If you're allergic to peanuts, you may develop red streaks on your skin after consuming even a small amount of peanuts. A peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in the United States, according to MayoClinic.com. Peanut allergies are commonly associated with serious allergic reactions that could cause anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that affects the entire body. If you haven't been clinically diagnosed with a peanut allergy, you need to talk with an allergist. Report any skin rashes and other symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Peanut Allergy
A peanut allergy occurs when your immune system malfunctions and mistakenly identifies the proteins in peanuts as dangerous. The immune system quickly responds by releasing disease-fighting agents, called antibodies. Antibodies work to attack the peanut proteins, which in turn triggers the creation of more chemicals that lead to common symptoms. A peanut allergy can occur by direct contact, cross-contact or by inhaling peanut dust. Direct contact may include eating or touching peanuts. Cross-contact occurs when you eat a food product that has come into indirect contact with peanut proteins, but isn't made with peanuts.
Red Streaks
A peanut allergy can cause various symptoms within minutes of interacting with peanuts. A common reaction from a peanut allergy is hives, which may appear as red streaks on the skin. Hives can form in shape or size but commonly develop as long finger-like patches across the skin. The finger-like patches are made of clusters of hives, which are typically circular in shape and are extremely itchy. Hives develop from a peanut allergy because of increased amounts of histamine released in the top layers of the skin. Histamine is one of the primary chemicals responsible for most allergy symptoms.
Warning
Hives that develop after eating peanuts may be a sign of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction that affects your entire body and results in a state of shock. This condition is the most common with fish and peanut allergies and could lead to death if not properly treated. Common signs of anaphylaxis are facial swelling, shortness of breath, hives, an increased heart rate and lightheadedness. If you develop these signs, call 911 immediately. Hives associated with anaphylactic shock appear within seconds of coming in contact with peanuts.
Treatment
The red streaks resulting from hives can be treated by taking an oral antihistamine and applying a steroid-based cream to the affected areas, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The most effective preventative measure you can take is to eliminate and avoid all exposure to peanuts. If you develop anaphylactic shock, you will need to be administered an injection of epinephrine by a medical professional.
