Darren Young, 45 year old bus driver in UK, is allergic to his wife, but only when she wears certain creams and lotions. The reaction is quick and deadly, his body swells up and his heart can stop too, if the amount of chemical is large enough. Unfortunately, this chemical is rather commonly used in most cosmetics.
Darren’s allergy was discovered when he received a jab for a foot condition. His face swelled up almost immediately, his 6 foot, 224 pounds frame ballooned and his heart stopped and had to be restarted twice.
As it turns out, Darren is one of only three recorded cases in the world with an allergy to creams containing polyethylene glycol.
This allergy isn’t just restricted to his wife, but to practically anyone he comes in contact with. He has to stay clear of certain foods, tooth pastes, lotions, suntan oils and air fresheners. He has to even carry an emergency medical kit in case the allergy strikes.
On a lighter note, the couple’s bedtime antics don’t need the old headache excuse. Darren’s wife just warns him that she has her lotions on. In her own words:
If Darren fancies a bit of nookie and I’m tired I just say, ‘Keep your hands off if you know what’s good for you.
Sister Fran Ashworth of Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital has warned that other people may have the allergy and be unaware of it.