Skin rashes are commonly connected to various foods. You may develop common food allergy symptoms, resulting in skin reactions or you may suffer from allergic contact dermatitis. Any skin rash needs to be evaluated by your doctor to ensure it is not a symptom of another condition. Skin rashes from food commonly develop as hives or eczema but can cause general itching and inflammation. Any rash that enters the ear canal or your throat needs emergency evaluation.
Food Allergy
Food allergies are common among young children, but can affect anyone at any age. The most common foods that cause an allergic reaction include soy, milk, eggs, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish, according to MayoClinic.com. A food allergy is a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in specific foods. The body mistakes the proteins as a harmful substance and reacts to them the same way the body would react to a disease. Antibodies and histamine are released to attack the proteins, which causes inflammation and irritation in the skin. Skin rashes from a food allergy may develop around the mouth, on the face or anywhere else on the body
Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin rash that develops from touching a substance. Common foods that can cause contact dermatitis are tomatoes, citrus fruits and pineapple. Allergic contact dermatitis will appear as soon as your skin makes contact with the food. You will develop redness of skin, swelling and itching, according to MedlinePlus. This condition is harmless and will not cause any long-term damage.
Hives and Eczema
Hives and eczema are two of the most common allergic skin conditions from a food allergy, according to MayoClinic.com. Hives are a cluster of welts that form anywhere on the body in different shapes and sizes. They are flat on top, very itchy and can migrate from area of the body to another. Eczema is a skin condition that causes blisters to form that can fill up with liquid, weep and crust over, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Eczema will spread if it is irritated from scratching.
Treatment
Treat all skin reaction from foods by avoiding the foods that cause the rash. If you accidentally touch or ingest a food that causes a rash, wash the affected area with soap and water, apply a cold compress and take an antihistamine, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
