This wont be something that only happens the first couple of times youve handled butternut squash, Zeichner added.
Why Does Squash Make My Hands Peel?
There are two types of contact dermatitis.
Photo Illustration by Lecia Landis for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Its not clear how many people are affected by this.
The reaction only affects the area of the body that came into contact with the butternut squash.
Its unclear exactly how long the symptoms of squash hands last, but they wont necessarily go away overnight.
If you still want to prep the fruit, consider adding a barrier between yourself and the squash.
Canned produce is just as healthy as fresh, Langer said.
If you develop a reaction, then an over-the-countertopical cortisone creamcan be useful, he explained.
Specifically, youre going to want a 1% hydrocortisone cream.
If at-home care doesnt alleviate your symptoms, youll need to seek medical treatment.
A specialist may recommend a prescription cream to ease the symptoms.
These include:
These symptoms could signal a more severe food allergy requiring immediate treatment.
Shah MA, Feldman SR.Hand dermatitis secondary to exposure to butternut squash.Case Rep Dermatol.
2022;14(2):123-126. doi:10.1159/000524930
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Contact dermatitis.
Stacey SK, McEleney M.Topical corticosteroids: choice and system.Am Fam Physician.
2021;103(6):337-343.
FoodSafety.gov.Avoiding food allergy reactions.
