Kratom is known for its absolute richness and has gained popularity all along the way.
With its origins in the bountiful rainforests of Southeast Asia, the plant holds immense appeal for kratom enthusiasts worldwide. Boasting versatile benefits, prolonged effects, and variety of blends, it offers a captivating journey for those seeking a natural botanical experience.
Alas, not everything that glitters is gold!
And Kratom, too, has its fair share of side effects. Despite people being head over heels in love with the herb, they are still concerned with the adverse reactions. And rightly so!
As much as it is doing rounds on the internet for being an antidote to uneasiness, some believe it capable of flaring allergic reactions.
And, when it comes to skin, one shouldn’t make any compromises.
Remember, physical beauty is above all.
However, not everyone who consumes Kratom is quick to catch an allergy. And there can be several other underlying reasons like weight, age, and dosage for such breakouts.
The article intends to take a deep dig on whether or not Kratom is responsible for allergic reactions? The types of allergies you can fall prey to and so on.
What Is Kratom Allergy?
Just like any other drug allergy, Kratom Allergy involves the reaction of the immune system in our bodies in response to Kratom Consumption.
The immune system may produce a substance, namely antibodies against Kratom. The symptoms may appear right away or hours after kratom intake.
The most common symptoms include:
- Hives
- Itching of the skin or eyes (common)
- Skin rash (common)
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- Wheezing
- Bleeding
- Fever
- Nausea
Can Kratom Cause Any Allergy Breakouts?
Kratom is a ‘natural’ plant that helps users to beat uneasiness and discomfort quickly. Just like any other medication, it too has the potential to result in a severe reaction if caught off guard. Any disruption in our bodies can lead to health problems.
If Kratom is inappropriate for your body, you can very well discern if you experience thirst, itching, and other body adaptation mechanisms. Itching alone is an adverse effect and should be examined by a health specialist.
What Does A Kratom Allergic Reaction Look Like?
So, how do I tell if I am allergic to Kratom? Following, we have highlighted some tell-tale signs that indicate a possible allergic reaction:
- Hyperpigmentation or Skin Discoloration
Skin pigmentation or discoloration is a potential side-effect of consuming high doses of Kratom for a prolonged period. It is most evident on the face, particularly the cheeks.
It occurs when patches of the skin become darker than your natural color due to variations in melanin production. In that case, stopping Kratom use and seeking medical help is advisable.
An American Study published in 2022, “Kratom as a novel cause of photodistributed hyperpigmentation”, states that individuals who chronically consume Kratom at high doses may be susceptible to hyperpigmentation. Our patient’s clinical findings included hyperpigmented skin in sun-exposed areas with blue-grey discolouration. The pigment was deposited around veins and occasionally within macrophages, confirmed by CD68 staining.
- Flushing
Flushing is an allergic reaction, but if you’re a caffeine lover, you don’t have to worry about it! Experiencing redness in the facial area might be a reaction to caffeine dosage. However, you might have to visit a skin specialist if it’s elsewhere.
- Rashes
Another one of the many symptoms is the appearance of unexpected rashes. Rashness is an identified allergy symptom; in Kratom’s case, it’s no different. If you experience rashness on your skin and are clueless about it, don’t let it go unnoticed, and be quick to take action.
- Itching
Along with the many symptoms, itching is the most common of all. Some users report mild itching post-Kratom use. Fortunately, it’s temporary in most cases and quickly subsides on its own without any treatment. Other users have reported constant itching for hours after consuming Kratom.
If you are facing mild itching that goes away shortly, there’s nothing to worry about. However, if it persists for long and causes discomfort, it might be an alarm sign.
Other Side Effects Of High Doses of Kratom
As quoted by a 2022 Study (Health Effects Associated With Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Polysubstance Use: A Narrative Review) “Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) consumption and associated health effects have raised debates in the United States. Although most people using this herb do not experience adverse health effects associated with kratom use.”
Following are some of the reported side effects:
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Chills
- Nausea
- Frequent Urine
- Constipation
- Liver damage
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Delusion
- Depression
- Breathing suppression
The Presence of Lead and Nickel in Kratom
Until now, you might think that the allergic reactions of Kratom might be because of its potency.
True. But that’s just half the truth.
Another danger lurking inside Kratom causing allergic reactions is the presence of Lead and Nickel. Shocking but true!
In 2019, the FDA conducted research on Kratom products. Thirty of them were found to have high levels of lead and nickel. This Metal Poisoning can be the driving force of many allergies.
Even worse, Nickel Allergy can go undetected, and people might not even know they are suffering from it- unless they come into contact with Nickel Material. The most common symptoms of nickel allergies include:
- Dry and dark patches
- Rash
- Skin Bumps
- Itching
- Changes in Skin Colour
- Red skin
- Blisters
So, beware before ingesting low-quality Kratom. Your Nickel Allergy might become even worse. Therefore, it is recommended to shop online for high-quality Kratom from reliable vendors.
Find Out if Kratom Is The Right Choice For You
Many people can resist allergies with gradual exposure to time.
However, some might as well avoid Kratom for a long time. Consuming a certain drug can have its disadvantages initially, but since the human body system takes time to develop and adapt to the changes that come with it, it might just be a matter of time.
Also Read This Article On Should I Take Kratom With Food?
Are You Quite The Allergy Catcher?
Allergy breakouts can come in various forms, such as tremors, exhaustion, mucous membrane damage, muscle soreness, and breathing problems.
Though Kratom has been quite a star in busting discomfort and anxiety, there have been a few cases where things went south. Some users have experienced itching after consuming Kratom.
Therefore, it’s essential to keep a check-in balance before use. But how?
Wait! Let us tell you the secret: It’s best to start with small doses and observe how your body responds. If all is well, gradually increase the dose and it is crucial to keep examining yourself.
When To See A Doctor?
It’s crucial to see a doctor or a health specialist to keep it in check. Some symptoms might not cause serious problems, while others may require immediate medical assistance. With proper and timely treatment you might be able to find the root cause for your symptoms. Here are some scenarios:
i) If allergic reactions elevate to a point where it causes trouble breathing and can be serious. It is, therefore, crucial to see a doctor.
ii) Likewise, minor irritation or spots on the cheeks can be alarming and require consultancy.
iii) If your symptoms are substantial like persistent rash, intense irritation, and anaphylaxis. These must not be taken lightly.
iv) If you are facing severe side effects, stop consuming Kratom immediately and consult a health expert at your earliest convenience.
How To Treat At Home?
Some allergies can have treatments that come in quite handy. Allergy symptoms associated with Kratom are related to intolerance or using a new and different substance. The good part is they won’t last for long.
Mild itching can be treated with the help of antihistamines that block the itching reaction and result in complete relief. A potential solution can be to carry a topical antihistamine everywhere.
Using Kratom repeatedly can minimize the severity of mild allergies by boosting the body’s tolerance level. This will also lower the risk of allergic reactions in the future.
Is There A Dark Side to Kratom?
There’s a dark twist in the tale of Kratom that’s been circulating around. Abuse and dependence on the plant can cause problems. That’s primarily because the combination of stimulant and sedative effects can lure users into irresistible cravings.
So, if you know someone growing fond of Kratom and never misses out on a dose, it’s time you share the essential precautionary measures with them.
Consumers have reported behavioural shifts, dysfunctional cognitive abilities, and other negative reactions. Kratom addiction can exhaust the body in devastating ways.
Kratom Allergy vs. Sensitivity or Intolerance?
It is normal for users to confuse intolerance or sensitivity to an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Both are different and invoke different side effects. Nonetheless, it is critical to distinguish the two terms.
So, here we have highlighted the difference between them:
Kratom Allergy provokes an immune response in the body that leads to the production of antibodies against the substance. The first time you take Speciosa supplements, you may not feel any response. However, the next time you use it, those antibodies direct white blood cells to produce Histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. The reaction may be immediate or manifest after several hours.
On the contrary, Kratom Intolerance, or Sensitivity, refers to the inability to tolerate the adverse effects of Kratom. Unlike Allergic Reactions, it does not involve the immune system. And may tag along unpleasant symptoms. This means people with Kratom intolerance can still enjoy the herb’s therapeutic benefits. Conversely, Kratom Tolerance is when the patient can tolerate or handle high amounts of the dose despite the adverse effects.
Individual Experiences
When looking into the potential allergic reactions of Kratom, it is important to consider the many different experiences people have had. There are many discussions revolving around the topic. Here are some of them:
One user in the Sub-Reddit group shared that he had no allergic reaction. Rather, I had to face symptoms like “I always get a weird headache, also like pressure behind my eyes & in my forehead. It’s super strange. I also become very sensitive to sunlight, so I must wear sunglasses.” He added, “I miss the good days with kratom because it used to be a great tool for me on some days.”
Another user shared how buying from a low-quality vendor made him suffer terribly. He remarked, “Kratom caused me to break out in hives once. I don’t know. I think there’s definitely some contaminated batches around. I thought I was developing allergies.
IDK if I can drop names, but I used to buy the manga kratom that was sold at a lot of headshops. It was making me itchy to the point I thought I had lice. Then I broke out in hives and realized it was the Kratom. Since then, I have switched to an online vendor and refused to buy anything from the headshops. Haven’t had any issues since.”
Likewise, another user shared the thread in a Sub-Reddit Kratom Allergic Reaction? Where many shared their valuable experiences.
For instance, a Contributor commented, “When I took Kratom during high school, specific areas of my face would get red and rash/psoriasis-like and skin would flake off. I could feel my face getting hot while feeling the effects acutely. I would get it on my cheek, over my upper lip, eyebrows, and scalp badly”. Another added, “I recently experienced some facial swelling after trying a sample of a white I had never tried before. It went away after I took Benadryl.”
Disclaimer! You Wouldn’t Want to Miss Out
If you have been consuming Kratom for a long time and haven’t experienced any symptoms, don’t let it fool you that you’re out of the red zone! It’s strongly advisable to look out for any signs incoming.
Besides, we can’t stress enough the significance of buying the best quality Kratom products online only from trusted sources. They will supply 100% natural and pure Kratom for sale, which minimizes the risks of any adverse reactions.
Find Out if You Are A Potential Kratom User
Kratom can work wonders if you’re battling frequent fatigue and uneasiness. However, dependence and abuse of any medicated drug has its dark side. Therefore, it is essential to consume the right amount of dosage.
Also Read This Article On Kratom Dosing Chart: Find the Right Kratom Dosage
Beginning your Kratom Journey? If you are unaware of the appropriate dose, have your Health Specialist on speed dial because it varies from person to person depending on factors like age, weight, gender and so on.
Most importantly, it would help if you were on the lookout for any symptoms that might worsen your health condition. Allergy breakouts can be mild or severe. In any case, it is best to consult a doctor first-hand.
Ignorance of such symptoms can have devastating effects.
And, if you can’t relate to any of the symptoms listed above, Congratulations! You qualify as a Healthy Kratom User.
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