Citrus caused inflammation ?!
Question: Ok so just about 20 minutes ago i hand peeled a citrus fruit (kind of like an orange, but not a tangerine). My thumb, which was used to dig into the fruits skin and peel away, is now inflamed and red.......maybe i shouldn't be typing but.........can someone explain what might be the cause and what way i could reduce it. I washed my hands after i ate.
Answers: Ok so just about 20 minutes ago i hand peeled a citrus fruit (kind of like an orange, but not a tangerine). My thumb, which was used to dig into the fruits skin and peel away, is now inflamed and red.......maybe i shouldn't be typing but.........can someone explain what might be the cause and what way i could reduce it. I washed my hands after i ate.
The citric acid could cause this. You're very light skin, meaning that you're skin will usually be more sensitive to things such as sunlight, chemicals, and liquids.
I would take benadryl just in cause it might be a small allergic reaction. I would recommend soaking your thumb in milk for about ten to fifteen minutes. Milk is a base an will neutralize the acid from the fruit.
Take care!
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Additional information:
I would take ibuprofen (Advil) for the inflammation and discomfort. At least 600 milligram (usually 3 200mg pills). Make sure you have food in your system as it may upset it. You could try cottage cheese, it is also basic and can help neutralize the acid if that is what's causing this.
Allergies can be at birth or developed over time. I've had this happen when peeling an orange, just once, and it was because I made my thumb raw from peeling. You could try aloe vera lotion or even a cool rag. You may find that the inflammation may cause your skin to peel the next day or a few days.
If it continues to spread up your hand and arm I would seek an ER at this time of night. Not that it could be life threatening, but the fact that it's traveling. If it's allergic, the benadryl will definately help. I work in an ER and that's what they give you there along with pain relief. So hang in there, it'll dissipate.