Rashes | Symptoms | Lifelab Testing | Caused by allergies

Rashes

Food allergies and your skin

Rashes

Rashes can occur in allergic reactions due to the presence of mast cells within the skin. During a reaction these cells release histamine which produces symptoms. An allergy rash is generally red, elevated bumps. These bumps are also known as wheals, they may also be itchy.

The type of rash experienced, location of the rash and the severity is highly individual. Rash symptoms may appear in isolation or in conjunction with other allergy symptoms. Allergic rashes can occur in response to a food item, plants and medications.

Rashes can occur for reasons other than allergies and it is important to understand the cause of a rash. Other common rashes include those from infections such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. If you are unsure about the cause of a rash please see your GP or visit the pharmacy.

Hives

Also known as urticaria, hives usually start as a patch of itchy skin that develops into swollen red or skin-coloured bumps. Hives usually blanch, meaning they turn white, when the centre is pressed. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and they can move around the body. The level of itchiness can range from mild to severe and sometimes they may also burn or sting. They may disappear after a short period of time or remain on the skin for weeks to months.

Hives can be triggered by a food item, and some plants such as poison oak or poison ivy, insect bits, heat, cold, sun exposure, latex, viral or bacterial infections, pollen, pet hair and medications.

Similar to rashes, hives can occur for reasons other than allergies and it is important to understand the cause of hives, particularly if they are chronic. If you are unsure about the cause of hives please see your GP or visit the pharmacy.

Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a non-contagious chronic inflammatory skin condition. It is often hereditary and very common in children. Some infants will outgrow eczema, however, this is not the case for everyone. The condition results in very dry and sensitive skin, which can become inflamed with red itchy patches. The location of the patches can often be in the folds of joints however this may change over time. Irritation and itchiness from eczema can be severe and lead to scratching, breaking of the skin and in some cases, an infection.

Eczema can be exacerbated by exposure to allergens such as food items, pet hair, mould and dust. Certain products on the skin can also aggravate eczema such as shower gels, shampoos, lotions, perfumes and household cleaning products.

Nutritionist Testing Recommendation

When experiencing rashes, hives or eczema, our recommendation would be to take our most extensive allergy test, Complete Body Test. The Complete Body Test will test the most common allergenic foods as well as pet hair, mould, dust and pollens.

If you are still unsure of which test is most suitable please do contact our nutrition team who will be happy to advise you further.

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