Chocolate And Itchy Rash On Neck

Food allergy and sensitivity reactions can occur with different symptoms, and they can range from severe and life-threatening to mild or bothersome. A reaction to chocolate could actually be a reaction to dairy products, serotonin, soy, nuts or even caffeine. If you suspect a sensitivity, consider the following information.

Food Allergy Reactions

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network states that food allergy reactions include anaphylaxis, eosinophilic esophagitis, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, and oral allergy syndrome. These reactions are severe and can greatly impact an individual's ability to eat, swallow, breathe or keep food down. Ask Dr. Sears states that other food allergy reactions include hives, sandpaper-like dry skin, swelling of the hands and feet, puffy eyelids, swelling of the tongue, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, rattling chest, congestion, persistent cough, burning rash around the anus, abdominal discomfort, constipation, poor weight gain, bloating, gasiness, fatigue, migraine headaches, hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety and sore muscles. This large laundry list of reactions can range from mild to severe and varies by age.

Itch and Rash Reactions

Skin reactions are a form of food allergy responses, and they can signal reactions to dairy, gluten and various other foods. A study published in the BMC Psychiatry journal found that a patient treated with antidepressants developed rashes after consuming chocolate while taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication. SSRIs are popular antidepressants that help raise the levels of serotonin in the brain, resulting in enhanced neurotransmission and boosted mood, the Mayo Clinic explains. The study concluded that some patients had increased serotonin sensitivity to SSRI drugs, and when foods containing low levels of serotonin were ingested, such as chocolate, an itchy rash developed. It recommended avoiding chocolate to prevent the rash from recurring.

Chocolate Ingredients

In addition to reacting to the serotonin in chocolate, some individuals may react to other ingredients. Hershey's chocolate ingredients vary but may contain eggs, milk, soy, peanut, treenut, wheat and corn. Most of Hershey's chocolate products contain 10 mg or less of caffeine. Often, chocolate makers use soy lecithin, cocoa butter and milk or butterfat to help create the creamy consistency recognized in chocolates.

Milk Allergy and Lactose Intolerance

Individuals who describe chocolate allergies may actually have an unidentified dairy intolerance. The Mayo Clinic states that the allergic reactions can include diarrhea, hives, wheezing, vomiting, abdominal cramps and itchy rash, usually around the mouth. Sources of dairy include chocolate candies, chocolate-coated bars and chocolate flavored beverages. If you suspect a dairy allergy, consult your physician.

Allergens in Chocolate

Wheat, soy, eggs, milk, nuts and treenuts are common food allergens. Allergic reactions to these ingredients include skin rashes, upset stomach and digestive distress, Ask Dr. Sears notes that nuts and eggs are known to cause an anaphylactic reaction. Since most processed chocolates contain or may be exposed to some of those ingredients, you may actually be reacting to a common food allergen, not the chocolate. Carefully read nutrition facts labels and ingredients lists if you have a food allergy. Although it is not an allergen, caffeine and chocolate can cause migraines in some individuals, according to the University of California, Berkeley Health Services.