A seafood allergy is a general term that's used for an allergic reaction to any foods related to fish, fined or shelled. Seafood is one of the most common cause of allergic reactions related to food and commonly causes minor reactions, such as hives or more severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, according to CNN Health. If you get a skin rash after eating seafood, have it evaluated by your physician to determine the exact cause. Not all rashes are related to an allergic reaction. A rash from a seafood allergy may be a sign of anaphylactic shock. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment options.
Seafood Allergy
Seafood allergies are commonly life-long and are incurable. The condition is treatable and manageable through diet modification and avoidance. If you're allergic to one type of fish, you're 50 percent more likely to have an allergic reaction to other types of fish, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. A seafood allergy is caused by the proteins found in the meat of the seafood. The immune system overreacts to the fish proteins and begins defending the body by creating specific antibodies and histamine to fight against the proteins, according to MayoClinic.com. During an allergic reaction, histamine levels increase, which cause inflammation and irritation to occur in various parts of the body, such as the skin.
Skin Reactions
After eating seafood, you may feel tingling or minor itching around your mouth, lips or tongue. Some people develop swelling and inflammation on the face as a result of an allergic reaction. Swelling of the throat, tongue or lips may be a sign of anaphylactic shock. Call your doctor immediately if these symptoms form.
Rashes
Common rashes associated with a seafood allergy include hives and eczema, according to CNN Health. Hives can form on the face or anywhere else on the body. This rash appears in clusters in different shapes and sizes, and it's very itchy. It's flat on top and has defined borders, with a red color. Eczema is a common skin rash that forms as small blisters that can grow and develop anywhere on the body. Eczema can leave the skin the dry, leathery and scaly.
Treatment
The Food Allergy Initiative says the most effective treatment for a seafood allergy rash is to avoid consuming seafood products. If you accidentally ingest seafood, you can treat the rashes with an oral or topical antihistamine to reduce the amount of inflammation and swelling in the skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Apply topical hydrocortisone to help with the pain and itching.
