How your partner could be causing you bumpy skin, itching and even runny nose – and ways to treat it
WE are all guilty of feeling a little “sick” of our loved ones, now and again.
But if you are struggling with unexplained symptoms such as bumpy skin, a constant runny nose or itching down there, it turns out your partner might be unwittingly to blame.
Dr Chun Tang, a GP and medical director at Pall Mall Medical, told Sun on Sunday Health: “While you can’t be allergic to your partner in the traditional sense, the substances and factors they bring into your environment can certainly affect your well-being.”
So, if you can’t shift a pesky problem, take note as we ask the experts to shed light on what it could be . . .
LIP SERVICE
WHILE a full pout is something most women crave, it turns out, kissing allergy syndrome is a real thing.
Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist at online pharmacy Chemist Click, says: “This is an allergic reaction which can be triggered through kissing, if your partner has eaten foods, taken medications or substances you are allergic to.
“It can cause swelling and itching of the lips, tongue or throat, hives on the mouth, nausea, vomiting and in very severe cases life-threatening anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.”
TREAT IT: Antihistamines can be bought over the counter to help manage mild symptoms.
Abbas adds: “It’s important to discuss any allergies with your partner so they can avoid consuming known allergens before kissing.
“Practising good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk too.”
COUGH IT UP
IT’S a win if you make it through the year without catching some kind of bug or virus.
And it’s likely if your partner falls victim to a cold, Covid or flu, you will too.
Abbas says: “These can be passed on through kissing your partner. If they are infected, the virus is present in their saliva.
“When you kiss, they can directly transfer the virus to you through their saliva.
“If they cough or sneeze, they may also release tiny droplets that contain the virus.
“These can fall on your lips or mouth, making you more likely to get sick.”
TREAT IT: Like any cold or viral illness, lots of sleep, rest and hydration is vital.
In reality, it’s hard to avoid catching your loved one’s illness, especially if you live together.
But if you spot your partner sniffling and suspect they’re coming down with something, avoid sharing towels, cutlery, bottles and pillows for the duration of the illness.
DEEP BREATHS
DOES your partner tend to always wear strong perfume or aftershave?
Dr Tang says: “Difficulty breathing may arise from exposure to strong fragrances or personal care products used by your partner.”
Allergens in perfumes and colognes can irritate the respiratory system, he says, especially in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
TREAT IT: Eliminate products one at a time, for a week or so, and notice how you feel.
If you can’t work out the root cause, book an appointment with your GP who will be able to offer advice.
SKIN DEEP
HIVES and general itchy skin could be caused by lotions, shampoos, soaps — or even your partner’s pheromones.
Dr Tang says: “Personal care products can contain fragrances, preservatives and other chemicals that might irritate your skin, especially when you share pillows or engage in close physical contact.
“If your partner has been exposed to pet dander, pollen or other environmental allergens, these can be brought into your shared space, causing symptoms.”
And while it’s rare, your loved one’s pheromones could cause an allergic reaction.
“Pheromones are secreted by individuals and can trigger social responses in others of the same species,” he explains.
Pheromones could help us attract a mate, for example. An allergic reaction to pheromones may manifest as a rash, itching or respiratory symptoms upon exposure, he adds.
TREAT IT: If you suspect that you are allergic to a product your partner uses, keep a diary of symptoms to check for any link.
Dr Tang says: “Diagnosis (of allergies) involves observing symptoms in relation to exposure and may include allergy testing.”
Managing them typically involves avoiding exposure and using antihistamines or other allergy medications.
Need advice? Book an appointment with your GP who can help.
ITCH YOU CAN’T SCRATCH
AN itch down there can prove embarrassing.
And in some cases it can be a sign of an STI, yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
“The first signs of a herpes outbreak include itching, tingling, or discomfort in the genital area,” Abbas says.
“This can happen before sores or blisters, which can cause pain when having sex.”
Trichomoniasis, another STI caused by a parasite, can trigger intense itching or discomfort in the genital area, as well as vaginal or urethral discharge and pain during intercourse.
Abbas adds: “In some people, chlamydia may cause genital itchiness, however more common is discharge, vaginal bleeding, pain around the stomach or pelvis and pain when urinating.”
Itchy genitals could also be caused by an allergy to latex, often related to its use in condoms.
TREAT IT: If you’re worried you might have an STI, visit a sexual health clinic.
Abbas adds: “If you have genital herpes, you should avoid sexual intercourse.
“Treatments such as acyclovir and valacyclovir can help to reduce the length and severity of an outbreak.”
Meanwhile, switch to latex-free condoms if you suspect latex may be causing problems, Dr Tang says.
“Consulting a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment is crucial,” he advises.