Pecan allergies affect about 1.2 percent of the American population, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. A tree nut allergy is considered a common food allergy, mainly affecting young children under 6 years old. Someone with a known pecan allergy may experience a rash along with other common food allergy symptoms. Talk with an allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Pecan Allergy Background
A pecan allergy indicates a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in pecans. The immune system fails to recognize that the pecan proteins are harmless, producing antibodies to defend the body, according to Kids Health. As the antibodies enter the blood, specific cells respond by creating histamine to help fight off the proteins. Histamine causes inflammation in soft tissue throughout the body, such as in the skin, sinuses and lungs.
Types
A rash from a pecan allergy manifests in the form of rash as hives, eczema or general inflammation and redness around the mouth and face. Hives are clusters of welts that form with defined borders and tend to migrate to different areas of the body. Hives are extremely itchy and typically last for less than 24 hours, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Eczema is a rash that forms as blisters, commonly on the face, the inlets of the arms and the face. The blisters can weep and crust over, leaving the skin vulnerable to secondary infections.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms from a pecan allergy include digestive difficulty, asthma and nasal congestion, according to Kids Health. Digestive difficulty can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and gas. Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and the inability to breathe. Sinus inflammation can develop, leading to sinus headaches, postnasal drip and sneezing.
Treatment
MayoClinic states that the most effective way to treat a pecan allergy is avoid ingesting pecans. If pecans are accidentally consumed, the skin rash can be treated with hydrocortisone, corticosteroids or oral antihistamines, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Each of these medications reduces the inflammation and itching associated with the rash.
Warning
Kids Health warns that hives accompanied with other symptoms, such as shortness of breath and feeling faint may be a sign of anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is deadly and needs immediate medical intervention, such as an injection of epinephrine.
