Peanut and tree nuts are among the most common triggers of allergic reactions. Food allergies trigger an immune response that may affect only the skin, such as hives, or may involve many other organs throughout the body. If hives are your only symptom, you have a mild form of nut allergy.
About Hives
Hives, also known by the medical term urticaria, are a common condition and approximately 20 percent of all people will experience hives at some point in their lifetime. Food allergies, including nut allergies, cause an acute form of hives that may last from a few minutes to several days or weeks. Most reactions last less than one day. Episodes of hives that last longer than six weeks are chronic cases and usually not attributed to food reactions.
Appearance
Hives are swollen, red circular welts that are associated with mild to severe itching. Individual welts will appear and disappear throughout the episode and you should notice that any particular welt disappears within 24 hours. The hives may become worse with exercise, consumption of alcohol and emotional stress. Scratching usually causes a local histamine response that intensifies the itching.
Other Symptoms
Food allergies often affect the skin, causing hives as well as swelling and redness. Other signs to look for include itching, tingling or numbness in the mouth or throat, runny or stuffy nose and gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Nut allergies are a leading cause of the severe, life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. If you have signs of anaphylaxis, including difficulty breathing, constriction in the chest and throat, faintness, dizziness, rapid pulse or loss of consciousness, you need emergency medical assistance.
Treatment
A nut allergy should be diagnosed by your doctor or an allergist. Minor allergic reactions may respond to an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine. These medications help reduce the discomfort of hives and itching. More severe reactions will require emergency treatment with epinephrine. Even if hives are the only symptom you experience, talk to your doctor about ways to manage your reaction to nuts. It is important to read ingredient labels carefully and exercise caution when dining out. Allergies may worsen over time and your health care provider may recommend that you carry a self-administered Epipen as a precaution.
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