Although you can experience an allergic reaction to any substance, an allergy to chocolate is rare. Healthology.com states that if you develop allergic reaction symptoms after eating chocolate, you are most likely allergic to one or more of the ingredients in the chocolate product. Two of the most likely ingredients in chocolate are milk, nuts or soy. If you have a known food allergy, you need to read the ingredients on the chocolate product before you eat it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that all packaged foods to disclose the use of highly allergic foods, such as soy, milk or nuts.
Food Allergy
Whether you're allergic to milk, soy, nuts or cocoa, the cause of the allergic reaction is the same. When you eat a food that your body mistakes as harmful when in reality it is safe, an allergic reaction occurs. For example, if you're allergic to milk, your immune system identifies the whey or casein proteins in the product as dangerous to the body, according to MayoClinic.com. Your immune system responds by creating antibodies and histamine to fight off the proteins in the allergen. This results in most allergy-related symptoms.
Common Rashes
Rashes can develop immediately after you eat chocolate that contains allergens. Rashes commonly form on your face, around your mouth, but can form anywhere on your body. Some people develop a general tingling, swelling or itching on their skin. You may also develop identifiable rashes, such as hives or eczema. Hives and eczema are common allergic skin conditions that cause severe itching, redness and swelling. The two skin conditions are identifiable in their appearance. Hives form in clusters and are flat on top, while eczema forms as blisters individually or in clusters, according the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Concerning Rash
KidsHealth states that hives may be a sign of anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis affects you entire body and can cause serious complications, such as death. Hives accompanied by facial swelling, the sensation of a lump in the throat and shortness of breath are all signs of anaphylaxis. Call for emergency medical care if you develop any of these symptoms. You may need an injection of epinephrine to alleviate the symptoms.
Treatment
Skin rashes form a chocolate allergy can be treated by taking an oral antihistamine or topical steroid-based creams, such as hydrocortisone or corticosteroids, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Antihistamines block your body's ability to produce histamine, which will prevent skin inflammation.
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