Food allergies are triggered by foods such as wheat, milk-based dairy, soy and nuts. These food allergies can cause symptoms that involve both the skin and digestive system. Although these may be minor discomforts for some, report all symptoms of food allergy or food intolerance to a physician immediately, as some allergies can become life threatening.
Food Allergies
Food allergies occur when the body mistakes a certain food or drink as a harmful substance. The body then releases a mixture of antibodies and histamine to ward off what it poses as a danger. When this occurs, histamine causes symptoms to appear in the digestive system as well as on the skin.
Skin Allergy Symptoms
Food allergy symptoms can affect the digestive system causing vomiting, cramping, diarrhea and nausea. However, people may also develop tingling in the mouth, hives, facial swelling or itching in the mouth or throat. Skin itching; hives, rashes and swelling are all caused by increased amounts of histamine released in the body. Skin conditions such as eczema can flare up due to food allergy and food intolerance.
Treatment
The only real treatment for food allergy is to avoid the food causing the allergic reaction. If you develop a rash, hives, skin itching or skin swelling, you may use over-the-counter anti-histamines to relieve the itching or skin creams that can also minimize the discomfort.
Consideration
Although skin symptoms are to be treated over-the-counter, you should let your physician know if you have any reactions after eating certain foods. In some cases, food allergies can become deadly triggering an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes swelling in the airways which blocks breathing and causes a drop in blood pressure. If this is not treated immediately, the blood pressure may drop too low and result in shock, cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest.
