Food Allergies That Produce a Rash on the Face
The foods you think are healthy, may be the ones causing the rash on your face. The proteins in milk, soy, eggs, nuts, wheat or fish, the pollen in fruits and vegetables or the additives in many processed foods can cause an allergic reaction inside your body. This reaction may lead to an uncomfortable facial rash.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Eczema
Eczema is a rash that is commonly caused by a food allergy or sensitivity. Certain foods are more likely to trigger an eczematic reaction than others. Eczema manifests itself as a pimple-like bump that is white in the middle with red around. It is often bothersome, itchy and painful and commonly appears on the neck, face and head.
- Eczema is a rash that is commonly caused by a food allergy or sensitivity.
Fruits and Vegetables
Allergy & Itchy Hands and Feet
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Fresh fruits and vegetables may lead to a rash on your face, especially if you are susceptible to pollen allergies. Some fruits and vegetables have pollen-like substances inside of them. For example, melons contain substances close to ragweed; apples contain substances closely related to tree pollen, states the website MedLine Plus. If you have allergies to either melons or apples, they may manifest themselves as a rash on your face after ingestion.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables may lead to a rash on your face, especially if you are susceptible to pollen allergies.
- If you have allergies to either melons or apples, they may manifest themselves as a rash on your face after ingestion.
Food Additives
Certain food additives such as dyes, preservatives or thickening agents may induce an allergic reaction in some. Food additives are man-made substances that are added to foods that can enhance the flavor, look or shelf-life. These include:
- sulfites
- aspartame
- parabens
- tartrazine
- monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- nitrates
- butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
- benzoates
Precautions and Considerations
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If you have a severe food allergy, you may experience symptoms other than eczema or a rash that can be life threatening. These include difficulty breathing and swelling of the face. If either of these symptoms occur, seek out immediate medical help. Similarly, any negative reaction to a food, including eczema, may be indications that could develop into a dangerous situation. If you suspect a food allergy or sensitivity, contact your doctor for a treatment plan.
- If you have a severe food allergy, you may experience symptoms other than eczema or a rash that can be life threatening.
Related Articles
References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; Atopic Dermatitis; 2005
- Ask Dr. Sears.com; Eczema; Dr. Sears
- MedLine Plus; Food Allergy; Paula J. Busse, MD; 2010
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Food Additives
- ChooseMyPlate.gov: Balancing Calories
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Writer Bio
Laura Niedziocha began her writing career in 2007. She has contributed material to the Stoneking Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in Lambertville, N.J., and her work has appeared in various online publications. Niedziocha graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science. She also has her Associate of Arts in communications from the Community College of Philadelphia.