Lactose intolerance can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, gas and diarrhea, but will not cause your face to turn red. If your face turns red along with common lactose intolerance symptoms after consuming dairy products, you may have another medical condition. Kids Health states that lactose intolerance and milk allergies are commonly confused with one another. Both conditions cause similar digestive symptoms after ingesting dairy. A red face will be the result of hives or facial swelling that may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
Lactose Intolerance Vs Milk Allergy
Lactose intolerance symptoms only affect the digestive system and will not cause symptoms in of your body's other systems. Lactose intolerance is caused by lactase deficiency, where your digestive system doesn't produce enough of the appropriate enzyme to digest the sugar in milk, according to PubMed Health. A milk allergy is a hypersensitivity of your immune system to the proteins found in milk. A milk allergy will cause a wide range of symptoms in various parts of your body. Facial changes are common with most food allergies.
Hives
If your face turns red, it may be the result of hives, a skin rash that is common with a milk allergy. Hives typically develop within minutes of consuming diary products if you have a milk allergy. The rash can form anywhere on the body, but typically begins on your face from a milk allergy. Hives form red, raised patches of skin that have defined borders that are flat on the top, according to MayoClinic.com. The rash can cause the majority of your face to turn red in a matter of minutes. Hives are also associated with a severe allergic reaction and need to be assessed by your doctor.
Anaphylaxis
If you develop a severe allergic reaction, your face can turn red and swell. If you notice that your lips, mouth, tongue or throat swell, call your doctor immediately. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that causes your body to enter a state of shock and is commonly accompanied by an abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure and mental confusion, according to MedlinePlus. If your doctor determines that you are experiencing anaphylactic shock, you may need an injection of epinephrine.
Prevention
Once you receive a clinical diagnosis, avoid the consumption of all foods and beverages that contain milk. Wear a medical ID bracelet that states you're severely allergic to milk in case of an emergency. Inform your family, friends and co-workers of your condition.
