Fish Oil = RASH???

[poetree]

Last week I broke out in a nasty rash on my arms and was racking my brain to find the cause. I had used a new coconut butter massage cream and thought maybe it was the culprit, but my client didn't have any reaction so I spot-tested it on my thigh and no rash developed. I'd also worked in the yard moving some shrubs and adding organic compost so thought maybe the leaves or compost had caused the problem but there really was no way to be sure. The only other possibility was that I bought omega-3 distilled fish oil capsules from Trader Joe's (odorless) and began taking them the day before the rash appeared, so I quit taking them for a few days to see what happened. The rash slowly began to get better/stop itching but it was possible this was just a coincidence due to the time it would normally take a rash like this to heal. (although it still hadn't completely gone away)

Then yesterday I joined the "high fatties" thread that ElleH started and used the fish oil capsules to help boost my fat intake. I took 4 1200mg capules throughout the day. This morning, the rash is back in full force and now my legs are covered in red bumps as well.

Has anyone else had this reaction to fish oil? Mine says the ingredients are:

gelatin
glycerin
purified water
antioxident blend (canola oil, natural falvor, tocophero (soy), sunflower oil, citric acid)
anchovies, sardines, mackerel

Fish body oils are:
Marine liquid contentrate 1200 mg per softgel
EPA (elcosapentaenoic acid) 400 mg
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) 200 mg

Also, any suggestion on TREATING the rash? I've tried aloe vera and tea tree oil so far--tto helps the itching a bit but not the rash itself. Very weird how it's just on my arms and legs.

[PS Diva]

It is possible to be allergic to fish! Do you eat fish at all? If you do, have you ever had any reactions to it?

[poetree]

I eat fish all the time, never had problems.

I just read in another thread that someone had a reaction to coconut oil. I did add (virgin) coconut oil to my coffee yesterday after not using it for some time, but I didn't have any reaction the other times I've eaten it.

[PS Diva]

How about a skin test? Open a capsule and spread on one thigh... That's all I can think of.

[poetree]

I think I may have found the answer. Turns out some people are allergic to DHA:

What side effects may I notice from using fish oil?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•changes in your moods or emotions
•easy bruising
•nosebleeds
•skin rash or unusual skin reaction

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•bad breath (fishy breath)
•belching
•diarrhea
•heartburn
•nausea
•stomach upset
•weight gain

What should I watch for while taking fish oil?
Since fish oils are derived from marine life, allergic reactions are possible. Stop using this product if you develop a rash. You may need to see your health care professional, or inform them that this occurred. Report any other unusual side effects promptly.

http://gsm.about.com/compact/showtext.asp?cpnum=2722&monotype=full&match=G&gname=Fish*Oil,*Omega-3*Fatty*Acids&r=6078


http://www.healthtouch.com/bin/EContent_HT/altCareMedShowLfts.asp?fname=00278&title=Fish+Oil%2C+See+%7CDHA+%7C+&cid=HTALT

[Dodger]

I'm surprised that eating fish doesn't cause you any problems. There are EPA only fish oils available.