Mealworm allergy?

[favrielle]

While sorting out some mealworms this morning, I started sneezing and had a runny nose. A little later, I realized my lips were tingling slightly (I'm assuming because I touched my face after I sneezed.)

Would this be the start of the "mealworm allergy" I've heard about, and if so, any tips for dealing with it that don't involve completely avoiding them?

 

[bfb345]

Sounds like it sorry to say I just can't wait till I get that lol

 

[acpart]

Yes, it's a drag. Here's what I do:
--air clearner in the reptile area on all the time
--I use a heavy duty respirator when I deal with mealworms and latex gloves (I'm not allergic to them, at least)
--I wash my hands well after dealing with them

I still suffer a bit but it's not as bad

Aliza

 

[favrielle]

Aliza, do you react to any other feeders as well? And did it start out as a bad reaction, or did the reactions increase over a period of time?

I have a petite little gecko (46g) who will ONLY eat crickets and mealworms (only when absolutely necessary, and only from a bowl). Sometimes she'll eat a phoenix worm if she accidentally grabs one while eating her mealies, but never intentionally. She turns her nose up at dubia and even waxworms! I worry that this allergy will affect her the most if it gets too severe and I can't handle mealworms at all. I might be able to switch her to supers, but if I'm likely to react to those as well, what then?

Anyway, thanks for listing what you do to cope. It's getting my brain working on how to manage this.

 

[acpart]

It probably did get gradually worse. I bring my baby leopard geckos up on mealworms, so, especially in the summer, I feed a lot of mealworms. I'm managing it well so far as long as I take the proper precautions.

Aliza