Knowing which foods trigger an allergic rash can help provide peace of mind when eating meals. Between 4 and 8 percent of children and about 2 percent of adults are diagnosed with a food allergy, according to the University or Maryland Medical Center. Rashes are a common symptom of a food allergy that should receive an evaluation from your doctor or allergist.
Food Allergies
A food allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to proteins found in certain foods, which are safe for most people. Although any food can trigger an allergic reaction, about 90 percent of all food allergies are the result of eating soy, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs and wheat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other foods that may cause an allergic reaction include tomatoes, melons, strawberries and pineapples. People typically outgrow allergies by adulthood, but in some cases they may remain for a lifetime. Most food allergy symptoms develop within a few minutes and are mild, such as skin rashes, upset stomach and nasal congestion.
Allergic Skin Rashes
The most common skin reactions resulting from a food allergy include redness, itching, swelling, bumps and scaly skin. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that the most common skin conditions include hives, contact dermatitis and eczema. Hives are red welts that develop anywhere on the body that are flat on top and have defined borders. Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs when you touch a particular substance, such as tomatoes. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can flare up from a food allergy, causing fluid-filled itchy bumps to develop on your skin.
Allergy Testing and Avoidance
Rashes that develop after eating certain foods will require allergy testing to clinically diagnose what foods are causing the reaction. A preliminary test used by allergists is a skin prick test. MayoClinic.com explains that during this test a small amount of a suspect food allergen is injected under your forearm. If you develop raised bumps or skin irritation, you're most likely allergic to the substance. Blood tests that identify whether or not your body creates immunoglobulin E antibodies when certain food proteins are introduced will confirm whether or not you have a food allergy to a specific food.
Treating Allergic Rashes
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology explains that the most effective way to treat allergic skin rashes caused by food is to avoid all foods that trigger an allergic reaction. If you accidentally consume a trigger food, your doctor may recommend taking an oral antihistamine, using corticosteroid creams or placing a cold compress on the affected area of the skin.
