Food allergysymptoms can range from a rash, sneezing, congestion, or nausea to severe abdominal pain or life-threateninganaphylaxis.Common reactions include:HivesItchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)Swollen lipsAbdominal painBeing aware of food allergy symptoms can help you spot reactions. This article will cover the common reactions and what they look like.8 Most Common Food AllergiesEggsMilkPeanutsTree nutsFishShellfishWheatSoyThese “big eight” allergens account for about 90% of food allergy reactions in the US. Sesame is now listed as the ninth most common allergen.
Food allergysymptoms can range from a rash, sneezing, congestion, or nausea to severe abdominal pain or life-threateninganaphylaxis.
Common reactions include:
Being aware of food allergy symptoms can help you spot reactions. This article will cover the common reactions and what they look like.
8 Most Common Food AllergiesEggsMilkPeanutsTree nutsFishShellfishWheatSoyThese “big eight” allergens account for about 90% of food allergy reactions in the US. Sesame is now listed as the ninth most common allergen.
8 Most Common Food Allergies
EggsMilkPeanutsTree nutsFishShellfishWheatSoyThese “big eight” allergens account for about 90% of food allergy reactions in the US. Sesame is now listed as the ninth most common allergen.
These “big eight” allergens account for about 90% of food allergy reactions in the US. Sesame is now listed as the ninth most common allergen.
Hives (Urticaria)Dr P. Marazzi / Science Photo Library / Getty ImagesHives (urticaria) are a common symptom of food allergies. They can appear anywhere on the body.They can result from any food allergy. But hives are especially likely in people allergic to:PeanutsEggsNutsShellfishWhen you get hives, you may first notice an itchy patch. Then bumps form and can look like a rash.These bumps are called wheals. They have well-defined edges. They may be flesh-colored or red.Wheals can appear, change shape, and disappear very quickly. Also, while most itch, they don’t always.To see if a red patch is urticaria, press the center of a wheal. If it’s a hive, it’ll turn white (called “blanching”).Hives aren’t life-threatening. But they are annoying and uncomfortable.Anaphylaxis Symptoms and What to DoSymptoms of anaphylaxis reaction are life-threatening. Get medical help immediately if you or someone you know get hives along with:Swelling around your lips, face, or eyesDifficulty breathing, including wheezing or fast, shallow breathingA fast heart rateClammy skinAnxiety or confusionDizzinessVomitingBlue or white lipsFainting or loss of consciousnessIf someone has these symptoms do the following:Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the pen to use it.Call 911 or the nearest emergency department.Lay the person down if they are standing. If they have vomited, turn them on their side.Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.If the symptoms do not improve in five to 15 minutes, or symptoms come back, use a second pen if available.Symptoms of Hives
Hives (Urticaria)
Dr P. Marazzi / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
Hives (urticaria) are a common symptom of food allergies. They can appear anywhere on the body.
They can result from any food allergy. But hives are especially likely in people allergic to:
When you get hives, you may first notice an itchy patch. Then bumps form and can look like a rash.
These bumps are called wheals. They have well-defined edges. They may be flesh-colored or red.Wheals can appear, change shape, and disappear very quickly. Also, while most itch, they don’t always.
To see if a red patch is urticaria, press the center of a wheal. If it’s a hive, it’ll turn white (called “blanching”).
Hives aren’t life-threatening. But they are annoying and uncomfortable.
Anaphylaxis Symptoms and What to DoSymptoms of anaphylaxis reaction are life-threatening. Get medical help immediately if you or someone you know get hives along with:Swelling around your lips, face, or eyesDifficulty breathing, including wheezing or fast, shallow breathingA fast heart rateClammy skinAnxiety or confusionDizzinessVomitingBlue or white lipsFainting or loss of consciousnessIf someone has these symptoms do the following:Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the pen to use it.Call 911 or the nearest emergency department.Lay the person down if they are standing. If they have vomited, turn them on their side.Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.If the symptoms do not improve in five to 15 minutes, or symptoms come back, use a second pen if available.
Anaphylaxis Symptoms and What to Do
Symptoms of anaphylaxis reaction are life-threatening. Get medical help immediately if you or someone you know get hives along with:Swelling around your lips, face, or eyesDifficulty breathing, including wheezing or fast, shallow breathingA fast heart rateClammy skinAnxiety or confusionDizzinessVomitingBlue or white lipsFainting or loss of consciousnessIf someone has these symptoms do the following:Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the pen to use it.Call 911 or the nearest emergency department.Lay the person down if they are standing. If they have vomited, turn them on their side.Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.If the symptoms do not improve in five to 15 minutes, or symptoms come back, use a second pen if available.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis reaction are life-threatening. Get medical help immediately if you or someone you know get hives along with:
If someone has these symptoms do the following:
If the symptoms do not improve in five to 15 minutes, or symptoms come back, use a second pen if available.
Symptoms of Hives
Eczema
Mion / Phanie / Getty Images
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an itchy, scaly rash. The inflamed skin can turn into dry patches that flake off.
Food allergies don’t cause eczema, but eating certain foods that you’re allergic to can trigger or exacerbate eczema. Eating or just touching a problem food can cause a reaction.
Common triggers include:
It’s most common in babies and often improves as they get older. However, children and even adults may continue to struggle with eczema. In babies, eczema often develops on the face, cheeks, or around the mouth.
Scratching can lead to infection, and healthcare providers recommend swaddling babies or placing mitts on their hands to keep them from scratching.
Food Allergy vs. Food IntoleranceFood allergyis an immune reaction where the immune system overreacts to the allergen that it recognizes as an invader. Your immune system overproduces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.Food intoleranceis a response that takes place in the digestive system where you are unable to properly break down the food. This could be due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to food additives, or reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods.
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
Food allergyis an immune reaction where the immune system overreacts to the allergen that it recognizes as an invader. Your immune system overproduces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.Food intoleranceis a response that takes place in the digestive system where you are unable to properly break down the food. This could be due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to food additives, or reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods.
Food allergyis an immune reaction where the immune system overreacts to the allergen that it recognizes as an invader. Your immune system overproduces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.
Food intoleranceis a response that takes place in the digestive system where you are unable to properly break down the food. This could be due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to food additives, or reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods.
How Eczema and Food Allergies Are Linked
Itchy Red Eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis)dtimiraos / Getty ImagesAllergies can cause itchy, watery, and swollen eyes. This is called allergic conjunctivitis (AC).AC is more common with pollen allergies (hay fever) than with food. Still, food allergies can trigger it in some people.Anaphylaxis WarningAn anaphylactic reaction can include eye symptoms. If you have itchy, swollen eyes plus other symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as trouble breathing, get emergency medical help.
Itchy Red Eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis)
dtimiraos / Getty Images
Allergies can cause itchy, watery, and swollen eyes. This is called allergic conjunctivitis (AC).
AC is more common with pollen allergies (hay fever) than with food. Still, food allergies can trigger it in some people.
Anaphylaxis WarningAn anaphylactic reaction can include eye symptoms. If you have itchy, swollen eyes plus other symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as trouble breathing, get emergency medical help.
Anaphylaxis Warning
An anaphylactic reaction can include eye symptoms. If you have itchy, swollen eyes plus other symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as trouble breathing, get emergency medical help.
Swelling of the Lips, Mouth, or Tongue (Angioedema)susandaniels / Getty ImagesAngioedemais swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue. It’s similar to hives but occurs under the skin.This swelling can be a sign of anaphylaxis. Watch for other symptoms, as well.Food allergies linked with this symptom include:ShellfishNutsMilkEggsSymptoms of Angioedema
Swelling of the Lips, Mouth, or Tongue (Angioedema)
susandaniels / Getty Images
Angioedemais swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue. It’s similar to hives but occurs under the skin.
This swelling can be a sign of anaphylaxis. Watch for other symptoms, as well.
Food allergies linked with this symptom include:
Symptoms of Angioedema
Abdominal PainJan-Otto / Getty ImagesAbdominal pain can occur from a food allergy. Watch for pain, vomiting, and diarrhea within two hours of eating. It often hits within minutes of ingesting a problem food.It’s easy to confuse these symptoms with those offood intolerance. A true food allergy usually involves skin and respiratory symptoms as well.So watch for abdominal pain plus other signs of food allergy.6 Ways to Soothe Stomachaches From Food Allergies
Abdominal Pain
Jan-Otto / Getty Images
Abdominal pain can occur from a food allergy. Watch for pain, vomiting, and diarrhea within two hours of eating. It often hits within minutes of ingesting a problem food.
It’s easy to confuse these symptoms with those offood intolerance. A true food allergy usually involves skin and respiratory symptoms as well.So watch for abdominal pain plus other signs of food allergy.
6 Ways to Soothe Stomachaches From Food Allergies
How to Treat Food Allergy SymptomsThere are several options for treating food allergy symptoms.Over-the-Counter MedicationsTo relieve symptoms, these over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help:Cortisone cream to relieve itchingAcetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain and/or swellingOther Home RemediesThese home remedies may speed up recovery and ease some of the discomfort:Use unscented soap or soap for sensitive skin.Wash in warm (not hot) water.Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes.Ask a healthcare provider about using moisturizers and emollients.Do not rub or scratch the affected area.Talk to a Healthcare ProviderIf you think you might have a food allergy, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you find out the cause of your symptoms and determine whether you are at risk of anaphylaxis.How Long Does a Food Allergy Rash Last?A food allergy rash may appear in minutes or after several hours as the immune system reacts to the specific allergen. With the use of topical cortisone cream and antihistamines, the rash usually resolves within a couple of days as the immune system calms down.SummaryHives, eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, angioedema, and abdominal pain all are possible food-allergy symptoms.Some people experience food allergy symptoms when their immune system produces IgE antibodies as a reaction to an allergen. Treatment may include cortisone cream, antihistamines, OTC pain relievers, and home remedies. Mild rash symptoms usually last one to two days.Get emergency medical help if your symptoms come on suddenly or you have a combination of symptoms such as:HivesSwelling around your lips, face, or eyesVomitingDifficulty breathingA fast heart rateFainting or loss of consciousnessFood Allergies Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
How to Treat Food Allergy Symptoms
There are several options for treating food allergy symptoms.
Over-the-Counter Medications
To relieve symptoms, these over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help:
Other Home Remedies
These home remedies may speed up recovery and ease some of the discomfort:
Talk to a Healthcare Provider
If you think you might have a food allergy, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you find out the cause of your symptoms and determine whether you are at risk of anaphylaxis.
How Long Does a Food Allergy Rash Last?
A food allergy rash may appear in minutes or after several hours as the immune system reacts to the specific allergen. With the use of topical cortisone cream and antihistamines, the rash usually resolves within a couple of days as the immune system calms down.
Summary
Hives, eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, angioedema, and abdominal pain all are possible food-allergy symptoms.
Some people experience food allergy symptoms when their immune system produces IgE antibodies as a reaction to an allergen. Treatment may include cortisone cream, antihistamines, OTC pain relievers, and home remedies. Mild rash symptoms usually last one to two days.
Get emergency medical help if your symptoms come on suddenly or you have a combination of symptoms such as:
Food Allergies Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Download PDF
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10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food allergy.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hives (urticaria).Medline Plus.Anaphylaxis.National Health Service UK.Anaphylaxis.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview.KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation.Eczema (atopic dermatitis).American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eye allergies.National Health Service UK.Angioedema.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food allergy.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hives (urticaria).Medline Plus.Anaphylaxis.National Health Service UK.Anaphylaxis.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview.KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation.Eczema (atopic dermatitis).American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eye allergies.National Health Service UK.Angioedema.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food allergy.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hives (urticaria).Medline Plus.Anaphylaxis.National Health Service UK.Anaphylaxis.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview.KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation.Eczema (atopic dermatitis).American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eye allergies.National Health Service UK.Angioedema.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food allergy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hives (urticaria).
Medline Plus.Anaphylaxis.
National Health Service UK.Anaphylaxis.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview.
KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation.Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Eye allergies.
National Health Service UK.Angioedema.
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