Naturally, foods should not cause you to feel itchy, unless you have a food intolerance or food allergies. Food allergies cause an array of symptoms, which range from itchy skin to abdominal discomfort. Food allergies are mostly linked to food products that contain milk, wheat, nuts, fish or shellfish. In the most severe cases, these allergies can cause anaphylaxis, which is a sudden, potentially life-threatening reaction, which can make your airways swell and cause a drop in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment.
Nuts
Tree nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, along with peanuts can cause a food allergy in some people. According to Kids Health, skin reactions are the most common form of food allergy reaction. Skin reactions to nuts may include itchy, red, rashes, as well as eczema, and redness and swelling around the mouth or face. These symptoms typically occur minutes after eating nuts and in some people, they occur immediately. Peanut reactions can be severe and cause symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, runny or stuffy nose, itchy watery eyes and lightheadedness.
Wheat
A wheat allergy can occur in adults, but is more common in children. People with wheat allergies may develop an allergic reaction when eating breads, cakes, breakfast cereal, pasta, crackers or even condiments such as soy sauce. Symptoms of wheat allergy include itching or irritation in the mouth and throat, hives, itchiness or swelling of the skin, cramps, nausea or vomiting and nasal congestion.
Shellfish
Shellfish allergies can also cause itching. Shrimp, lobster, octopus, crab and squid are among the shellfish that can cause allergy symptoms, which can be mild or severe. Common shellfish allergy symptoms in addition to itching are hives, eczema and tingling in the mouth. Some people may also experience swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, as well as wheezing, abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting and lightheadedness.
Milk-Based Products
Milk-based products such as ice cream, cheese, milk and yogurt can trigger allergic reactions in people with a milk allergy. Food allergy occurs when the body mistakes the food or substance as an allergen and tries to fight it off by releasing antibodies and histamine simultaneously. Milk allergies can cause itching from hives or eczema, as well as swelling around the mouth. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea and nausea may also be experienced.
