Rashes that develop as the result of eating certain foods commonly are symptoms of an allergic reaction. Although meat is not considered a common food allergen, ABC News reports that meat allergies are being studied and better understood. Most food allergies are triggered by the proteins found in the food, while meat allergies are suspected to be triggered by certain carbohydrates in the meat. Skin rashes that form after eating meat need to be evaluated by your doctor.
Meat Allergy
If you're allergic to meat, your immune system fails to recognize that the carbohydrates in the meat are safe for human consumption. Instead of allowing the carbohydrates to be absorbed into the body, the immune system develops antibodies that attack them. When antibodies enter the blood stream, mast cells respond by producing histamine. Histamine is a chemical in the body that protects against infection. Too much histamine in soft tissue, such as the skin, causes inflammation and irritation.
Facial Skin Rash
The skin rash may originate around your mouth and spread to other parts of the face, such as the chin, cheeks and forehead. Some allergic skin rashes can begin on the face and migrate to various parts of the body. Common skin rashes that occur from a food allergy include hives, eczema and general skin irritation. Hives appear as clusters of welts that have defined borders and are elevated. Eczema is another common skin rash that is triggered from a meat allergy. Eczema develops as pimple-like blisters that fill with liquid and burst.
Other Symptoms
An allergic reaction to meat will cause other symptoms to develop along with facial rashes. Some other common symptoms that can develop after eating meat include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, nausea, diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating and gas. Hives are a common sign of a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis. Hives that form with shortness of breath, light-headedness and a rapid heart rate are signs of a serious reaction. Call 911 if you develop these symptoms.
Treatment
Minor to moderate allergic skin reactions are treated with hydrocortisone or corticosteroid creams or lotions. Apply the steroid-based cream or lotion to the affected areas on the face. These medications will reduce the itching and swelling. An oral antihistamine may help to reduce common allergy symptoms and alleviate the rash.
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