Photos of Common Food Allergy Symptoms

Food allergy symptoms can range from a rash, sneezing, congestion, or nausea to severe abdominal pain or life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Common reactions include:

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

8 Most Common Food Allergies

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Wheat
  • Soy

These "big eight" allergens account for about 90% of food allergy reactions in the US. Sesame is now listed as the ninth most common allergen.

Hives (Urticaria)

rash on arm

Dr P. Marazzi / Science Photo Library / Getty Images 

Hives (urticaria) are a common symptom of food allergies. They can appear anywhere on the body.

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

  • Peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Nuts
  • Shellfish

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.

Anaphylaxis Symptoms and What to Do

Symptoms of anaphylaxis reaction are life-threatening. Get medical help immediately if you or someone you know get hives along with:

  • Swelling around your lips, face, or eyes
  • Difficulty breathing, including wheezing or fast, shallow breathing
  • A fast heart rate
  • Clammy skin
  • Anxiety or confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Blue or white lips
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness


If someone has these symptoms do the following:

  1. Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the pen to use it.
  2. Call 911 or the nearest emergency department.
  3. Lay the person down if they are standing. If they have vomited, turn them on their side.
  4. Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

If the symptoms do not improve in five to 15 minutes, or symptoms come back, use a second pen if available.

Eczema

eczema skin rash

Mion / Phanie / Getty Images 

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an itchy, scaly rash. The inflamed skin can turn into dry patches that flake off.

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:

  • Dairy
  • Nuts
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Eggs

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.

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance

Food allergy is an immune reaction where the immune system overreacts to the allergen that it recognizes as an invader. Your immune system overproduces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. 

Food intolerance is a response that takes place in the digestive system where you are unable to properly break down the food. This could be due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to food additives, or reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods.

Itchy Red Eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye or Conjunctivitis
dtimiraos / Getty Images

Allergies can cause itchy, watery, and swollen eyes. This is called allergic conjunctivitis (AC).

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

Anaphylaxis Warning

An anaphylactic reaction can include eye symptoms. If you have itchy, swollen eyes plus other symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as trouble breathing, get emergency medical help.

Swelling of the Lips, Mouth, or Tongue (Angioedema)

woman with a swollen lip having an allergic reaction
susandaniels / Getty Images

Angioedema is swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue. It's similar to hives but occurs under the skin.

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

Food allergies linked with this symptom include:

  • Shellfish
  • Nuts
  • Milk
  • Eggs

Abdominal Pain

a man holding his abdomen in pain
Jan-Otto / Getty Images

Abdominal pain can occur from a food allergy. Watch for pain, vomiting, and diarrhea within two hours of eating. It often hits within minutes of ingesting a problem food.

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.

How to Treat Food Allergy Symptoms

There are several options for treating food allergy symptoms.

Over-the-Counter Medications

To relieve symptoms, these over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help:

  • Cortisone cream to relieve itching
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain and/or swelling

Other Home Remedies

These home remedies may speed up recovery and ease some of the discomfort:

  • Use unscented soap or soap for sensitive skin.
  • Wash in warm (not hot) water.
  • Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes.
  • Ask a healthcare provider about using moisturizers and emollients.
  • Do not rub or scratch the affected area.

Talk to a Healthcare Provider

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.

How Long Does a Food Allergy Rash Last?

A food allergy rash may appear in minutes or after several hours as the immune system reacts to the specific allergen. With the use of topical cortisone cream and antihistamines, the rash usually resolves within a couple of days as the immune system calms down.

Summary

Hives, eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, angioedema, and abdominal pain all are possible food-allergy symptoms.

Some people experience food allergy symptoms when their immune system produces IgE antibodies as a reaction to an allergen. Treatment may include cortisone cream, antihistamines, OTC pain relievers, and home remedies. Mild rash symptoms usually last one to two days.

Get emergency medical help if your symptoms come on suddenly or you have a combination of symptoms such as:

  • Hives
  • Swelling around your lips, face, or eyes
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A fast heart rate
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness

Food Allergies Doctor Discussion Guide

Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions.

Doctor Discussion Guide Man
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Food allergy.

  2. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Hives (urticaria).

  3. Medline Plus. Anaphylaxis.

  4. National Health Service UK. Anaphylaxis.

  5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview.

  6. KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation. Eczema (atopic dermatitis).

  7. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Food intolerance versus food allergy.

  8. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Food intolerance versus food allergy.

  9. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Eye allergies.

  10. National Health Service UK. Angioedema.

Jeanette Bradley

By Jeanette Bradley
Jeanette Bradley is a noted food allergy advocate and author of the cookbook, "Food Allergy Kitchen Wizardry: 125 Recipes for People with Allergies"