"Horizontal and Vertical Stripes on the Back"... Beware of Consuming Underripe 'Pyogo Beoseot'

Case Report of Skin Diseases Accompanied by Itching and Diarrhea
Due to Lentinan Component... Reactions Similar to Allergies

A report has emerged that eating 'pyogo mushrooms' commonly enjoyed as a side dish without properly cooking them can cause skin diseases.

According to the New York Post on the 17th (local time), a recent case in Switzerland was reported where a person developed a skin condition after eating undercooked pyogo mushrooms.

A man in his 70s, Mr. A, who experienced an adverse reaction, reportedly enjoyed dishes containing pyogo mushrooms regularly. However, after consuming the food, he experienced itching on his back along with a rash featuring horizontal and vertical striped patterns on his skin.

'Shiitake Mushroom Dermatitis' on the Skin [Image Source=Captured from New York Post]

As the symptoms worsened, Mr. A visited a hospital and was subsequently diagnosed with shiitake dermatitis.

According to the media, pyogo mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan. Lentinan is known as a beneficial substance with anti-cancer effects, but it can cause sensitive reactions in people with severe allergies or weakened immune systems.

This is because lentinan triggers the production of a protein-activating substance called psychotain in the body, which induces allergic reactions such as dermatitis.

Shiitake mushroom

Shiitake dermatitis has been reported in the past as well. It was first reported in Japan in 1977, and symptoms include skin rashes, itching, and diarrhea. A characteristic feature is the appearance of striped marks on the skin that look like they were drawn with a string.

To prevent shiitake dermatitis, pyogo mushrooms must be cooked thoroughly. According to the University Hospital of Geneva in Switzerland, cooking pyogo mushrooms at 145 degrees Celsius can completely destroy the internal lentinan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.