Common reactions include:

Hives Itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) Swollen lips Abdominal pain

Being aware of food allergy symptoms can help you spot reactions. This article will teach you the common reactions and what they look like.

They can result from any food allergy. But hives are especially likely in people allergic to:

PeanutsEggsNutsShellfish

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.

Swelling around your lips, face, or eyesDifficulty breathing

These are symptoms of a life-threatening anaphylaxis reaction.

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:

DairyNutsWheatSoyEggs

Food allergies aren’t the only possible cause—eczema can also be exacerbated by environmental irritants such as pollens or animal dander.

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.

Eczema is an itchy, scaly rash that’s flaky. It’s especially common in young children.

AC is more common in pollen allergies (hay fever) than with food. Still, food allergies can trigger it in some people.

This swelling can be a sign of anaphylaxis. Watch for other symptoms, as well.

Food allergies linked with this symptom include:

FishShellfishNutsMilkEggs

Angioedema (swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue) can be a sign of anaphylaxis. Watch symptoms carefully.

It’s easy to confuse these symptoms with those of food intolerance. A true food allergy usually involves skin and respiratory symptoms as well. So watch for abdominal pain plus other signs of food allergy.

Get emergency medical help if:

Symptoms come on suddenlyYou have several of themYou have breathing problems

A Word From Verywell

Rashes and stomachaches can be caused by many conditions. 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.

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