Red Rash on the Cheeks From a Peanut Butter or Honey Allergy

The number of children diagnosed with peanut allergies is on the rise, according to PBS Kids. Peanuts are considered one of the most common foods that cause an allergic reaction in children and adults. Honey is not a common food allergen, but can also cause an allergic reaction. Many food allergy rashes form somewhere on the face, such as on the cheeks within a few minutes after you eat the food. Any adverse reactions that you experience after you eat or touch peanut butter or honey should be reported to your physician.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

If a red rash forms on your cheeks after they’ve been touched by peanut butter or honey, you may be experiencing allergic contact dermatitis. This allergic skin condition is caused by an allergic reaction that occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with a specific substance, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Sometimes, the rash develops as soon as contact is made, while in other cases, the skin may not form a rash until 1 to 2 days after the contact. If a rash forms after your cheeks have touched peanut butter or honey, wash the affected area with soap and water and call your doctor.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin allergic reaction from peanut butter and other food allergic reactions. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that about 1 percent of all children’s visits to the doctor are related to atopic dermatitis 1. It commonly forms on the face after eating peanut butter of honey, if you’re allergic to these products. The rash begins as patches of red, swollen skin that develops into small blisters that are filled with liquid. This condition can also cause the cheeks to become thick and very dry.

Hives

When you eat peanut butter or honey, your immune system overreacts to the substances by creating histamine. Histamine is a chemical in the body that causes inflammation, itching and swelling in the skin. Hives that form on the cheeks may appear and disappear without any reason. This condition can develop in various shapes and sizes, but always has defined borders.

Treatment

Treating a rash on your cheeks from a peanut butter or honey allergy should be discussed with your doctor. You may be advised to eliminate these foods from your diet. Steroid-based topical medications, such as corticosteroids or hydrocortisone, can help reduce the inflammation and itching from the allergic skin reactions.