Lactose does not causing itching. If your skin becomes itchy after you consume dairy products, you have most likely confused lactose intolerance with a milk allergy. Lactose intolerance causes symptoms to develop in your digestive system shortly after consuming dairy products but does not affect your skin, respiratory system or cardiovascular system. Your health care provider needs to assess your symptoms and provide testing to determine the cause of the itching. If diagnosed with a milk allergy, you will need to eliminate all dairy from your diet.
About Lactose
Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in all dairy products, including cow's milk, sheep's milk, goat's milk and breast milk. Lactose needs to be simplified by lactase, a digestive enzyme, so that it can be absorbed by the body, according to MayoClinic.com. During adolescence, your digestive system slows down the production of lactase. If you become deficient of lactase, your body will not be able to tolerate the sugar when you ingest it. This intolerance leads to gas, bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain and cramping. Most cases of lactose intolerance are treated with a lactase enzyme taking before ingesting dairy products.
Itching
Itching after drinking milk is most likely caused by an allergic reaction and not lactose intolerance. During an allergic reaction your immune system creates immunoglobulin E antibodies that cause mast cells in soft tissues to produce histamine. Histamine is the primary chemical released in the body that causes most symptoms. Histamine released in the skin will cause irritation, swelling, redness and itching. A minor allergic reaction to milk can cause your skin to itchy but will most likely cause other symptoms to develop, such as asthma, digestive complications and lightheadedness.
Allergy Rashes
If the itching develops into a rash, call your doctor to evaluate it. Hives is the most common rash that develops from a milk allergy. Hives result from increased levels of histamine that cause your skin to swell, forming clusters of welts. Hives are extremely itchy and can move from part of the body to another for no reason, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. This allergic skin rash forms in clusters of welts with defined borders. Hives typically subside within a few hours and do not cause any permanent harm, but may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
Warning
Skin rashes may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If your face swells, your throat closes up and you become faint, call 911 immediately. Anaphylaxis is a whole-body allergic reaction that could cause life-threatening symptoms to develop.
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