Allergic Skin Conditions
In this section, you will find information about some chronic skin conditions that occur with food allergies.
Hives/UrticariaHives/Urticaria is a skin rash due to food allergy and they form due increased level of histamine near the surface of the skin. They are also called nettle rash. The rash is severely itchy and can be painful. The most common food triggers of hives are shellfish, nuts, and egg and dairy products. When this reaction occurs doctors describe it as localized angioedema.
There are different types of urticaria one is acute urticaria which is a rapid reaction, although clears up within 24 hours. Another is chronic urticaria, which is a persistent rash and appears several hours every day and lasts for a longer period of time which can be defined as “hives”. Acute urticaria is usually triggered by food eaten before the reaction. |
EczemaEczema is a hypersensitivity triggered by several stimuli which cause the skin to react. Certain food can trigger eczema and is at risk with developing skin infections. Children are more prone in developing eczema from food allergies.
When eczema occurs the skin can become extremely itchy which then leads to rashes. It is said to be worsened by anxiety and depression. What triggers this to occur can be a chemical stressor that is contained in food and it should be properly identified to decrease the chances of it happening. However, eczema in children can sometimes be outgrown merging into the adulthood. When eczema is triggered the effects can be formation of small red bumps forming blisters filled up with liquid and burst, which can result to permanent scarring. |
There is some consideration that should be taken considering these following skin issues during a reaction. The causes of these following can vary as well not just surrounding with food but also drug sensitivity, light or UV light, hereditary effect, chemical sensitivity and much more.
Treatment
A first step to treating a food allergy is identifying the food triggering the following reaction by going to an allergist or general practitioner, to get tested in order to eliminate the following food from their diet. Several treatments available for these following are some topical creams are over the counter hydrocortisone creams or prescribed corticosteroid lotions as treatments for hives/urticaria and eczema.[Richer, 2009]