If you're allergic to chocolate, your immune system is hypersensitive to one or more of the ingredients in the chocolate product. Chocolate is made from various highly allergic foods, such as milk, tree nuts and soy. The main ingredient in chocolate products is cocoa, which can trigger an allergic reaction in the body. Itching may occur within minutes of eating chocolate if you're allergic. Skin itching may develop in skin rashes, such as hives and eczema. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of the allergic reaction and treatment for the itching.
Chocolate Allergy
If you have an allergic reaction after consuming chocolate, you may be allergic to more than one ingredient. The allergic reaction may be related to the cocoa or other ingredients, such as tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, milk or eggs. Highly allergic ingredients will be disclosed under the allergen warning, typically close by the ingredients on the package. The allergic reaction to one or more ingredients in chocolate will cause the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies that attempt to flight off the allergen. This triggers a chemical reaction throughout the body, causing inflammation and irritation in soft tissue, such as the skin.
Skin Itching
Skin itching from a chocolate allergy is the result of increased levels of histamine being produced in the top layers of the skin. Histamine is a chemical in the body that helps protect against infections, but during an allergic reaction excessive amounts cause swelling. Histamine can cause general itchiness and redness on the surface of the skin anywhere on the body. It can also trigger hives, an allergic rash that causes clusters of welts to form that are extremely itchy. If you suffer from eczema, an allergic reaction to chocolate can cause an eczema outbreak.
Identification
To effectively treat an allergic reaction to chocolate, you need to identify which ingredients are causing the itching and other symptoms. An allergist can perform various allergy tests, such as skin and blood tests to challenge your body. The most likely substances, such as cocoa, milk and nut proteins, are injected under your skin to see if the skin becomes inflamed. A sample of your blood may be required to confirm the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies when specific proteins are introduced.
Treatment
Once identified, your doctor or allergist will prescribe a long-term elimination diet. Avoidance of the allergen is the only way to prevent symptoms from forming. The itchy skin can be treated by taking an oral antihistamine and applying hydrocortisone cream to the affected areas of the skin.
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