Although a wide range of conditions can cause itchy skin, in most cases itchy skin is a sign of food allergies. People with food allergies usually react to certain proteins in food. Because their immune system recognizes these proteins as a harmful substance and produces antibodies to fight them.
Identifying food allergens is the best way to prevent the adverse symptoms of food allergies. In this article, we will introduce you to 7 different foods that can cause itchy skin due to an allergic reaction. Follow us to the end of this article.
Why do some foods cause itchy skin?
In general, foods should not cause itching unless you have a specific problem, such as food allergies or histamine intolerance. If you get itchy after eating a certain food, talk to your doctor about your symptoms to find out the cause. Do not change your diet without consulting your doctor. If you have food allergies, eating foods that cause itchy skin can lead to serious side effects.
Food allergies
Food allergies are the most common cause of pruritus ani. Food allergies cause the body to release inflammation, swelling, itching and redness of the skin by releasing chemicals. The most common foods that can cause allergic reactions in some people are wheat, milk, eggs, soy, fish, peanuts and walnuts. Tomatoes, strawberries, pineapples and food additives are also classified as allergens. Itching caused by food allergies can lead to urticaria and eczema anywhere on the body.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome occurs as a cross-reaction and causes itching of the mouth, throat and lips. A cross-reaction occurs when your immune system mistakenly considers the proteins in a particular food to be pollen. Because both pollen and that particular nutrient contain similar proteins.
The most common foods that cause oral allergy syndrome are fruits, vegetables, and nuts. For example, if you are allergic to Ragweed pollen, eating zucchini, cantaloupe, bananas and cucumbers can cause itching in your mouth. In some cases, cooking food prevents itching.
Histamine intolerance
Histamine is a chemical that prevents infections in the body. Excess histamine in the body causes inflammation, itching, and swelling in soft tissues such as the lungs, skin, and sinuses. Some foods contain histamine and cause allergies and itching. Tuna, spinach, cheese, eggplant and yeast all contain histamine. Headache, skin rash, rapid heartbeat, wheezing and fainting are other symptoms of histamine intolerance.
Which foods can cause itchy skin?
Itching and irritation of the skin can be caused by many factors, from dry skin to food allergies. If you are prone to dry, itchy and inflamed skin, your diet may be to blame. Therefore, you need to know what foods may irritate the skin. The most common foods that can cause itchy skin due to food allergies are:
- Soy
Although soy allergies are common in infants and children, adults may also have this problem. Soy allergy results from a reaction to certain proteins found in soy and other products containing it (such as miso, tofu, and tempeh).
Soy allergy can cause many side effects. For example, it causes eczema or atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by itching and inflammation of the skin. It may also have other adverse health effects, leading to symptoms such as swelling, tingling in the mouth, stomach pain, and wheezing.
Atopic dermatitis is a condition that causes redness and itching of the skin. The disease is common in children, but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease whose symptoms appear periodically. There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. But it can reduce the symptoms or prevent them from flare up. It is usually helpful to avoid hot soaps, moisturize the skin regularly, and use creams or medicated ointments.
Avoiding foods that cause itchy skin can be effective in treating atopic dermatitis. People who are allergic to soy should avoid consuming all products containing soy. But they can often safely use some processed ingredients such as refined soybean oil and soy lecithin (a dietary supplement).
- Peanuts
Peanut allergy is not only one of the most common food allergies, but also one of the most dangerous. In people who are allergic to peanuts, exposure to certain proteins found in this nutrient can trigger an immune response.
Peanut allergy is often characterized by skin rashes and other symptoms such as swelling under the skin, wheezing, shortness of breath and digestive problems. In severe cases, peanut allergy may cause anaphylaxis, which is a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something to which you are sensitive. Anaphylaxis triggers the release of large amounts of chemicals from the immune system that can cause shock. Blood pressure drops sharply, the airways narrow, and breathing becomes impaired.
Common signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include a rapid and weak pulse, skin reactions such as hives and itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and fainting. When this reaction occurs, you should inject epinephrine immediately. If you do not have epinephrine, you should go to the emergency room right away.
Research shows that having asthma may increase the risk of severe allergic reactions in people who are allergic to peanuts. People who are allergic to peanuts should consult their doctor before adding products containing peanuts to their diet.
In some cases, consuming highly refined peanut oil may be safe for those who are allergic to peanuts. However, refined peanut oil or cold pressed peanut oil should be avoided. In the cold pressing method, the oil is produced by mechanical pressure and without heating.
- Wheat
Wheat is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world. Wheat is one of the most common food allergens, sensitivity to which affects about 1% of children and adults.
Wheat allergy is caused by exposure to proteins in this nutrient called albumin, gliadin, globulin, and gluten. This nutrient can cause symptoms such as itching, indigestion and respiratory problems. Some research suggests that wheat allergies are more common in people with underlying conditions such as asthma, eczema, or seasonal allergies.
People who are allergic to wheat should avoid all foods containing wheat, including bread, flour, pasta or crackers. It is also important to read food labels carefully. Because wheat is sometimes found in products such as sauces, prepared soups and processed meats.
- cow milk
Cow milk allergy is a problem that is more common among infants and children. This food allergy is usually caused by two proteins in cow’s milk called whey protein and casein protein.
People who are allergic to cow’s milk proteins experience problems such as swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, as well as itching or tingling around the mouth when exposed to them. Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps (painful stomach cramps), wheezing, and anaphylaxis are other symptoms that may occur after consuming cow’s milk. People who are allergic to cow’s milk should avoid all products containing it, including milk, yogurt, cheese, butter and ice cream.
- egg
Egg allergies are usually caused by certain proteins found in egg whites. These proteins are called Ovalbumin, Ovotransferrin, Lysozyme, and Ovomucin. One of the main symptoms of egg allergy is urticaria, which can cause redness, swelling and itching of the skin. Egg allergies can also lead to a wide range of digestive problems, including vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
Some people who are allergic to eggs can enjoy eating duck, goose or quail eggs without any problems. But some of them should completely avoid eating bird eggs. For this reason, if you are allergic to eggs, consult your doctor before including the eggs of other birds in your diet to prevent negative symptoms.
- Tree nuts
The term “tree nuts” refers to any nut that grows on the tree (including almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios and hazelnuts). Allergies to tree nuts are very common and affect approximately 9.4% of the world’s population. .
Allergic reactions are caused by the presence of certain proteins in tree nuts, including oleosins, legumes, vicilins, and 2S albumin. Allergies to tree nuts cause tingling, redness and itching of the skin, as well as swelling of the mouth. In people with asthma, eczema and hay fever, the allergic reaction to tree nuts may be more severe.
Some people may only be allergic to certain types of tree nuts. However, due to the risk of cross-contamination in food production, it is often advisable to avoid tree nuts altogether if you are allergic. Cross-contamination occurs when a food comes in contact with food to which you are allergic.
- Fish
Fish allergies are caused by an allergic reaction to fin fish such as tuna, salmon and cod. This problem is usually caused by certain proteins in the fish, including parvalbumins. In people who are allergic to fish, exposure to these proteins can cause stomach pain, hives and itchy skin.
Some people may be allergic to certain types of fish and can easily use other fish. However, people who are allergic to fish are usually advised to avoid eating all fish and fish products because of the risk of cross-contamination.
When to see a doctor?
It is normal to experience itchy skin from time to time. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible:
- Persistent itching of the skin
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Inflation
Your doctor can determine the cause of your symptoms and prevent a serious and dangerous allergic reaction in the future. If your food allergy test is positive, you should avoid foods to which you are allergic.
The final word
Eating certain foods can cause an allergic reaction and cause symptoms such as itchy skin. In most cases, this problem is related to certain proteins found in food. The immune system detects these proteins as harmful and produces antibodies to fight them.
If you think symptoms such as itchy skin are related to food allergies, talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment. If food causes itchy skin, the only effective way to solve this problem is to avoid eating that food.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Be sure to consult a specialist before using the recommendations in this article.
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Avoid items or situations that cause you to itch.
Moisturize daily.
Treat the scalp.
Reduce stress or anxiety.
Try over-the-counter oral allergy medicine.
Use a humidifier.
Use creams, lotions or gels that soothe and cool the skin.
Avoid scratching.