Food allergies are associated with a wide range of symptoms, which can affect the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts as well as the skin. How does a food allergy manifest itself on the skin? Explore this question by continuing to read.
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Food Allergy: What are the symptoms on the skin?
Summary
Published November 13, 2024,
updated on November 13, 2024,
by
Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication
—
5 min read
≈ 6 %
Young children in North America are affected by a food allergy.
≈ 4 %
adults in North America are affected by a food allergy.
How does a food allergy manifest itself on the skin?
Although it is challenging to assess the prevalence of food allergies, it appears that they are increasing year on year. To clarify, a food allergy is defined as a immune response to a food protein. It should not be confused with immune-mediated reactions, such as lactose or gluten intolerances. While food allergies can occur with any food, it is noteworthy that the allergens responsible for over 85% of food allergies are milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, sesame, and soy.
There are two main categories of food allergies: those mediated by immunoglobulin E antibodies and those that are not. The former are the most common and are characterised by the rapid onset of symptoms after ingestion. During the initial sensitisation to a food, the consumption of the allergenic food protein stimulates the production of IgE antibodies specific to that food, which then attach themselves to basophils and mast cells in the tissues. When the offending food is subsequently consumed, it binds to its specific IgE antibodies and triggers the release of inflammatory mediators, such as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, thereby causing allergic symptoms.
Cell-mediated food allergy, that is, non-IgE, is less common and results from the generation of T lymphocytes, specialised immune cells that respond directly to the allergenic food protein. In doing so, the T lymphocytes trigger the release of mediators that direct inflammatory responses, such as eosinophilic inflammation.
Skin reactions are the most common clinical manifestations of food allergies and include the urticaria, oedema and erythema.
| Symptom | Details |
|---|---|
| Hives | Urticaria is characterised by the sudden appearance of red, raised, and itchy papules, often of varying sizes and shapes, which can merge together. The duration of an allergic urticaria is typically short and less than 24 hours. |
| Oedema | Swelling of the skin and mucous membranes, often localised to the face and neck, can also indicate a food allergy. When the mucous membranes of the larynx, pharynx and the glottis are affected, this constitutes a major respiratory discomfort. This type of food allergy represents an absolute medical emergency, due to the accompanying risk of choking. |
| Erythema | A simple erythema, that is to say, a widespread redness caused by the dilation of blood vessels under the influence of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, may indicate a food allergy. In this case, a sensation of warmth may also be experienced. |
Principales manifestations cutanées d'une allergie alimentaire
Food allergy is one of the main causes of anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction. Each year, approximately 200 deaths are attributed to food allergies in the United States. To prevent the risks of anaphylaxis, a swift medical intervention is essential in the event of a food allergy.
Sources
WERFEL T. Skin manifestations in food allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2004).
PUCCI S. & al. Allergy and the skin. Clinical and Experimental Immunology (2008).
WATSON W. & al. Food allergy. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology (2011).
SIMON D. & al. Update on skin allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2014).
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