Itchy skin is a common symptom of a food allergy. Because mussels are considered a highly allergic food, you should stop eating them if you develop itchy skin. You may experience itchy skin that tingles and develops rashes or irritation. The allergic reaction is caused by the proteins found in mussels that trigger the immune system to defend the body, even though the proteins are safe. Talk with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Itchy Skin
If you develop itchy skin after eating mussels, you are most likely allergic to them. Itchy skin is the result of increased levels of histamine in the skin. When your body experiences an allergic reaction, the immune system produces immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies. These antibodies cause the body to create other chemicals to defend the body. One of the most common chemicals that causes itchy skin is histamine. Histamine in the skin can cause it to become inflamed, swollen and itchy. You may develop common allergic skin rashes after consuming mussels.
Allergic Skin Conditions
Shortly after eating mussels, you will develop itchy skin that can trigger hives or eczema. Hives are a rash that forms in clusters of flat-headed welts. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and are extremely itchy. This rash can appear, disappear and reappear anywhere on your body without cause. Hives have defined borders and will develop a white center when pressed on. Eczema is a hypersensitivity of the skin that can be triggered by a shellfish allergy. Eczema develops as small, red dots that become inflamed and itchy.
Anaphylaxis
A shellfish allergy is commonly associated with a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which encompasses the entire body and can lead to death. Common symptoms of this condition are hives, facial swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness and mental confusion. This type of allergic reaction may require an injection of epinephrine to reduce symptoms. If you have a known mussel allergy, your doctor may prescribe this medication to be carried on your person at all times. Call 911 if you develop anaphylaxis symptoms.
Treatment
If you develop itchy skin exclusively without any other symptoms, you can use hydrocortisone creams to reduce the itch and inflammation. If you're diagnosed with a shellfish allergy, you need to avoid eating mussels in the future.
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