An immunoglobulin (IgE)-mediated wheat allergy rash can appear as raised and bumpy hives. Hives can develop anywhere on the body.
A wheat allergy can result in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated and non-IgE-mediated reactions. An IgE-mediated wheat allergy rash occurs when the immune system reacts to some of the proteins in wheat, including gluten.
The reaction can cause a rash and other symptoms, such as itchy eyes and nose, tight throat, and shortness of breath.
Read on to learn more about what a wheat allergy rash looks like, what can trigger the rash, treatment options, and more.
View the slideshow below for photos of a wheat allergy rash.
If a person has an allergy to wheat or other foods, one of the most common symptoms is hives, or urticaria. Hives refers to raised and itchy bumps.
Hives can appear anywhere on the body, and itching can range from mild to severe.
Hives can change shape, move around the skin, or disappear then reappear over short periods.
Other symptoms can develop alongside the rash, including:
- itching
- tingling or itchy mouth with a runny nose
- swollen face and lips
- abdominal pain
Occasionally, a person may experience anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. A person should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- swollen tongue or throat
- shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- a hoarse or husky voice
- severe abdominal pain and excessive vomiting
On very rare occasions, a person may go into full anaphylactic shock. This reaction occurs when a person’s blood pressure drops sharply, and they become pale, limp, and floppy. A person may lose consciousness and stop breathing.
These symptoms can progress extremely quickly, so a person must seek medical attention, such as by dialing 911 or another local emergency number, at the very first sign of any symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:
- hives
- swelling of the face or mouth
- wheezing
- 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:
- Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
- Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
- Assist the person in moving from a sitting position to lying down. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
- Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5 to 15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.
A person typically experiences wheat allergy rash symptoms if they consume wheat or a wheat product. Although rare, people may experience symptoms if they touch or inhale wheat or wheat particles.
Symptoms can appear immediately after consuming wheat, but it can take up to 2 hours.
Wheat is one of the
A person should avoid foods containing the wheat protein they are allergic to. If a person is unsure which protein they are allergic to, they should avoid all wheat and wheat products until they have an accurate diagnosis.
Some of the food types that can trigger a wheat allergy rash include:
- bread
- bulgar wheat
- couscous
- durum wheat
- freekeh
- hydrolyzed wheat protein
- malt
- modified wheat starch
- pasta
- processed foods
- semolina
- wheat bran
- wheat flour
- wheat germ
- whole wheat
- beer
- cereal
- baked goods
- processed meats
A person is most likely to develop a wheat allergy during childhood. Approximately 65% of children with a wheat allergy have outgrown it by the time they reach the age of 12.
A history of eczema is the most important risk factor for developing a food allergy, though children without eczema may also develop food allergies. Having multiple allergic family members may also increase the risk of developing a food allergy.
If a person experiences hives or a rash that may be due to a wheat allergy, an allergist may ask the individual to keep a food diary. This strategy will help them eliminate food groups to which a person may be allergic.
An allergist may want to conduct various tests to determine the cause of hives. Some of these may include:
- skin test
- challenge test
- blood test
An allergist will most often be able to distinguish IgE-mediated wheat allergy from other wheat-related disorders, such as celiac disease, nonceliac gluten sensitivity, and FODMAP-type gluten intolerance.
A person must receive an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional to help correctly manage their wheat allergy symptoms.
The most common medications available for hives are antihistamines. A person can also use a cold compress or anti-itch balm to help relieve symptoms.
If symptoms are severe, an allergist may recommend a corticosteroid medication such as prednisone to help ease them.
An allergist may also prescribe an epinephrine injection, such as an EpiPen, for any suspected IgE-mediated food allergy, even if hive reactions in the past have not been associated with lip, tongue, or facial swelling.
People carry this injection everywhere in case of rapidly progressing or serious allergic reactions.
If a person is allergic to wheat and consumes food containing wheat protein, they may experience symptoms of hives. Hives usually presents as a raised itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body.
People can avoid a wheat allergy rash by following a wheat-free diet. They can also take antihistamines or steroids to manage symptoms. An allergist can advise on suitable treatments.
A person should seek a proper diagnosis to manage their symptoms correctly. Seek immediate medical help if a person experiences severe symptoms or anaphylaxis.