Why do hands itch from yams? Because yams contain saponin. After peeling, a mucus is released, and the proteins and diosgenin in it can irritate the skin and cause allergies. The most common symptom is an itchy feeling in the hands. In severe cases, symptoms like redness, swelling, and a stinging sensation may occur. The time it takes for allergic symptoms to appear can vary. Some people react quickly, feeling itchy as they cut, while others may only react after some time. This is why many people experience itchy hands when they peel or cut yams themselves. Currently, there are indeed many clinical cases of contact dermatitis caused by yams.
Method 1: Warm your hands over a flame
The saponin, which is prone to causing allergies, is sensitive to heat. Therefore, if you are worried about an allergic reaction, after peeling or cutting the yam, you can wash your hands and then warm them over a flame to relieve the itching. Although this method is effective, it is a bit dangerous.
Feasibility: ☆
Method 2: Wash with vinegar
Pour a small amount of vinegar into a sink and soak your hands for 5 minutes. This can break down the saponin on the yam skin that causes the itch. This method is not dangerous, but the effect is not as significant.
Feasibility: ☆☆
Method 3: Wear gloves
To prevent problems before they start, it is recommended to wear gloves or even put a plastic bag over your hands when peeling a cleaned yam to prevent direct contact between the skin and the mucus. This is an excellent method that is definitely worth adopting.
Feasibility: ☆☆☆☆
Method 4: Steam before peeling
You can steam the yam with its skin on and then peel it. This way, the saponin components will not cause itching. This method is excellent if you are not planning to eat the yam with a crisp texture, but rather for dishes like braised or stewed yams.
Feasibility: ☆☆☆☆