Want a fear-free mango season? Here is the science behind mango pimples and ulcers, and how to avoid them

As markets fill with the irresistible aroma of Alphonso, Banganapalli, and Himayat mangoes, so do social media feeds with worried posts about acne flare-ups and burning ulcers. This isn’t a new debate. For generations, the mango has carried the label of being "hot in nature," a catch-all cultural diagnosis for any post-mango discomfort. But Krish Ashok, Chennai-based tech leader, author of Masala Lab, and Instagram’s go-to science-savvy food guru, has finally peeled back the layers—quite literally—on this juicy controversy.

In a recent viral video titled Mango Pimples and Ulcers Finally Explained, Ashok unpacks the complex interplay between mangoes and our bodies using actual science, not folklore. And his conclusion? It’s not the mango’s fault—it’s ours.

Sugar Rush and Sebum: The Acne Equation
The first and most common culprit is one we’re all familiar with- sugar. A single ripe mango can pack in 35 to 40 grams of sugar, making just two mangoes enough to spike your glycemic load beyond safe limits. In a country where carbohydrate-heavy meals are already the norm, this spike triggers increased insulin production. That insulin, in turn, stimulates sebaceous glands to produce more sebum—an oily substance that, combined with sweat and clogged pores in the summer heat, becomes a perfect recipe for acne-prone skin.

So no, mangoes aren’t inherently bad. But pair them with a carb-rich diet and a muggy afternoon, and your skin might just break out in protest.

The Toxic Sap You Didn’t See Coming
The second revelation is more botanical than dietary. Mangoes belong to the same plant family as poison ivy, and while they aren’t toxic per se, their skin carries a compound called 5-resorcinol. This naturally occurring chemical is part of the fruit’s defense mechanism—meant to discourage premature eating by predators (which includes humans). Found in the sap and the thin layer beneath the peel, it can cause contact dermatitis when it touches the skin, mimicking the appearance of pimples. Inside your mouth, it’s even worse: the result is stomatitis, an ulcer-like irritation that stings with every bite.

Ashok recommends either peeling the mango thoroughly or soaking it in water before eating—an old-school trick that science now vindicates as an effective way to remove the irritating sap.

The Real Ripening Villain: Calcium Carbide
Here’s where things take a more toxic turn. To meet market demands, some vendors use calcium carbide to ripen mangoes quickly. When this chemical reacts with moisture, it produces acetylene gas—a substance that can irritate the mucous membranes of your mouth. The result? Ulcers, again. And not the kind your grandmother can cure with honey and ghee.

So if your mangoes are ripening suspiciously fast or have an odd metallic smell, it’s best to pass or source them from a trusted vendor.

When Acid Meets Deficiency: A Hidden Trigger
Though mangoes are mildly acidic (with a pH of 4), they’re generally safe unless your body is already fighting a deficiency. According to both Ashok and dermatologist Dr. Atula Gupta, individuals with low vitamin levels may find their mouths more sensitive to acidic foods. In such cases, even the natural fibers in mangoes can cause discomfort or ulcers.

According to an article on onlymyhealth.com, Dr. Gupta emphasizes that acne is a complex condition influenced by hormones, skincare routines, hair products, and diet. Blaming mangoes alone oversimplifies a deeply nuanced issue.

It’s Not the Mango, It’s You
In perhaps his most cheeky—but scientifically sound—conclusion, Ashok declares: “The mango isn’t to blame for your pimples. You are.” That is, your diet, your hydration levels, your stress, your skincare—each factor contributes to how your body reacts to even the most harmless treats.

So what’s the takeaway for mango lovers? You don’t have to give up your summer indulgence. Just eat mindfully. Balance your sugar intake. Peel deeply or soak. Avoid chemically ripened fruit. And maybe, just maybe, stop blaming the poor mango for every zit on your cheek.

After all, a little science goes a long way in turning summer pleasures into fear-free joys.