Egg Allergy Reaction Causes Skin Rashes, Hives, Stomach Pain Symptoms
Eggs are one of the most common food allergies, especially in young children. An egg allergic reaction of skin rash, hives and stomach pain usually occurs anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after eating them.
Symptoms vary, but likely will involve one or more of the following:
- hives
- eczema
- diarrhea
- sneezing
- skin rash
- coughing
- wheezing
- runny nose
- allergic asthma
- nausea/vomiting
- itchy, watery eyes
- difficulty breathing
- redness/swelling around mouth
- stomach pain/abdominal cramps
Albeit rarely, an egg allergy can cause anaphylaxis.
For mild allergic reactions to eggs, OTC antihistamines help relieve symptoms.
All food allergies are caused by an immune system malfunction. Egg yolks and egg whites contain proteins that your system has identified as foreign. Foreign invaders get the histamine attack, resulting in your symptoms known as an allergic reactions.
An allergic reaction to egg white proteins is more prevalent than the the ones in yolks.
Certain factors may put you at greater risk of developing an egg allergy:
Children who are allergic to eggs are more likely to develop some additional health problems, like:
- allergic asthma
- atopic dermatitis
- allergies to other foods ~ milk, soy, peanuts
- hay fever ~ pet dander, dust mites, grass pollen
Some studies suggest that you might be able to get around an egg allergy by not eating eggs until at least 2 years old.
For those with an egg allergy, your best treatment is to avoid eating and touching them. Be aware that many unsuspecting processed foods and non-food stuff products have eggs in them. Including some vaccines, but not the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
