What to do about food-induced skin allergies

When food-related skin allergy symptoms first appear, stop the suspicious food you are eating as soon as possible. If you have large wheals, swollen skin, tight throat, or difficulty breathing, don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room. Severe allergic reactions progress quickly and there is a real risk of suffocation, so don’t be careless.

Last week, a nurse in my department ate two jackfruits brought by a colleague during her lunch break. Within 20 minutes, the corners of her mouth turned red and her eyelids became swollen. She originally thought that she would be young and just apply aloe vera gel, but she felt chest tightness within half an hour. Fortunately, there was an emergency room downstairs, so she was pushed to the hospital and got an injection.

If there is just a local rash or itching, but no other discomfort, most people will first observe it at home, take commonly used antihistamines, and apply a cool wet towel to the red and itchy area, which can alleviate many urges to scratch. As for whether to use topical ointments, there are different opinions in the industry. Some doctors believe that as long as there is no facial allergy, using weak hormone ointments for a short period of time will have quick results and will not cause dependence. Others believe that if you have sensitive skin and apply ointments indiscriminately without knowing the cause, it may irritate the skin barrier and aggravate redness and itchiness, especially for allergies in the triangular area of ​​the face. It is better to consult a doctor before using medication.

When the symptoms of this allergy completely subside, don’t take it seriously. It’s best to take the time to find out what you ate before the onset of the disease, especially things you don’t usually eat. You will most likely be able to find the culprit of the allergy. Many people think that only common allergens such as seafood, mango, and peanuts can cause trouble. I once met a young man who had red rashes all over his arms after eating two bites of her mother's shepherd's purse salad. There are also people who are allergic to peach hairs, wheat, and even avocados. Everyone's allergens are all kinds of strange. Don't let your guard down just because you haven't been allergic to these before. Fluctuating immunity and even different cooking methods may induce allergic reactions that you didn't have before.

Don’t believe in the folk remedies on the Internet that “allergy can be tolerated by eating a few times”. A while ago, a mother heard this statement and fed her 3-year-old child who was allergic to eggs half a spoonful of eggs every day to “train tolerance”. After a week of feeding, the child was admitted to the ICU with edema all over the body. She really couldn’t make the mistake of trying it on her own body. If you frequently have unexplained food-related allergies, it is best to go to the hospital for a formal allergen test to identify the foods to avoid. When dining out or buying prepackaged foods, read the ingredient list. If allergic reactions are frequent, you can also undergo standardized desensitization treatment under the guidance of a doctor. You should always carry emergency medicine in your pocket, which can be used in emergencies.