Goji berries can cause hives if your body has an allergic reaction to ingesting the berry. Goji berries are commonly used to increase antioxidant intake, help enhance immune system strength and treat hypoglycemia, according to Drugs.com. Theses statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and lack credible clinical studies. Before using goji berries to treat or prevent any medical condition, talk with your doctor. Hives are one of the most common signs of an allergic reaction, especially after eating a new food. Hives may be a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe whole-body allergic reaction.
Immune System Background
Whenever your eat a new food or take a new supplement, the proteins and other nutrients are evaluated by your immune system to ensure the substance is safe for the body. Most foods are identified as safe and the body uses the food as a source of nourishment and energy. Problems occur when your immune system reacts to a food as if it were harmful to your body.
Goji Berry Allergy
If your immune system makes the mistake of identifying goji berries as a threat to your body, it will cause a chemical attack against the substance. The body releases immunoglobulin E antibodies and other chemicals to protect the body from the mistaken intruding substance, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. This reaction in the body causes various symptoms to develop within minutes of ingesting goji berries.
Hives
Hives develop on the skin and look like a cluster of welts that are red, inflamed and have defined borders, according to PubMed Health. Hives typically first appear on the arms, legs and face but can spread to any part of the body. The rash is caused by increased levels of histamine near the surface of the skin. Histamine is a chemical in the body protects against infection, but during an allergic reaction, it causes irritation to the skin and other parts of the body. Hives are primarily treated by taking an oral antihistamine and applying a steroid-based cream, such as hydrocortisone or corticosteroids.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Another trigger for hives from goji berries may come from touching the berry directly with your skin. This condition is called allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis causes inflammation, red bumps and itching to occur within a few seconds to a few minutes after you touch the berry. The rash can trigger instability in the skin, leading to the formation of hives. This type of allergic reaction typically causes inflammation in the localized area of the skin that was touched by the berry.
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