Can Fish Oil Cause Rashes?

Written by Diane Marks

05 December, 2018

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that may help with certain medical conditions. While you can get omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish, you can also buy fish oil as a supplement. As with any supplement, if you have any known allergies, you are at risk of developing allergic reaction. Skin rashes are not a side effect of taking fish oil, but are a sign of an allergy. Before using fish oil supplements, talk with your doctor.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is taken to treat and prevent a range of medical conditions, but has not been evaluated and is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MedlinePlus states that taking fish oil supplements may help with rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, high blood pressure, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, stroke, hardening of the arteries, kidney problems and weak bones. Fish oil is not recommended for people with liver disease, a pancreas disorder, diabetes, an under-active thyroid or if you drink more than two alcoholic beverages daily. Follow the directions on the supplements label and report any unwanted symptoms to your doctor.

Fish oil is taken to treat and prevent a range of medical conditions, but has not been evaluated and is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Fish oil is not recommended for people with liver disease, a pancreas disorder, diabetes, an under-active thyroid or if you drink more than two alcoholic beverages daily.

Allergic Reaction

Salmon Fish Oil & Skin Rash

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Although fish oil supplements are considered safe for most people, people with fish allergies may develop an allergic reaction after taking fish oil supplements. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction from fish oil supplements include facial, throat, lips or tongue swelling, hives and shortness of breath. During an allergic reaction, your immune system overreacts to the proteins in the fish oil. The body protects itself by creating immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine. These chemicals cause inflammation throughout the body.

Although fish oil supplements are considered safe for most people, people with fish allergies may develop an allergic reaction after taking fish oil supplements.
The body protects itself by creating immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine.

Skin Rashes

Common skin rashes that may form include hives, eczema and general skin itching. Hives can appear anywhere on the skin and form in clusters of welts that are flat on top, red in color and have distinctive borders. Hives can migrate from part of the body to another and are extremely itchy. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that may flare up from an allergic reaction. This skin rash causes dry, leathery patches of skin and can also cause fluid-filled blisters to form. The blisters may weep, crust over and become itchy.

Common skin rashes that may form include hives, eczema and general skin itching.
This skin rash causes dry, leathery patches of skin and can also cause fluid-filled blisters to form.

Considerations

Salmon & Skin Rash

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Stop using fish oil supplements if you develop a rash, and call your doctor. Allergy tests may be conducted to determine the exact cause of the rash. If you’re clinically diagnosed with a fish allergy, your doctor will recommend you eliminate all seafood products from your diet.