Unless you're allergic to them, peanuts do not typically cause skin rashes or itching. A peanut allergy is considered one of the most common allergic foods, according to Kids Health, and mostly occurs in small children, who typically outgrow the condition by the age of 3. If you experience a skin rash or itching after eating foods containing peanuts, make an appointment with your doctor. A severe allergic reaction to peanuts can cause death if not treated promptly.
Peanut Allergy Cause
A peanut allergy is a malfunction of the immune system, which mistakes the proteins in peanuts as a harmful substance and produces antibodies to ward it off. Antibodies are commonly used to fight off infections, bacteria and viruses in the body to keep you healthy, according to Kids Health. During an allergic reaction, certain cells respond to increased levels of the IgE antibodies, producing histamine. When histamine is released in the skin, rashes form.
Skin Rash Effect
The result of increased histamine leads to inflammation and irritation in the skin. Common rashes from a peanut allergy include eczema, hives and general itching, according to MayoClinic.com. Hives can develop anywhere on the body. They are extremely itchy, form a white center when pushed and develop welts. The skin can generally become itchy and inflamed from a peanut allergy, causing you to itch and crack the skin open. Eczema is an allergic skin condition in which small blisters form that can weep and crust over. Eczema also might form patches of dry, leathery skin.
Other Symptoms
If you experience a peanut allergy that results in itchy skin and a rash, you also might experience other common symptoms of a peanut allergy, gastrointestinal complications and asthma, according to Kids Health. Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, cramping and abdominal pain also can result from a peanut allergy. Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and the inability to breathe.
Treatment
MayoClinic.com states that the best form of treatment is to avoid consuming products containing peanuts. If you accidentally eat peanuts, you can use an over-the-counter antihistamine to alleviate mild allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion, watery eyes and some skin inflammation. Skin rashes and itchiness from a peanut allergy are treated with hydrocortisone or corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation and itchiness.
Warning
A peanut allergy that causes hives to form can be a sign of anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening allergic reaction. If you experience hives, dizziness, shortness of breath and an increased heart rate, call 911.
