With all the potential health benefits that taking acidophilus may offer, you may need to avoid the supplement if you develop hives. A common symptom of an allergic reaction to acidophilus, hives could lead to potentially life-threating symptoms, according to Drugs.com. The rash itself is harmless, unless it develops in your throat -- a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Talk with your doctor before using acidophilus.
Acidophilus
Acidophilus is a microorganism that is naturally found in the human digestive system. The helpful bacteria are commonly sold as a dietary supplement because of the suspected health benefits. MayoClinic.com explains that while acidophilus is not essential for the human body, the probiotic may help prevent and treat diarrhea, maintain bowel regularity, help regulate the digestive system in people with irritable bowel syndrome, and treat vaginal yeast infections. Scientific evidence for these claims is lacking, however, and has not been evaluated by the FDA. This supplement may interact with certain medications and medical conditions as well so talk with your doctor before taking it.
Allergic Reaction
MayoClinic.com states that some supplements may contain milk by-products, which could trigger an allergic reaction if you have a milk allergy. An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system is overly sensitive to one or more of the ingredients in the acidophilus supplement. The immune system responds to the substance as if it is going to harm the body. In order to protect the body, immunoglobulin E antibodies are created and released into the bloodstream, which causes mast cells to produce histamine, which can cause disturbance in the blood vessels and lead to hives.
Hives
Hives are a common skin reaction from an allergy that causes swelling, itching and the formation of welts throughout the body. Hives typically develop in clusters and can grow larger, migrate and join together to form larger areas of inflammation, according to PubMed Health. Hives typically appear red in color, are extremely itchy, have a flat surface, are raised from the surface of the skin and have defined borders. The rash can change shape, disappear and reappear within a matter of minutes.
Consideration
Hives are not always a sign of a severe allergic reaction, but they do commonly develop during anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction that causes the body to enter a state of shock. Other signs of this allergic condition may include the inability to breathe, severe abdominal pain, pale skin, rapid heart rate, dizziness and a drop in blood pressure.
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