Wheat is found in so many products that it may be difficult avoid. Although a wheat allergy can cause various symptoms, a common reaction after eating foods that contain wheat is a skin rash. Various rashes can form, such as hives, eczema or general inflammation and itching. Skin rashes need to be evaluated by a medical doctor to confirm the rash is the result of a wheat allergy. Skin rashes from a wheat allergy should improve within a few hours after they first appear. Any rashes that continue for more than a day should be evaluated.
Wheat Allergy
The proteins found in wheat are the cause of a wheat allergy, according to MayoClinic.com. If your body doesn't recognize the proteins in wheat as safe and harmless, it will begin to defend itself by producing immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies and histamine. IgE antibodies attempt to fight off the wheat proteins, causing mast cells to produce histamine. Histamine helps to protect the body from infection, but too much histamine leads to inflammation in soft tissue, such as the skin. Histamine in the skin will cause irritation, itching and swelling.
Skin Rashes
Hives, eczema and general itching are a common symptom of a wheat allergy. Hives are clusters of welts that are flat on top that develop in different shapes and sizes anywhere on the body, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The rash is reddish in color and can appear, disappear and re-appear for no reason. Hives have defined borders and are extremely itchy. Eczema begins as itchy skin with small red bumps that progressively form into blisters. Eczema forms in patches that can crack, weep and crust over. General itching after eating wheat is common on the lips and in the mouth, throat or on the tongue.
Testing and Diagnosing
The most effective way to diagnose a food allergy is to participate in allergy testing, according to MayoClinic.com. Testing may include an elimination diet, blood testing and skin-prick tests that determine if your body creates IgE antibodies when it's exposed to the proteins found in wheat products, according to MedlinePlus.
Treatment
The most effective way to treat and prevent a wheat allergy is to avoid consuming products that contain wheat. Allergic skin conditions can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines and hydrocortisone, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Antihistamines block your mast cells from creating histamine and hydrocortisone is a topical lotion used to reduce swelling and itching in the skin.
