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Sulfite allergy/intolerance

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Allergies
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Estazz
New Member
Joined : Oct 2022
Posts : 2
Posted 10/26/2022 12:11 PM (GMT -8)
I’ve stumbled across some posts on here and think I may have a sulfite allergy or intolerance. I’ve dealt with weird/unexplained rashes and reactions for the last 15 years. I’ve seen numerous doctors, dermatologists and nobody has given me answers. I did have a patch test a few years ago and was positive for an allergy to sodium metabisulfite (along with rubber and nickel). The doctor never said anything really about it, but I get blisters in my mouth and burning tongue sensation when I eat certain fruits, can’t have any juices, fruit/cocktail mixes, vinegar and many other acidic things. The last few years I’ve had awful issues with my scalp and face. It started when we installed a salt based water softener. I’ve been reading that sodium metabisulfite is in some water treatments, so I’m now wondering if that’s what’s causing my issue. (I have also tried every sulfate free hypoallergenic shampoos on the market and react to everything!). We have turned off the softener, but I’m still experiencing chronic scalp itching/burning and have lost a lot of hair. I’ve been rinsing with bottled water, which is helping slightly but not enough. We have very hard municipal water. Is there any water treatment that doesn’t contain sulfites? I’m so tired of living like this and no doctor seems willing to help me.
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Alcie
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2009
Posts : 5192
Posted 10/27/2022 6:59 AM (GMT -8)
Unfortunately the salt-free water softeners have bad reviews. But keep researching.
Read Rick Williams' free online book http://www.learningtarget.com/nosulfites/chronic.htm This book has everything! The print book is called Sulfites and Chronic Disease;

Sulfites are very different from sulfates. Learn the difference! Sodium metabisulfite is only one of the sulfites.

The juices you are drinking may have sulfites, especially if they are made from concentrate. Frozen juice should be clean. Vinegar has sulfite, except rice vinegar.
Most bottled water has sulfites, except distilled water.

Read, read, read labels. Rick's book will tell you all the things you have to avoid. I've been to the hospital a few times with my reaction to foods, all processed, I ate without reading ingredients.
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Estazz
New Member
Joined : Oct 2022
Posts : 2
Posted 11/1/2022 10:01 AM (GMT -8)
Thanks for your suggestions! I plan to read Rick's book for sure. The more I've been reading on sulfite allergies, the more I think I may have this. I'm trying to decrease my sulfite intake to see if it helps, but it's really difficult as there are SO many things I can't have now.

I think I may be one of the unlucky ones who have both a sulfite and sulphate allergy. I think there is something in my municipal water supply that does not agree with my skin, but unfortunately I cannot seem to find a solution to a way of softening/conditioning our water without adding extra chemicals that I may react to.
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Alcie
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2009
Posts : 5192
Posted 11/16/2022 4:26 PM (GMT -8)
Ask your water supplier for an analysis of their system's water and all their additives. Get your water tested privately. There are lots of companies that can do this!
I don't think it's possible to be allergic to sulfates. They are not the same as sulfites! There are chemicals with -sulfate as part of the name, and it is possible to have a problem with some of them, but it's not the sulfate end of the chemical that's the problem. Read about this in Rick's book!
I am very careful with my shampoo, but don't use soaps at all on my body, except for removing real dirt. My skin itches if it gets the least bit dry, so I use simple lotions immediately after showering. I use only a small amount of free and clear laundry detergents and double rinse everything. No perfumes, only a tiny bit of fabric softener without scent.

There are plenty of foods you can eat! Just avoid processed or prepared stuff. I went to the hospital after a store brand chicken pot pie. Read labels, learn where sulfites are hidden. For Thanksgiving I have to make my own pumpkin pie - using ginger without sulfite! Mixed pumpkin pie spice is sulfited!! And, I can live without iced, cream-filled doughnuts!
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