Small, dry white bumps may be a symptom of an allergy to milk. Eczema is a common skin rash associated with a milk allergy and may appear in patches of dry, bumpy skin. If you're allergic to milk, you will develop other symptoms alongside eczema, such as digestive difficulties, respiratory complications and other skin reactions. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and to determine a clinical diagnosis.
Milk Allergy
According to the FDA, 90 percent of all food allergies are related to eight foods: eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, nut, wheat, soy and milk. With milk being a common food allergy among children, any rash that develops after consuming milk should be evaluated by a doctor. A milk allergy is the result of an overreaction of the immune system to the proteins in dairy. Milk contains casein and whey proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction. Your immune system identifies these proteins as dangerous and attempts to fight them off with antibodies that cause most milk allergy symptoms.
Eczema Consideration
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects young children. The condition is a hypersensitivity of the skin that can be triggered by various factors. Although eczema typically appears as a red rash that is bumpy and very itchy, the rash can also cause dryness of the skin, creating patches that are thick and leathery to the touch, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. You may develop patches of dry, white bumpy skin alongside red and itchy skin.
Other Symptoms
If the rash is an allergic reaction to milk, you will develop other symptoms aside from just an isolated rash. Other symptoms that are common with a milk allergy include hives, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you develop lightheadedness, swelling in the face or cannot breathe, call 911. You may be experiencing anaphylactic shock, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.
Treatment
Treatment for eczema begins with preventing exposure to the element that's triggering the rash. Remove all dairy products from your diet and use milk substitutes, such as coconut milk, rice milk or soy milk. Apply steroid-based creams, such as hydrocortisone or corticosteroid lotions, to the affected area. Keep your skin moisturized to prevent the rash from getting worse.
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