Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights

Suspected food allergy?

Hello Dr.
Hong, over the past two nights, I have suddenly developed what appears to be hives, primarily on my right hand.
My mother and sister are allergic to shrimp and crab, and on the night of September 22, I ate scallops and started experiencing some itching in the middle of the night.
Then, on the night of September 23, after eating crab rolls and taking a shower, I broke out in hives.
Therefore, I suspect it might be a food allergy.
However, I have never had allergic reactions before, and I consumed seafood on the 10th and 12th of this month without any issues.
Additionally, the onset of the hives coincided with the first and second days of my menstrual period.
I have three questions for you: 1.
The hives on my body appear for a very short duration, about 1-2 hours, and then fade away.
Could this indicate a food sensitivity? 2.
Can food allergies develop suddenly, even for foods that were previously tolerated? 3.
Is it possible that the appearance of hives is related to my menstrual period, considering I have not experienced this before? Thank you for your time and for clarifying my concerns.

Kk, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/24

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello,
1.
Based on your description, it does seem like an allergic reaction.
Since each individual's constitution is different, the symptoms may resolve quickly or persist for several days.

2.
Even with the same food, such as shrimp or crab, the allergens can vary due to differences in the environment and handling methods.
Therefore, it is possible for a food that was previously not allergenic to cause an allergic reaction.

3.
During menstruation, hormonal changes can indeed be related to the occurrence of urticaria (hives).
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2021/09/24

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding sudden food allergies and hives. It’s understandable to be concerned, especially when experiencing new symptoms like hives, particularly in relation to food intake and your menstrual cycle. Let’s break down your questions one by one.

1. Duration of Hives: The fact that your hives appear and then resolve within 1-2 hours is characteristic of an acute allergic reaction. Hives, or urticaria, can indeed be triggered by food allergies, and they often present as raised, itchy welts on the skin. In your case, the rapid onset and resolution of the hives suggest that it could be an allergic reaction, particularly since you mentioned consuming shellfish (scallops and crab) before the symptoms appeared. However, hives can also be caused by other factors, including stress, medications, or environmental triggers, so it’s essential to consider all possibilities.

2. Sudden Onset of Food Allergies: Yes, food allergies can develop suddenly, even in individuals who have previously consumed the same food without any issues. This phenomenon is known as "new-onset food allergy." The immune system can change over time, and it may start to recognize certain proteins in foods as harmful, leading to an allergic reaction. This is particularly common with shellfish allergies, which can develop later in life. Given your family history of shellfish allergies, it’s plausible that you may have developed a sensitivity as well.

3. Menstrual Cycle and Hives: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can influence the immune system and may exacerbate allergic reactions or skin conditions. Some women report increased sensitivity or allergic reactions during their menstrual periods due to hormonal changes, particularly estrogen and progesterone. While it’s not a direct cause of hives, it could potentially play a role in how your body reacts to allergens during this time.

Given your symptoms and the potential for a food allergy, it would be wise to consult with an allergist. They can perform specific tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, to determine if you have developed an allergy to shellfish or other foods. Keeping a food diary can also help identify patterns between what you eat and when symptoms occur.

In the meantime, if you suspect that you have a food allergy, it’s advisable to avoid consuming the suspected allergens (in this case, shellfish) until you can get a definitive diagnosis. If you experience more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a rapid heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

In summary, your experience with hives could indeed be related to a new food allergy, and the timing with your menstrual cycle may also be a contributing factor. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with the best course of action and peace of mind. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns!

Similar Q&A

Managing Hives: Foods to Avoid and Key Tips for Relief

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, can be triggered by various factors, including certain foods. It is advisable to avoid the following types of foods if you are experiencing frequent hives: 1. Shellfish: Such as shrimp, crab, and lobster. 2. Nuts: Particularly peanuts ...

Dr. Jiang Yujiao reply Dermatology
Hello: Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is an allergic skin condition that is a personal physiological response. According to Dr. Chiu Chia-Yu from the Dermatology Department of National Taiwan University, the causes of urticaria are typically associated with type I hypersensi...

Severe Allergic Reactions After Eating Out: Causes and Solutions

Hello, Dr. Gao. I usually experience skin rashes when consuming MSG, but after eating out yesterday, I developed a condition within 15 minutes that included widespread redness, itching, numbness of the tongue, and breathing difficulties. I quickly took medication, but I cannot se...

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Chen, thank you for your question. The rapid onset of symptoms is indeed very likely to be caused by an allergy. Severe allergies can affect the respiratory system, leading to symptoms similar to an asthma attack. Allergies that cause systemic symptoms are often trigger...

Understanding Sudden Skin Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hello! I have never had skin allergies before, but about a month ago, I suddenly developed raised red spots that are very itchy on the joints of both legs, knees, thighs, fingers, and finger joints. I applied a common ointment for insect bites, and after enduring the discomfort f...

Dr. Jiang Yujiao reply Dermatology
Hello: In response to your question, your symptoms are more indicative of a skin allergy - urticaria (hives). Urticaria is classified as a Type I hypersensitivity reaction, which occurs very rapidly. Upon contact, inhalation, or ingestion of an allergen, reactions can manifest wi...

Understanding Allergies and Hives in Toddlers: A Parent's Guide

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions. My son is currently 1 year and 3 months old. Four days ago, he started developing some rashes on his legs. Three days ago, I fed him some fish (specifically, kiss fish). Since the rashes appeared, they have spread all over his b...

Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
Dr. Chang Kuo-Chen from the Hsinchu County Hospital Pediatric Department respectfully states the following: Food allergies are abnormal immune responses by the immune system to specific foods. The immune system produces a specific type of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to the...