Story Time

The Dragonfly Allergy

The most common allergies in the world are pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, insect stings, latex, and specific foods and medications.

Nearly everyone has an allergy that falls under one of those categories, but apparently, I am not everyone.

While I am the slightest bit allergic to the skin of mangos (not the fruit, just the skin gives me hives), my other allergy is one that I'm sure you have never heard of. To this day I'm not even sure that it's possible to have this allergy, but based on my reaction, it can't have been anything but an allergy.

Dragonflies.

Yes, you read me right. I, Sydney Withholds-Last-Name-To-Avoid-Scary-Internet-People am allergic to dragonflies. Hives and a rash and itchiness and redness that lasts for days.

Every time I tell this story, people ask one question: How did you figure this out?

And this, my lovely readers, is where our story goes next.

I was five years old and walking through the streets of my neighborhood to get to Kindergarten with my mom and brothers by my side when I saw it. It was sad looking and injured.

A beautiful dragonfly laid on the sidewalk, narrowly avoiding being stepped on by my family members.

I couldn't just leave it there, so I decided to rescue it.

And by rescue it, I mean pick it up and carry it with me to school to show my friends, of course.

It was only a matter of moments before I noticed that the hand the delicate creature was in was becoming itchy. Not knowing what else to do, I switched the dragonfly into the other hand so I could use my fingers to scratch.

When my other hand started to itch, I noticed a small rash starting to form, so I did what any other five year old would do: asked Mommy what was happening.

She told me to drop the dragonfly, and I did reluctantly.

When we arrived at school, I was taken to the nurse to look at it. She simply had me wash my hands, which did absolutely no good, in case you wondering.

My hands were rashy for days.

And that is how I discovered that out of all the things on this planet, I am allergic to dragonflies.

In case you're ever feeling down about yourself, just remember that you could be allergic to dragonflies. If that doesn't make you feel better, I am of no help to you.

Xoxo,
Sydney