Itchy skin from eating liver is most likely a sign of an allergic reaction. Although liver is not considered a common food allergen, according to ABC News, eating meat can trigger an allergic reaction. You may experience itchy skin in various parts of your body or in a single localized area. Itchy skin could be the result of an underlying condition. If you develop redness, bumps or inflammation, call your doctor immediately to prevent further complications.
Eating Liver
Eating liver may trigger an allergic reaction in your body that could cause skin itching within a few minutes of ingesting or it may take up to a few hours for your skin to react. Most food allergies cause symptoms to develop quickly, but ABC News reports that some meat allergies may not appear for a few hours or days. Either the proteins or carbohydrates founding liver, are not recognized by your immune system as harmless substance. The body reacts to this immune system mistake by attacking the proteins or carbohydrates in the meat with antibodies. The antibodies in your blood stream trigger a chemical reaction throughout your body, leading to common symptoms.
Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is the result of increased histamine levels near the surface of the skin. Histamine is a hormone in the body that protects against infection, but when produced in excessive amounts, it causes blood vessels to dilate. The dilation of blood vessels causes increased blood flow, inflammation and general irritation. Your skin may not change visually but could become itchy. If you scratch your skin, further irritation will occur and you could cause secondary skin infections from cracked skin.
Rashes
If a rash develops you need to call your doctor. A rash may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Common rashes that may develop from an allergic reaction to liver are hives and eczema. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that hives may appear within minutes of an allergic reaction and form in clusters of welts that are flat on top and are red in color. Eczema will cause small bumps to form anywhere on the body that are itchy and can fill with liquid that weep and crust over.
Concern
If you develop a skin rash along with other symptoms such as sinus congestion, shortness of breath and facial swelling after eating liver, contact emergency medical personnel. You may be experiencing anaphylaxis, which could lead to death if not identified and treated.
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