Is a Red Rash on the Cheeks a Sign of a Food Allergy?

A red rash on the cheeks is a sign of an allergic reaction. Most food allergies will affect the skin and commonly develop a rash on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. If you suspect that you have a food allergy, talk with your doctor about allergy testing 1. If you don’t know which foods are triggering the reaction, you may eat the allergen without knowing it. Some food allergies can cause life-threatening conditions.

Food Allergy

A food allergy occurs more in children than adults but can affect you at any age 1. After eating a food that you’re allergic to, your body will react as if it were under attack. The body creates various chemicals to ward off the suspected intruding substance. The chemicals that are produced cause inflammation in soft tissue, such as in the intestines, the respiratory system and the skin. Most symptoms develop within a few minutes after eating the allergic food.

Rashes

Rashes are common with food allergies. The two most common rashes that can develop on your cheeks are hives and eczema. Hives can develop on anyone’s face, while eczema is a pre-existing skin condition. If hives develop on your cheeks they will slowly migrate to other parts of your face and body. Hives appear as welts and are very itchy and red. They are typically harmless, unless they form in your inner ear or throat. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can be triggered by a food allergy 1. Eczema on your cheeks will develop as blisters that weep and crust over. They are itchy and will spread when scratched.

Other Symptoms

Food allergies will not just cause a rash on your cheeks, but will cause various symptoms to develop. Not everyone develops the same symptoms or to the same severity. The most common symptoms from a food allergy include:

• shortness of breath
  
• wheezing
  
• chest pain
  
• coughing
  
• diarrhea
  
• nausea
  
• vomiting
  
• abdominal pain
  
• cramping
  
• nasal congestion
  
• sneezing
  
• a runny nose 1

Anaphylaxis

In rare cases, a food allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction 1. Hives on the face are a common sign of anaphylaxis if hives is accompanied with facial swelling and an increased heart rate. If you notice these symptoms forming, call 911 for emergency attention.