my family and I'm from WI...it's bad enough that I'm lactose intolerant as of the last 5 years or so. I can do cultured dairy (like cheese and yogurt), but any significant quantity of milk gets me. Ice cream and milkshakes sometimes make me sick. And that makes me cry. :(

Allergies and sensitivities can be so weird (and annoying).

Do all white cheddars cause this or just the one you like best?

I really hate to be the one to suggest this, but I think you probably have a dairy allergy that is getting amplified by someting about this particular cheese. Or perhaps it is processed by the same equipment used to make something you are allergic to and is cross contaminating the cheese.
Food allergies are not related to seasonal allergies except that people with one are more likely to have both. I have over 20 food allergies AND 20+ "airborne" allergies. Unfortunately the only treatment for food allergies is avoidance.
Good luck. Hope you are can find a cheese you enjoy and tolerate.

Well there's oral allergy syndrome:

http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/oas.htm

Though I've never heard of a problem with cheese or nuts. But I agree, allergies and sensitivities are weird.

Is the outside waxed? Maybe something there.

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Originally Posted by ny biker

Well there's oral allergy syndrome:

http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/oas.htm

Though I've never heard of a problem with cheese or nuts. But I agree, allergies and sensitivities are weird.

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I've found almonds on the list for birch allergies. The cheese is weird.

Jusdooit, I doubt that it is a dairy allergy, because milk, yogurt, all cheese I've ever come across but this one, ice cream, etc are fine.

Malkin, I'm not sure whether or not all white cheddars cause this. It's never been an issue until this one. Hm. I may need to find some American white cheddars and a few additional English/Welsh ones (as the culprit is) and test to see if it's the cheese or the mold/whatever they feed the cows.

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Originally Posted by Owlie

I may need to find some American white cheddars and a few additional English/Welsh ones (as the culprit is) and test to see if it's the cheese or the mold/whatever they feed the cows.

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That is a scientific experiemental test that I want to be invited to, eh?? :)

I wonder if it's white cheese from this same manufacturer??

I love cheese, White Cheddar in particular, so I'm very sorry to hear your having allergy issues :(

Awhile back there was someone here with a Soy allergy and everytime they went to *$'s the hand they held the cup in became red and itchy like the outside of the cup was contaimanated by the barista.

Allergies are soooo weird!!!

Hope you find out and if you need help testing just let me know!!

Shannon

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Originally Posted by Roadtrip

That is a scientific experiemental test that I want to be invited to, eh?? :)

I wonder if it's white cheese from this same manufacturer??

I love cheese, White Cheddar in particular, so I'm very sorry to hear your having allergy issues :(

Awhile back there was someone here with a Soy allergy and everytime they went to *$'s the hand they held the cup in became red and itchy like the outside of the cup was contaimanated by the barista.

Allergies are soooo weird!!!

Hope you find out and if you need help testing just let me know!!

Shannon

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That was me. It turned out not to be a soy allergy, but something akin to Raynauds...which has never recurred since, even when I was out changing tubes barehanded in the cold. The immune system is weird.

You sound like me and some beer. Only they make me sneeze, not itch. And it's only hoppy beer (IPAs, generally) and only some of them. Exasperating, because they're really yummy.

Is it ALL white cheddars? Or just the brand you commonly buy? Might be something to look at, since it's an odd enough allergy anyway.