Wheat is a common food allergy that causes rashes. If you're allergic to wheat, your immune system has an abnormal reaction when you ingest wheat proteins. Wheat is found in many processed and packaged foods and is many times hidden because of its various forms and names. A wheat allergy is a serious medical condition that needs to be assessed by a medical doctor. If you develop adverse reactions after eating wheat products, discontinue eating wheat until you can be seen by a physician.
Wheat Allergy
If you're allergic to wheat, your body's immune system mistakes the proteins in the wheat as substances that could cause you harm, although they are safe. The main proteins found in wheat that commonly lead to an allergic reaction are globulin, albumin, gluten and gliadin, reports MayoClinic.com. When you eat one of these proteins, your body mistakes it for a dangerous substance and begins to protect the body by creating antibodies that fight against the protein. This triggers a chain-reaction of chemicals in the body that causes wheat allergy symptoms.
Skin Rashes
Skin rashes are common symptoms of a wheat allergy and may be among the first symptoms to develop. Skin rashes are caused by increased levels of histamine in the skin. Histamine is the main chemical in the body that causes swelling and inflammation in soft tissue during an allergic reaction. You may develop a general skin rash on your face or other parts of the body. Hives and eczema are common allergic skin conditions that are itchy and cause swelling, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Treatment
Treat skin reactions from a wheat allergy with an oral antihistamine and hydrocortisone, recommends the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Talk to your doctor about participating in allergy tests to confirm you have a wheat allergy. The most effective treatment for a food allergy is to avoid consuming foods containing the allergen.
Considerations
Wheat is commonly hidden in many processed foods. Wheat proteins may be found in ice cream, ketchup and non-dairy creamers. Read the labels of every product before you ingest it.
Skin rashes may be one of the first signs of a severe allergic reaction. MayoClinic.com states that hives accompanied with shortness of breath, facial swelling and lightheadedness are symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe and deadly allergic reaction.
