ALLERGY BRIEFS

Can people be allergic to another person?

September 24, 2003

First of all, if everyone around you has the same reaction, then it is not due to allergies. Not everyone has allergies. However, I imagine what you are really meaning is that a lot of people have this reaction around you.

My first suspicion would be pet dander. Pet dander sticks to clothing and is very difficult to remove. For more information about the difficulties of getting rid of pet dander, see:
Second-hand pet dander

Your mention of mold suspicion leads me to wonder if these reactions always occur in the same building. I don't think mold allergy would be related to you personally, unless mold was in your clothing. But this is unlikely, especially since you indicate that you frequently wash your clothes.

If you invite people to your home and there is a pet in your home, this may be the cause of the problem. Even if the pet is in another room, or outside, pet dander travels easily on clothing and shoes from one place to another.

While perfumes and colognes are more often considered triggers than actual allergens, it is possible that the fragrance you are using could trigger a reaction in an allergic individual. Try leaving off all perfumes and colognes and see if this helps.

If none of the above measures make a difference, it is likely nothing you are doing that is causing these reactions in others. Relax, enjoy your company, and don't hold yourself accountable for their allergies.

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