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Rare allergy makes wife fatal attraction
Bus driver Darren Young has been told to steer clear of his wife Sue – because he is allergic to her cosmetics.
One of the world's rarest allergies has put the brakes on the couple's love life after Mr Young collapsed and "died" twice.
Mr Young, 45, had to be twice resuscitated when his heart stopped after dangerous allergic reactions.
A string of detailed tests by experts discovered that he is allergic to most creams and cosmetics – one of only three recorded cases in the world.
It means that he has to avoid any contact with Mrs Young, 48, and most other women when they have been using lotions and potions which contain polyethylene glycol.
Mr Young, from Sprotbrough, near Doncaster: "It's not just Sue that I'm allergic to. If I go into a pub or restaurant and the table hasn't been thoroughly cleaned my body reacts if a woman has been sat there before me.
"I can lean on a table and chair and if there are traces of body lotion or sun lotion left and it touches my skin I go all blotchy and red as if I have been stung by nettles."
Mr Young's allergy is so rare it is one of only three recorded worldwide and he has to carry a special adrenaline injector and inhaler.
The allergy first came to light when he was given a steroid injection in hospital for a foot problem and collapsed within seconds. His heart stopped and he had to be brought round with a defibrillator. He was transferred to another hospital but paramedics had to stop and revive him after his heart stopped for a second time.
After months of tests experts at Sheffield Northern General Hospital's Allergy Unit pinpointed polyethylene glycol as the trigger.
Mrs Young, a hospital ward clerk: "It really can be dangerous for Darren if his skin comes into contact with a lot of creams and lotions I use."
Sister Fran Ashworth from the allergy unit said : "To the best of our knowledge and from our research there are only two other recorded cases of this allergy around the world."
The unit is organising an open night tonight for anyone who fears they may have an allergy.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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