The condition known as hives, or urticaria, is a type of rash that causes your skin to break out into itchy red bumps and welts. About 20% of people develop hives at least once in their life. In addition to red bumps, your hives may create a condition called angioedema, which makes your skin swollen and puffy.
A severe case of hives can lead to a life-threatening anaphylaxis. Call 911 if you or someone you know has hives and has trouble breathing, experiences swelling in the tongue or lips, or feels dizzy or faint.
Catherine Fuller, MD — an allergy expert in West Los Angeles, California — helps you find the triggers for your hives so you can avoid outbreaks. Several things can cause hives, including certain foods. To manage your hives, you may need to give up some of your favorite foods.
What are the foods that commonly trigger hives? Here’s a brief summary.
When your immune system is healthy, you should be able to eat any food you desire. However, if you have allergies, your immune system overreacts. Instead of directing its defenses against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, it also attacks usually benign proteins.
The proteins found in a variety of foods, therefore, can trigger an allergic reaction and cause a hives outbreak. When you eat a food that you're allergic to, your body produces antibodies to the allergen. The antibodies are called IgE antibodies.
The next time you eat that food, the allergen binds to the antibodies, which tells your body to release histamine and other chemicals. Histamine is the chemical that causes your skin to turn red, swell, and itch.
If your child had eczema as an infant or young child, they’re more prone to food allergies that could cause hives. The most common hive-inducing food allergies in kids include:
However, if your child isn’t already allergic to the listed foods, there’s no reason to avoid them. In fact, feeding your infants and young children common allergen-containing foods, such as peanuts, may actually help them develop a protective tolerance to that allergen.
Many of the foods that trigger hives in children also do so in adults. However, adults may develop further allergies. Some common foods that trigger hives in adults include:
You may also find that you have an allergic response to chocolate. This could be a reaction to the protein in cocoa or to other ingredients in the chocolate, such as soy lecithin or dairy.
If you’re currently dealing with an outbreak of hives, Dr. Fuller may prescribe antihistamines to subdue the swelling and itching so you can be comfortable again. She also works with you to identify your personal triggers, whether they be foods or other substances.
For chronic hives with no identifiable triggers, she may recommend a biologic therapy called omalizumab, which you may have seen under the brand name Xolair. If a food diary or allergy testing reveals specific triggers, she may advise immunotherapy to prevent future flare-ups.
Are your favorite meals ending with uncomfortable hives? To get help, contact Catherine Fuller, MD, by phone or online today for hives treatment and prevention.
