Wheat is hard to avoid because it is an ingredient in many prepackaged baked goods. And yet, wheat is one of the most common food allergies, capable of causing minor to severe allergic reactions. If you notice that every time you eat a product that contains wheat, the skin on your face, hands or legs develops blisters, you are very likely allergic to wheat. Talk with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Wheat Allergy
Wheat contains various proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction. Gluten, gliadin, globulin and albumin are the main classes of problematic wheat proteins. If you ingest these proteins and are allergic to them, your immune system will mistake them for dangerous substances and overreact. Wheat allergy is commonly confused with celiac disease, an intolerance to gluten that causes damage to the small intestines. But celiac disease is a different condition and requires different treatments than those of a wheat allergy.
Cause
The immune system's response to the proteins in wheat is what causes most of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Immunoglobulin E antibodies are created to attack the wheat proteins, which triggers mast cells in the body to produce histamine. Histamine is a chemical that helps protect against infection. When too much histamine is created in soft tissue, it causes inflammation. The inflammation in soft tissues is what leads to most allergy symptoms, such as asthma, digestive complications and skin rashes.
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic hypersensitivity of the skin. Its symptoms are often worsened by certain elements, including heat, tight-fitting clothing and allergens. For example, if you're allergic to pollen, you have a greater chance of developing eczema symptoms during the spring. Eczema symptoms caused by a wheat allergy will develop a few minutes after consuming the wheat product, appearing as small blisters that are very itchy. These blisters can weep, crust over and cause leathery patches of skin to form.
Treatment
Eczema symptoms triggered by a wheat allergy are effectively treated through prevention, avoiding foods that contain wheat. Wheat can be found in baked goods, breads, cookies, salad dressing, ice cream, crackers and processed meats. If you accidentally consume wheat and develop skin blisters, moisturize the affected skin and apply hydrocortisone. Severe cases of eczema may require a prescription corticosteroid lotion.
