About 50 million children get allergies right from a young age. A food allergy rash is a common symptom if allergic to food. All the food allergy reactions don’t cause rashes. A rash tends to appear shortly after having the food. You can tell you are suffering from peanut allergy if you develop any of the above symptoms:
- Itching in the eyes
- Redness and swelling
- Vomiting, etc.
Causes of food allergies rashes
Food rashes are caused by intaking food unsuitable for the body’s immune system. Further, the immune system fights all the harmful substances. The most common allergens are eggs, peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, shellfish, etc. There are also chances of cross-reactivity. For instance, if you are allergic to shellfish, you might also be allergic to seafood. Food allergies can be easily detected right from childhood. Doing skin tests and blood tests help in proving food allergies. Likewise, Allergies can also develop in adults, but this is very rare.
Avoiding the food item altogether is the only way to prevent food allergies. Read the food labels before purchasing groceries.
Food allergy rash treatments
Food allergy rash stops as soon as the allergic reaction in the body stops.
1. Washing up
If you feel rashes growing in the body, wash up your face and body or any part in contact with the food. This will help in preventing any more rashes from happening. Also, some people prefer taking a shower to get relief.
2. Applying a soothing gel
Suppose the rash is getting too swollen and causes itching; applying a soft gel onto the skin is best. There are various OTC creams like hydrocortisone.
3. Taking an antihistamine
You can take oral antihistamines while going to sleep. Besides, it helps relieve inflammation, pain, and itchiness.
4. Speaking to a doctor
Suppose you are suffering from a peanut allergy; it’s best to consult a dietician to balance your diet. They help you identify all the allergens to determine the best OTC for the body.
What is the duration that the rash lasts in the body?
A food allergy rash might not appear in the body as long as the food doesn’t react. It might last for a few hours, depending on your intake. Some people can develop rashes within minutes. Secondly, the scratching will stay for a bit longer. Once the immune system calms down, the reactions also subside. The rashes can reduce in a day or take a few hours.
Reports suggest that it is possible to have a second wave of allergic reactions lasting up to four hours. But this turns out to be very rare. Call the doctor if the rashes persist.
Conclusion
Food allergies and food intolerances are two very different concepts. Food intolerance usually causes digestive problems and nothing more than that. If you are having severe allergic reactions, consult with the doctor immediately.