Food Allergy rash is caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful and reacts against it. During an allergic reaction, the immune system of the body releases histamine and this results in symptoms such as rashes, hives, diarrhea etc.
The most common foods which cause allergies are peanuts and tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat. Food allergy rash is often accompanied with hives, itchiness and it may progress to severe symptoms such as abdomnial pain, nausea, breathing difficulty, diarrhea.
In some cases food allergy may progress to a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Hence, food allergic individuals should always carry self-injectable epinephrine to prevent anaphylaxis.
Food Allergy Rash Treatment:
Over-the-counter anti-histamines can help in reducing food allergy rash. The anti-histamines can be taken after the allergic reaction to relieve the symptoms.
Topical corticosteriods can also be used to reduce the redness, itchiness due to allergy rash. As food allergy rash is a minor allergic reaction, over-the-counter medications can bring relief. Sometimes, food allergy rash is accompanied with severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting etc. In such cases epinephrine should be administered immediately to prevent the progression of allergic reaction
Allergy shots or immunotherapy, in which small amounts of allergen is injected over a period of time, is a long-term treatment option for food allergies. In this treatment, over a period of time, the body gets used to the allergen and does not react against it.
Preventing Food Allergy Rash:
To prevent food allergy rash:
- Completely avoid foods which trigger allergies
- Read the labels on the food products to avoid the allergy-causing ingredients
- Beware of cross-contamination while eating out
- Inquire about the ingredients when eating out in restaurants
- Always carry epinephrine to prevent allergic reaction
Food allergy rash can be a minor allergy reaction, but it can progress to severe reaction. Hence, strict avoidance of allergy-causing foods and carrying epinephrine is important.
