Itchy skin that develops after eating certain foods is most likely related to a food allergy. You may not be aware that you're allergic to certain foods or ingredients. Every time you a specific food, you may notice that within a few minutes, areas of your skin become inflamed and red. Itchy skin that develops after eating food needs to be evaluated by your doctor to determine the cause. If you are allergic to certain foods, you need to avoid consuming them to prevent a severe allergic reaction.
Food Allergy
Food allergies are mostly found in young children, but can develop at any age. Wheat, soy, eggs, milk, fish, peanuts and tree nuts are considered the most common foods that cause an allergic reaction by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Although food allergies are incurable, a modified diet can prevent symptoms from developing. Most allergy symptoms range from mild to severe and could lead to death in rare cases. The most common symptoms that develop include digestive problems, swollen airways, hives and other skin irritation, according to MayoClinic.com.
Cause
Food allergies cause the skin the itch because of the presence of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that the body naturally produces to protect against infection. During an allergic reaction to a food, the immune system overreacts to the proteins in the food, which triggers the production of various chemicals throughout the body. The main chemicals released include immunoglobulin E, or IgE antibodies and histamine, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Histamine causes soft tissue, such as the skin, to swell, become inflamed and irritated.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Itchy skin can also develop by eating certain raw nuts, fruits and vegetables related to hay fever. Hay fever is an allergy condition that causes respiratory complications, such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing and an itchy throat. Hay fever is an airborne-related allergy that is triggered by pollen. About 70 percent of people with hay fever will experience itching in the mouth, throat and tongue after eating certain fruits, vegetables or nuts, according to Oprah.com. This food-related condition is not the same as a food allergy, and will only cause localized itching.
Rashes
The most common rashes from a food allergy are hives, eczema and general itching. Hives appear as welts, eczema looks like clusters of blisters that weep, and general itching may or may not become inflamed and red. The most effective treatment for skin rashes is to avoid all foods that can trigger your symptoms.
