Posted 10/12/2012 9:02 AM (GMT 0)
I was invited for afternoon drinks in early September at a friends home. I usually drink vodka with seltzer but host didn't have seltzer and suggested vodka with tonic water and lime (bottled). It was very good. The next day, I purchased bottled lime and tonic water (has quinine) and had evening cocktails of vodka & tonic with lime juice. A few days later, I broke out in a rash on arms and upper legs. Thinking it was the quinine in tonic water, I stopped drinking tonic water but continued with the lime juice. I just have a one or two mild drinks before dinner but was also adding the lime juice to refrigerated bottled water and even adding it to foods. In summary, I was using a lot bottled lime juice. Yesterday, I spoke with a friend who uses lots of fresh limes, never bottled and suggested I look at the ingredients on the bottle. Contains sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite. I did a search and the highest amounts of sulfites (over 100 PPM) is in wine, bottled lemon & lime juice, grape juices and sauerkraut. I was so glad she called since I was getting ready to look for a Dermatologist. I've stopped drinking the bottle lime juice and hoping this skin condition disappears. I can't think of anything else except the lime juice that has caused this annoying skin condition. I don't have any other issues except the skin problem. Would a sulfite allergy cause other issues other than skin problem? Someone mentioned that skin problems can also be a result of an under active thyroid. Again, I'm fortunate its not itchy. The skin is very red looking like a sun burn. Any thoughts? Thanks.