Strawberries are a refreshing snack, but if your lips swell and form blisters after eating them, you could be experiencing an allergic reaction. Anytime your lips swell from eating a food, you need to call your doctor because it may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Swelling and blistering are also common symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis and oral allergy syndrome. In order to properly treat your reaction to strawberries, talk with your doctor for a clinical diagnosis. Do not attempt to self-treat your symptoms without a doctor's supervision.
Food Allergy
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that strawberries are a common food allergen that can trigger mild to severe symptoms within minutes of eating the fruit. A food allergy triggers the release of various chemicals in the body, such as immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine, which can cause skin rashes and inflammation in soft tissue. The swelling is the result of increased histamine in your mouth and face, and the blisters are most likely related to eczema. Eczema is a chronic rash where your skin is hypersensitive to certain foods and environmental factors. Eczema causes blisters to fill with liquid, crack, weep and crust over.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a rash that develops small, red and itchy blisters on the area of the body that is exposed to the substance. In this case, the fruit touches your lips as you eat it, which triggers blisters, inflammation and swelling. Allergic contact dermatitis typically does not lead to further complications, aside from temporary skin reactions. Treat this skin condition by washing your lips with soap and water to remove any residue left from the strawberry. Avoid eating or touching strawberries in the future.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome rarely causes rashes or blistering, but in severe reactions, this condition leads to these symptoms. Oral allergy syndrome is related to a pollen allergy. Your immune system mistakes the proteins in the strawberries for other pollens that cause allergic reactions.
Anaphylaxis Consideration
Lips swelling and skin rashes may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that affects your entire body, causing tissues to swell and constrict. Other symptoms to look for include the inability to breathe, hives, lightheadedness and a rapid heart rate. Call 911 if you believe that you are experiencing anaphylaxis.
