Turmeric Can Cause Allergic Reaction

Q. I am always interested in the arthritis remedies I find in your column. After reading that turmeric could help, I bought some and took the pills according to directions. Several days later I had such a terrible rash that I had to go to the doctor for prednisone. I’ll never do that again!
A. We hope you are doing better. Your story is an important reminder that people can develop allergies to natural products as well as to pharmaceuticals. You are wise to avoid turmeric in the future. Keep in mind that it may be found in curry and yellow mustard as well.