Rash from strawberries

definition

A rash from strawberries usually occurs a short time after eating the fruit. It is a food allergy that causes itchy hives on the skin after eating strawberries. In addition, other typical allergy symptoms such as stomach pain or tingling and swelling in the mouth and throat area may occur.

You can find more information here: Food allergy

causes

A strawberry rash is due to a food allergy. Strawberries contain certain proteins (Allergens) which in some people (Allergy sufferers) cause a defensive reaction (allergic reaction). The release of certain messenger substances such as histamine leads to typical reactions such as an itchy rash in the form of volatile, red wheals. Usually the symptoms appear a few minutes after eating the fruit. There can also be a number of other, sometimes dangerous, symptoms that are typical of this type of allergy.

For more information, see: Allergy Rash

Strawberry allergy

The term strawberry allergy describes a food allergy to strawberries. It occurs more frequently in people who suffer from other allergic diseases (e.g. neurodermatitis, allergic asthma, hay fever, pollen allergy). It is a type I reaction, i.e. an allergic reaction of the immediate type. Accordingly, the symptoms usually appear just a few minutes after consuming strawberries. The strawberries contain certain proteins that trigger a defense reaction in allergy sufferers. So there is a hypersensitivity to a harmless and non-toxic food in certain people. As part of the allergic reaction, an itchy rash often occurs in the form of fleeting, wandering wheals (similar to the rash after touching a nettle). You may also experience a tingling sensation or a furry feeling in your lips, mouth, or throat. Abdominal pain and nausea are also conceivable. In rare cases, more threatening reactions such as shortness of breath or a drop in blood pressure can occur.

Diagnosis of a strawberry allergy

A food diary can first be kept to prove a strawberry allergy. Typical reactions after eating the fruit are already a strong indication of an allergy. In addition, protein components of the strawberries can be injected under the skin (Intracutaneous test) and a hypersensitivity can be detected on the basis of a developing wheal. Special antibodies against the components of strawberries can also be detected in a blood sample. However, the provocation test is the gold standard for detecting a food allergy. The strawberries are put into the mouth (under supervision) and attention is paid to any allergic symptoms (tingling, rash, swelling in the mouth). As an increase, the strawberries can be consumed under medical supervision and the symptoms observed.

You can find more information here: Allergy Diagnostics, Food Allergy Testing

Accompanying symptoms of a strawberry allergy

In addition to a rash, an allergy to strawberries can cause a number of other symptoms. It often starts to tingle in the mouth and throat a short time after consumption, and small blisters can also form here. It can also lead to nausea and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, there may be swelling around the mouth and shortness of breath. As with any allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock can occur in extreme cases. The blood pressure drops and, in the worst case, cardiac arrest occurs. It is also not uncommon for cross-allergies to other foods and pollen or grass to be observed, i.e. these substances cause reactions similar to those of eating strawberries.

Therapy of rash from strawberries

As with any allergy, the treatment of a strawberry allergy mainly consists of avoiding the triggering cause, i.e. completely avoiding strawberries (so-called parental leave). As a rule, by avoiding strawberries, there is complete freedom from symptoms. If strawberries are accidentally eaten, the symptoms can be alleviated by a range of medications. The patient can be given a set consisting of a cortisone preparation and an antihistamine for their own use in an emergency. In the event of an anaphylactic shock, the patient should also be provided with an adrenaline auto-injector (adrenaline pen). Performing an immunotherapy, such as that used for pollen allergies, is basically also possible with a food allergy such as a strawberry allergy. However, so far there is no clear evidence of sufficient effectiveness in the case of food allergies, so that renouncing the allergen (strawberry) is still the focus of therapy.

You can find more information here: Food Allergy Therapy, Allergy Therapy, Rash - What to Do ?, Allergy - Emergency Kit

Duration of a rash from strawberries

If a food allergy such as the allergy to strawberries already occurs in infancy, in many cases it disappears again in childhood. If, on the other hand, an allergy to strawberries does not occur until later in childhood or in adulthood, the chances of a cure are slim. In these cases, a lifelong waiver of strawberries is usually necessary in order to guarantee freedom from symptoms.

If a rash occurs after eating strawberries, it usually only lasts for a few hours. If the rash persists significantly longer, a doctor should be consulted for clarification.

Rash from strawberries in the baby

Food allergies are not uncommon in babies and young children. They can occur a short time after introducing the formula. Strawberries can be found in pureed form in various fruit pulps in baby food. If babies develop an allergy, symptoms are similar to those in adults. It also leads to an itchy rash and abdominal pain, and the tongue can swell and the mouth area itch uncomfortably. Food allergies in babies can be dangerous because babies are unable to express threatening symptoms such as dizziness, a drop in blood pressure or shortness of breath. If you suspect a strawberry allergy, you should never continue to feed strawberries and the symptoms should be clarified by a doctor. The good news, however, is that food allergies that first appear in very young children usually go away spontaneously by the time they start school.

You may also be interested in: Allergy in children, rash in babies