Itching after consuming caffeine is most likely related to an allergic reaction. Skin irritation is one of the first signs of an adverse reaction in your body and needs to be evaluated by a medical doctor. If you develop other symptoms, aside from just itching, you need to call 911 because you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Caffeine is commonly found in tea, coffee and chocolate but may also be used in certain medications. If you have a known caffeine allergy, tell your doctor and pharmacist before taking any new medications.
Itching From Caffeine
Itching from caffeine begins with a hypersensitivity to the drug in the immune system. If you have an allergy to caffeine, your immune system reacts to it as if it were an intruding substance that could harm the body. This reaction causes the body to create specific antibodies that attack the caffeine and trigger a chain reaction of chemicals. One of these chemicals is histamine, a naturally occurring chemical in the body that protects against infection, according to Medline Plus. Histamine created in the skin will cause irritation, swelling, itching, redness and inflammation.
Skin Rashes
If your skin becomes itchy, you will most likely develop a skin rash. Skin rashes are common with allergic reactions to caffeine. Drugs.com says that if you develop skin irritation along with facial swelling, shortness of breath or vomiting, you need to call 911 immediately. Common allergic skin rashes may include hives, eczema and general irritation. Hives are a rash that form anywhere on the body in clusters and appear as welts. Eczema develops as small blisters that fill with liquid, crack and crust over. In some cases, you may develop a rash that is unidentifiable.
Treatment
If you are clinically diagnosed with a caffeine allergy, you will need to eliminate all foods that contain caffeine from your diet. Avoidance is the only proven method to preventing allergy symptoms, such as skin rashes, from caffeine. If you accidentally ingest caffeine, you can treat itchy skin by taking an oral antihistamine and applying hydrocortisone on the affect areas of the skin, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Caffeine may be found in hidden sources, such as desserts, energy drinks and decaffeinated tea and coffee.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that could lead to death if not treated. If you're diagnosed with a severe allergy to caffeine, talk with your doctor about carrying an epinephrine pen to alleviate your symptoms if you experience a severe allergic reaction.
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