An allergy to cow's milk protein is among the most common allergies that affect infants and children. Most children tolerate milk by 5 years old but some will have persistent, often severe, allergies through adulthood. Cow's milk has two allergy-causing proteins: casein, or the solid curd; and whey, or the liquid part of milk. The symptoms of a cow's milk allergy often appear within minutes to days of consuming or touching milk and dairy products.
Hives
Hives, also called urticaria or nettle rash, is one of the initial symptoms of a cow's milk allergy. Within minutes of exposure, you may develop hives, along with vomiting, wheezing and runny nose. Hives are extremely itchy, red welts that randomly appear on different parts of the body. Hives may be as small as a pinhead to as large as dinner plates. The rash usually disappears within 24 hours.
Atopic Dermatitis
A milk allergy does not cause atopic dermatitis or eczema, but it can exacerbate or trigger a flare-up. The eczema rash may first appear as itchy red dry patches around the cheeks and chin that later develop into scaly, oozing infected skin. If you have persistent eczema or continue your exposure to milk, you may develop the rash behind the knees and elbows, around the mouth, and on the wrists and backs of the hands. Atopic dermatitis is extremely itchy, so it can easily become infected when the skin is scratched.
Complications
Consuming or handling even small amounts of milk may trigger symptoms and cause complications in people who are severely allergic. Large hives and and eczema rash may appear all over the body and persist for days after the exposure is over. The lips, tongue, throat and digestive tract may become red and swollen, and you may have trouble breathing. Call 911 immediately if the welts and rash appear on large areas of the body and you have difficulty breathing or talking.
Treatment
There is no cure for allergies, but treatments are available that can relieve the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. The best prevention is to avoid milk and dairy products. Always check food labels and ingredients since many food products carry different terms for milk, such as whey, casein and lactose. Antihistamines and hydrocortisone creams may relieve itchiness and bring down the swelling. Antibiotics may also treat the bacterial infection associated with persistent eczema. Ask your doctor for an injectable epinephrine, which can slow down or stop a severe allergic reaction.
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