Lactose intolerance does not cause rashes. If you develop a rash after consuming dairy products along with common lactose intolerant symptoms, you most likely have a milk allergy. MayoClinic.com states that lactose intolerance and dairy allergies are commonly confused with one another because they can cause similar symptoms after consuming dairy. A rash is a common symptom that can help decide between the two conditions, but will need to be clinically diagnosed by your health care provider. A milk allergy may cause a severe allergic reaction, which can cause serious complications.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance causes digestive difficulty after consuming dairy products. Lactose is a sugar found in milk that requires the enzyme lactase to break it down in the digestive system. The intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase, which commonly develops during adolescence. Lactose intolerance symptoms typically develop within 30 minutes of ingesting milk products and causes gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms from lactose intolerance are uncomfortable and can be embarrassing but do not cause any damage to your digestive system or body. The condition is incurable and may be treated with lactase enzyme supplements and avoiding dairy products.
Milk Allergy
A milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Milk allergy symptoms will cause the same digestive symptoms as lactose intolerance, along with additional symptoms in other parts of the body. The difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance is the cause of the symptoms. Lactose intolerance symptoms are caused by a defect in the digestive system, while a milk allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to the proteins found in milk, according to Kids Health. Your body reacts to milk proteins as if they are harmful to the body. This mistake causes the body attack the proteins with chemicals that result in inflammation in different parts of the body.
Rashes
Rashes are a common symptom of a milk allergy that can cause general itching, swelling, redness and inflammation. The most common allergic skin rashes from a food allergy include hives and eczema, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Hives can form anywhere on the body and develop in clusters of welts that are extremely itchy and can move from one part of your skin to another. Eczema forms as small blisters that fill with liquid, crack, weep and crust over. Allergic skin rashes may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
Treatment
Avoiding all dairy products is the most effective way to prevent and treat a rash from a milk allergy. If you ingest milk by accident, take an oral antihistamine and apply hydrocortisone to the affected areas of your skin.
