Rash....flaxseed oil?

[nycgirl8383]

Hello,

I am writing because of a rash that has appeared about 2 weeks ago. I have 10-15 raised, but flat, bumps on my stomach, arms and chest. It started out as just one, but the number has increased. They are not really itchy and are not fluid filled, but some of them look like they are drying out because there is dead skin on them.

I am 24 and in good health, have never had a rash before, and did not change anything in my lifestyle except that I started taking Flaxseed Oil capsules twice a day (I read it was a great vitamin to take). I stopped after about a week and a half of taking them because I noticed this rash and thought it might be the cause. It has been 2 weeks since I stopped taking the flaxseed oil and it has not gone away (and new bumps have appeared).

Do you think the Flaxseed Oil was the cause, and if so how long until it gets out of my system?

Thanks so much.

[Health Dr. 1]

Some individuals do have allergies to plants in the flax family and may develop a rash, itching, or shortness of breath when taking flax. What you describe could be a reaction to taking flax oil or it may be totally unrelated, some type of contact dermatitis. The fact that the rash has persisted for a few weeks and that you didn’t experience any other allergic symptoms may be an indication that flax is not the culprit. It is possible to come into contact with irritating chemicals without realizing it. I would suggest analyzing the circumstances immediately prior to the onset of the rash. Did you switch any personal hygiene products, soaps, shampoos, etc.? Have you been camping or in any type of nature area where poison ivy may be present? Has your pet? Have you carried or handled any material that may have been chemically treated? Have you purchased new bedding? As you can see, there are many possibilities for us to come into contact with chemicals, natural or synthetic, that could cause a reaction. You probably will not know about the flax for sure without a blood test or without waiting for the rash to resolve and then trying it again.