A little-known chemical so common it's in everything from shampoo to glue ruined my life – and it's causing a spate of allergies

Living in Constant Vigilance: Man’s Rare PEG Allergy

London resident James Giddings has been living with a rare and potentially life-threatening allergy condition for just over two years, requiring him to maintain ‘constant vigilance’. Diagnosed with a severe PEG allergy, also known as polyethylene glycol allergy, this uncommon sensitivity has dramatically altered his daily life. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is a constant threat for James, triggered by exposure to PEGs, ubiquitous chemicals found in many everyday products.

The Impact of a Rare Allergy

As a father of three, James must take extreme precautions to avoid exposure to polyethylene glycols. He habitually wears gloves and avoids physical contact, even with his children upon their return from school, requiring them to be thoroughly cleaned first. Unfamiliar restrooms are only used in emergencies, and routine activities like visiting the hairdresser are no longer possible. Medications pose a significant risk, representing a potential trigger for a fatal reaction.

Understanding the Threat: Anaphylaxis

The 39-year-old music manager is acutely aware that any lapse in vigilance could provoke anaphylaxis. This severe allergic reaction could cause his airway to constrict, blood pressure to decrease dangerously, and induce critical respiratory distress, potentially leading to fatality. The culprit behind this extreme sensitivity is polyethylene glycol (PEG), a chemical commonly used in a vast array of products, from personal care items like soap, shaving cream, and shampoo, to toothpaste, and even pharmaceutical coatings on tablets such as ibuprofen.

What is Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Allergy?

James suffers from an allergy to polyethylene glycols (PEGs), also referred to as macrogols. While broadly termed a PEG allergy, its most dangerous form is exceedingly rare in the UK. Due to its recent identification, the medical community is still investigating the reasons behind its occurrence and who is susceptible.

PEG Allergy and Covid-19 Vaccines

Public awareness of PEG allergies increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Reports emerged of suspected anaphylactic reactions in a small number of individuals following administration of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, both of which contain PEGs.

Milder Reactions and Everyday Products

Since then, an increasing number of people have reported sensitivities to PEGs present in numerous household products. These reactions often manifest as milder allergy symptoms, including itchy rashes and irritated eyes.

Doctor’s Column Raises Awareness

Following a recent article by a medical columnist highlighting PEG allergy, numerous readers contacted her, sharing their own diagnoses and emphasizing the seriousness of the condition.

Living with Constant Risk

James recounts, ‘This condition has drastically altered my life. Everywhere I go, I carry three EpiPens, antihistamines, and steroids – essential life-saving medications, as without them, I could die.’

‘Simple actions like shaking hands or hugging are fraught with risk. Even interactions with my children after school are carefully managed due to PEG’s presence in common items like glue sticks.’

‘The psychological impact is significant. The relentless vigilance required to be aware of potential exposures is exhausting, and I am currently undergoing therapy to better cope with this constant anxiety.’

Onset of Allergic Reactions

For James, the allergy symptoms first appeared in January 2023. He experienced a reaction after being administered a liquid laxative at a private medical facility in London prior to an unrelated MRI scan for an abdominal issue.

Immediately, James experienced a burning sensation in his hands and feet, itching in his eyes, nose, and throat, hives, and a profound sense of unease – a typical preliminary indication of anaphylaxis.

Medical staff at the clinic administered intravenous steroids, antihistamines, and adrenaline before transferring him to St George’s Hospital in south London.

Investigations revealed that the laxative contained a concentrated dose of macrogol, a form of polyethylene glycol. Subsequent tests confirmed his PEG allergy diagnosis.

Expert Insights on Rare Allergy

Dr. Shuaib Nasser, a leading specialist in PEG allergy at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explains that most cases emerge from exposure to high doses of PEGs in laxatives, bowel preparation solutions for medical procedures, or steroid injections, rather than from typical cosmetic or household products.

‘This is an exceptionally rare allergy condition. In over 25 years, we have identified approximately seven cases,’ he stated. ‘Reactions range from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis. Tragically, we are aware of at least two fatalities.’

Challenges in Avoiding PEGs

Avoiding products containing PEG is challenging as labeling can be inconsistent. PEG may be listed as macrogol, polyethylene oxide, or polyoxyethylene, or may not be listed on labels at all.

Tragic Case Highlights Labelling Issues

Andrew Shaw, 53, who also suffered from a PEG allergy, tragically died in 2019 at Kettering General Hospital during heart surgery. Despite the surgeon taking precautions and instructing staff to check for PEG-containing products, the chemical was found in the coating of surgical wires, an ingredient not disclosed on the product label.

Mr. Shaw experienced anaphylactic shock and could not be resuscitated. The coroner subsequently called for improved ingredient transparency on medical packaging to prevent future fatalities.

Recommendations for Sufferers

Dr. Nasser advises that while most individuals with PEG allergy will tolerate minimal exposure, avoiding PEG-containing products is still crucial.

He further clarified that avoiding Covid vaccines is unnecessary, as they are believed to contain insufficient PEGs to cause anaphylaxis in most individuals.

Constant Vigilance Required

For James, vigilance remains paramount. He was recently hospitalized again following a severe reaction at a German airport after handling a packet of headphones.

‘This incident reinforced the reality that this is a condition I must manage indefinitely, and reactions can occur unexpectedly, anywhere,’ he reflects.

‘I am committed to increasing public awareness of this rare allergy because currently, there’s a pervasive lack of trust in product safety.’

Resources for Allergy Information

For further information, Anaphylaxis UK provides fact sheets on PEG and numerous other allergies (anaphylaxis.org.uk).