Any time you change your diet there’s potential for adverse reactions to occur, especially if you have allergies or certain skin conditions. Rashes are one of the most common symptoms of a food allergy that may indicate a severe allergic reaction. If you develop rashes after changing your diet, call your doctor for an appointment. Some rashes, such as eczema, may be triggered by what you eat. Do not change your diet without talking with your doctor.
Eczema
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin hypersensitivity that may be triggered by dietary changes. The cause of eczema is not fully understood, but eating certain foods can cause the condition to flare-up in certain people. Eczema commonly causes red-colored patches of extremely dry skin, itching, raised bumps, thickened cracked skin and raw sensitive skin that form from scratching, according to MayoClinic.com. Eczema can cause fluid-filled blisters to form that can crack, ooze and crust over, which can cause secondary skin infections. There is no cure for eczema, aside from avoiding irritants and maintaining moisturized skin.
Hives
Hives are commonly associated with a food allergy. Hives can form anywhere on the body and can cause patches of skin to develop welts in various shapes and sizes. Hives are red in color, have defined borders and are flat on top. The rash can appear, disappear and re-appear without reason. Hives are typically harmless, unless they develop in the throat or the inner ear, where they can trap liquid and excess fluids. Hives are commonly treated with oral antihistamines and topical steroid creams.
Food Allergies
Skin rashes that develop when you change your diet may be a sign of a food allergy. As of date of publication, food allergies affect about 2 percent of the adult American population, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The most common foods that cause an allergic reaction include eggs, soy, milk, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, tomatoes, pineapple, melons and strawberries. An allergic reaction to a food causes your body to overreact to the proteins found in the food, releasing chemicals throughout the body that cause inflammation and swelling. A food allergy will cause skin rashes along with other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, stomach pain, nasal congestion and diarrhea.
Consideration
If you develop a rash along with facial swelling, throat swelling, lightheadedness, a drop in blood pressure, an increased heart rate and a faint pulse, call 911. These are common signs of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that require emergency medical attention.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Atopic dermatitis (eczema); August 2011
- American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Hives
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: All About Hives (Urticaria)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food allergy
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Food Allergies
