Loading...Q. I’ve been taking turmeric for psoriatic arthritis that has made my hands dry and my fingertips split. I have been taking two pills a day.
I have noticed an itchy rash on my arms that I didn’t have before. Although the turmeric has helped my skin and the arthritis pain, I am worried that it may have caused the rash.
l used to take ibuprofen every day but I haven’t needed any for weeks. I really hope my rash on my arms isn’t from the turmeric. Might it be?
A. Turmeric is the yellow spice in curry powder and yellow mustard. It has powerful anti-inflammatory activity, and many readers report it can ease both psoriasis and arthritis pain.
Turmeric can cause an allergic rash in some people, however. Here is another reader’s reaction: “I tried turmeric for its health benefits last May. In June I developed serious rash and itching on my chest and neck. I stopped the turmeric and it cleared up. I looked in your book and noted that some folks said they had a similar reaction to the spice.”
Turmeric is one of our favorite foods, both for the flavor and for its anti-inflammatory action. It is not for everyone, however; some people develop an allergy, as you seem to have. Others may be taking the anticoagulant warfarin. Turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin are incompatible with warfarin (Coumadin) and could cause bleeding. A number of people have reported an elevated INR as a consequence of this combination. We advise against it.
Those who would like to learn more about dietary components that can ease inflammation may be interested in our book, Favorite Foods from The People’s Pharmacy. It is available for free to those who purchase the Lip Balm and MoM Deodorant package.
Maya
I began taking turmeric supplements (1 a day) and added some turmeric oil to my almond oil body oil.Within 5 days of taking the supplements and the day after using the blended oil, my entire body broke out in hives. As I am very attuned to my body and use almost all natural products, it was a sure sign that the turmeric was the root cause. Searching around, it does seem that an allergic reaction is indeed a known issue.
Tiffanie
I get terrible itching on my chest when I take turmeric or curcumin supplements. I can eat small amounts of turmeric in curries, but that’s my limit unfortunately. There’s so many health benefits so I am disappointed that I can’t tolerate it. I wish there was an equivalent that I could take.
I get a similar reaction to high amounts of cinnamon too.
Gabrielle
I have been having itchy skin for the past 3 weeks. It’s been so bad that when the itching starts I have to use a body brush to relieve it. I would get no spots or bumps just intense itching. I finally figured out that it may be the Turmeric, as the itching would begin shortly after taking the supplement. I stopped taking it, and the itching subsided with no itching whatsoever to my relief. Throwing the rest out in the bin.
Michelle
Ive noticed the last few days that I look super sun burned in my face, chest, neck, and arms. I started taking Turmeric about 5 days ago. Its not a rash just super red. Anyone else experience this?
Maya W.
MI
I have been taking turmeric for a few days now, and let me tell you I look like I have a terrible skin problem. My chest is covered with a very red rash, and my back is starting to itch. The only new thing in my life is turmeric so it looks like we will be parting ways TODAY.
Hazel
MN
I’ve been taking Turmeric (95% Curcuminoids) about a week and I itch all over my body ( head to toe) especially my arms, face, neck and legs)so I started to research my side effects and was glad to see I’m not losing my mind. I will stop immediately and prayerfully I will recover.
Leslie
I have taken this for 3 weeks and suddenly developed a raised red rash on my arms,legs, and chest that itches. Is it the turmeric I was taking to replace ibuprofen with?
ray
ok well from all your responses…everyone is taking either an extracted form of turmeric or a capsule. I would recommend getting the true natures version of the ACTUAL TUMERIC ROOT ITSELF. TASTES BETTER AND YOU KNOW IT US PURE TUMERIC NOT MIXED WITH ANYTHING. I WOULD BUY ORGANIC ALSO.
Rosario
I started to take turmeric capsules to help me with the arthritis psoriasis in my fingers. However, I was getting rashes in my arms and was very itchy. I was worried about the itchiness considering I’m on a healthy diet. Glad I found this link and sadly will stop taking turmeric.
Stuart
RI
You may have solved my problem! I’m in my late 50’s and have had an itchy rash very similar to those described above on various parts of my body over the last couple of months or so. Since I am not prone to rashes I have been trying very hard to figure out the cause without resorting to prescription meds. It FINALLY dawned on me today that it could be from the Turmeric supplements I am taking. I googled it and found this column. I recently switched brands to get a higher concentrate and it has added ingredients like Ginseng and Olive Leaf. The rash has gotten worse since I started using the new brand. Although I find them helpful, I am going to stop using the Turmeric supplements and will let you know the results. Thanks all for sharing your information.
joe
Sunnyvale, CA
Annie p’s comment makes a lot of sense. I am allergic to aspirin and so after taking turmeric, I got huge rashes, itching all over the body
patrick
toronto
People with allergic reaction may want to try either changing brand of concentrate OR if you are using powder or the actual root, avoid mixing with pepper. It is worth a try. It would be a shame to just give up on curcumin as it is such an amazing natural medicine.
I noticed I got itchy with Nature Factor’s curcumin capsules but not with Nature Force’s which does not contain peeper based extract but is suspended in olive oil. Downside is that Nature Factor seems to be more backed with data. Nature Force product does seem to br all regarded. There are probably many other very god products out there without pepper extract.
Just say’s it worth the try.
Theresa
IL - Illinois
I am in the process of elimination of what caused this torso rash.
Thanks for the article.
Michelle
NC
I have developed a red, itchy, stinging rash above my eyes and suspect it may be a turmeric (curcumin) allergy. I started taking capsules of liquid cucumin and black pepper extract about 4 days ago and this rash has gradually come on since then. I have an autoimmune dusease that affects my retinas, so it is especially disturbing that this rash is on my eyes. I’ve never had the problem using turneric powder or curry in cooking, but am afraid the high concentration in these capsules has caused this reaction.
Sofia O
Arms/looks like flea bites
I started taking turmeric yesterday and started getting rash in my arms right away. I know my diet pretty well and the only thing I’ve added is taking a turmeric capsule. I will not take it again after reading all the comments and will see what happens. Thank you for the info.
Bernice
Palmview, Texas
I so appreciate the comments on this page. My doctor recommended tumeric and cat’s claw. I was taking cat’s claw and doing very well with pain in my hands from osteoarthritis. Since adding the tumeric, I wake up at night itching my arms and upper body. Looks like the tumeric is causing the itching and I will not take it and see what happens. Thank you very much!
Lauranne
I have been told I have arthritis, frozen shoulder, back and neck pain but since I started tumeric I no longer have any pain. But recently I broke out with a terrible rash on my arm, thighs, hips,as soon as one stop it show up some were else. I went to the Doctor got steroid and tropical cream, I was still taking tumeric, I had to figure out this is the only thing I was doing different and I googled side affects and came across this article I am so glad I read these stories. Can any suggestion something to help I really don’t want to stop taking the Tumeric I need this HELP!!!!!
Tracy
Wi
Im so sad to read this. It has helped my pain so much. But i have the same itchy rash that people here r describing. The flea type bites, for me it started with hands, now is ankles and moving up the arms. I guess I’d like ti kno if the is something to counteract the side effect (rash)? Guess Ill stop it for awhile and see if it clears up…
Hindemith
MS
I stated taking 400 mg of Tumeric which was recommended by my physician for my roseca and eczema . Approximately 3 months later I broke out with a burning itchy rash on my neck and chest. I went to the doctor and got a steroid shot and a 6 day prescription of prednisone. The rash cleared up but returned even worse. It was on my ear lobes, neck, chest, back, arms and started to appear on the back of my thighs. I went back to the doctor for more steroid medication. I am really glad I found this website. I never thought I could have such an allergic reaction to this supplement. I will never take it again nor use it for cooking.
Nadine
California
I made Turmeric milk tea for the first time (with almond milk that I drink everyday) two weeks ago. Within minutes of finishing it, I felt my face getting hot and when I looked in the mirror my face was turning bright red in patches with what felt like little dermatitis like bumps forming. I wondered if I was having a reaction to the turmeric! I dismissed it until tonight when I took a 500 mg turmeric capsule in hopes that my previous issue was a one time thing… Again, within a short period of time I felt my face flushing and getting HOT! I also began feeling achy as I think my body temp began to rise slightly. I was left with a headache and after some research I am convinced that I’m allergic! Apparently there is a small percentage of people with thus reaction. Major bummer!!
Susan
North Stonington, CT
I’m 64. I have an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation. I’ve been taking Spring Valley Tumeric, 500 mg, daily for about 3 months. Several weeks ago my neck began itching. Now I itch just about everywhere on my upper torso and my neck. Some areas of my face and my entire neck are bright red with a rash. I’ll stop the Tumeric today to see if it’s responsible. I hope it isn’t because I haven’t had any inflammation since I began taking it. But the itching is interfering with my sleep. Can’t have that!
Werner
Canada
For the last half year, I have been on Degalerix for prostate cancer. Listening to a natural health show, I started adding a teaspoon of turmeric powder to my meals every day.
Last month, I suffered a Hobo spider bite on my right leg. It blistered terribly, but I am now healing up. At the same time, I was developing a rash on my legs, my arms and all over my body. The itching is very painful. After the antibiotic treatments, I expected the rash to disappear, but it is only a bit less severe now.
Today, I examined what I have changed in my diet over the last few months. The only new thing is turmeric. I shall stop using it, after reading the comments here! It might just be the culprit! Thanks for the hints!
LISA
Va
I too have been downing a half teaspoon of turmeric everyday as seen on a popular medical show. I have been recently getting a rash around my neck. I’m beginning to think this is the culprit as I have not changed soap, detergent or lotions. I had forgotten to take a few few days in a row last week and it was better actually. I started back up yesterday and I’m back with the redness and dry patches. This happened to my mom with turmeric capsules last year and I just put two and two together. I suppose used in food it’s not so potent but I’ll opt to stop for a while to figure this out. Thanks to all who have posted here, it’s helped to know some of us are sensitive to it.
Lynn
private
I purchased Tumeric capsules this evening for anti inflammatory benefits, after reading these unfortunate ailments from people that tried turmeric, I will return the product back to the store..thanks for sharing your story, feel better soon!
Noct
I started taking Celadrin and Turmeric capsules together a few weeks ago and after about a week and a half I started to develop a very itchy rash on my torso and back (just as described below) as well as very stubborn scalp dandruff. At first I though it might have been the Celadrin but researched turmeric and found that indeed some people develop allergic reactions when taken in concentrated form. To previous posters, thank you for contributing your responses as they helped me realize that it’s probably the turmeric. Hope it clears up soon.
Dennis
Naples
I have been adding Tumeric powder to most of our meals for some time now. I have really come to enjoy the taste. I have been getting rashes ever since, but just didnt put two and two together. I make a huge breakfast on Saturday with it, and eat left overs on Sunday. Monday morning I start a slow cook crock pot with a lot of Tumeric in it for flavor, then eat on that most of the week.
I went to dermatologist, got a cream, that helped heal, but the rashes always come back. Sometimes so itchy that I scratch until bruised and bleeding. Much like bug bites. When it heals, it is very dry. Dermatologist suggested that I change, soap and detergents, which I did.
This weekend I got a little heavy handed with the Tumeric powder, and now the rashes are very inflamed! I decided to google it, end now I think I have discovered the problem. Im goint to stop it all together to see if it goes away.
Funny thing is my girlfriend had a rash only once. We figured she caught it from me.
Janice
Jacksonville FL
I started taking Turmeric about 2 weeks ago to help lower my blood sugar. Today, on the way to the beach, I discovered a rash on my neck. When I got in the water an sun it burned like fire. I looked up all the side effects for the other supplements I am taking, and this seems to be the cause.
Lars
Danmark
I have been taking turmeric paste for 6 weeks now with the aim of reducing my psoriasis. A week ago I started to develop a rash. It is very itchy on my forearms, upper back, neck and my ‘warm areas’. At first I thought it was sunburn, but it came 5 days after I had been in the sun. Now it looks as small insect-bites, some even a bit swollen like mosquito-bites, in particular in my warm areas and neck. It gets worse when warm. I have never read about this side-effect on using turmeric, so I have tried to stop taking other supplements like ginsing and oil, but without any success. I will definitely stop taking turmeric now and hope it will vanish very soon.
Betsy Hudson
United States
Bummer. I too, have developed a very itchy rash on my forearms. I was wondering if it was from the Turmeric, since the rash began about a week after starting the Turmeric capsules. I was taking the equivalent of 1tsp of Turmeric per day to help with blood sugar and for general health.
D.F.
I used a turmeric mask on my face and within a week I noticed small itchy bumps covering the surface of my face. I normally never get acne so this was alarming to me. I discontinued use of the mask but am still waiting for the rash to alleviate. Is there any way to speed up the process?
Kristy
Did you only use a turmeric mask once before you developed the rash? I foolishly used a turmeric mask (for 15 minutes) tonight BEFORE reading/considering these side effects. I have psoriasis and sensitive skin, prone to inflammation, psoriasis, and acne. So I am really worried that within a week i will develop bumps/rash all over my face just from the one time use. How long did it take for your rash to go away?
Thanks! Waiting for your reply!
JV
Bonn
Hello Kristy
Is your rash gone ? B’se I did apply locally turmeric and rash spread in my thigh.
Please suggest any cream can help .
Thanks . JV
sg
Rash yes. I started taking Turmeric because of it’s reported health benefits. I developed a rash on my arms torso and legs. It’s exactly as described above… (looks is like flea bites, bedbug bites) or dust mites. Unfortunately it took a long time to figure out what was going on because a lot of things in my daily routine were changing and I thought it could have been allergies to pesticides I’ve encountered somewhere.
I read a post somewhere about trying to rub the turmeric on a clear part of your skin as a test for a possible allergic reaction. I did this and noticed that area didn’t give a strong reaction but a subtle dry feeling followed by an itchiness. I have only done this just now but I suspect that if that area is scratched unconsciously then the skin could be broken and result in the sores like I have on the rest of my body. I will undoubtedly stop taking this and be mindful to not scratch.
Mrs F
My husband suddenly developed an alarming-looking rash all over his torso, but as it didn’t itch and he had no other symptoms didn’t seem worried or want to go to the doctor. I was looking up all kinds of horrible things online and going through with him anything different he may have eaten or come into contact with and eventually he said that his colleague had given him some turmeric supplements to help with stress and irritability and he had taken a couple over the last 3 days.
Thank you Annie P for the comment, as he is indeed allergic to aspirin so the salicylate component has probably caused the reaction! Much relief, hopefully after stopping taking any more it will fade. Too bad as I know it can do a lot of good.
Ahmet
To relieve pain you can use ginger or cinnamon (Ceylon variety) instead of turmeric. Hope this helps, good luck.
enriched
I started taking a supplement that contains curcumin, ginger and boswelia. this worked wonders with my lower back pain but I am so depressed now as I started itching. Is there anything I can do to control itching while taking this as I am allergic to most painkillers and prefer natural products. I’m only taking half the daily dose. I haven’t taken it in 24 hrs and I am still itching on face, arms and neck. Just want to know if there is something I can use to reduce the itching and if this allergy means it can harm my body even at this low dosage.
Kimimila
I took turmeric a few days in a row in a glass of water in order to find relief for a stomach ache.
The morning after the first time I got a painful rash on my back, but I did not associate this with the turmeric. I took turmeric again and the next day the rash was worse.
I’ve researched it on the net and it could be because of the turmeric. The description of the way it looks is like flea bites, bedbug bites and even shingles (minus the blisters and the fatigue).
It is very painful but did not itch… phew.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE:
Others have also reported a rash after taking turmeric. We suspect that this may not be as rare as some people might think.
JM
Turmeric – Amazing stuff!!
My Dad had terrible back problems about 2 months ago. He went to the chiropractor every second day and the rest of the time he spent in bed as nothing was helping and this acute pain was going on for 3 weeks. I got him to have Turmeric tea twice a day (1 teaspoon with some honey). Within 3 days, he was out of bed and feeling much better. Now, he uses it in his food, not as much as when he was ill, and since has been diagnosed with degenerative discs in the lower back, but, he has no pain any more. This is highly recommended to anyone with acute, immobilising pain and also as a preventative measure!
Sha
Just had reaction to turkey burger, (I think) with Rosemary extract, salt, & pepper?
I’m in process of adding foods back after allergy testing; does anyone know possibility of reaction to Rosemary extract?
Thanks
Barbara W.
WHAT is INR???????
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: It’s an abbreviation for International Normalized Ratio. Now, that makes sense, doesn’t it?
It’s a way of measuring the likelihood of bleeding. They “normalized” the lab test internationally because there was so much variation from one lab to another in the basic test of bleeding propensity, presumably a PT (prothrombin time…how long does blood take to clot). People on warfarin learn to monitor their INR just as people with diabetes monitor blood sugar and HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin, another abbreviation that is tough to understand).
fbl
Your reader could try curcurmin, which is the active ingredient in tumeric. I have used it for years without problems. Believe me my body is sensitive to a LOT of different things, especially pain meds.
Cindy
I do not know if this would work or not. However, since the Turmeric is helping in so many ways it might be worth a try. I take Stinging Nettle for allergies. I virtually have no allergy while taking it. One capsule a day does it for me. Perhaps it would reduce her bodies allergic reaction to the Turmeric.
Annie P
Tumeric is very high in salicylate which is related to aspirin.