Is Your Rash a Food Sensitivity or a Food Allergy?

Our skin is our body’s natural armor. But sometimes, our armor gets cracked. When this happens, our bodies can develop skin irritations like rashes or eczema. While some skin conditions may be genetic or due to medicines or other issues, some can also be caused by a food sensitivity or food allergy.

What is a Food Sensitivity?

A food sensitivity, also known as a food intolerance, is an incapability of the body to digest a specific food or food group. This means one of two things; the body’s digestive tract can not process the food, or the food produces an irritation like a rash to the body itself.

Reasons for a food sensitivity can be linked to a lack of specific enzymes or the body’s rejection of certain groups like artificial coloring, caffeine, sugar, or dairy.

Because food sensitivities and intolerances are related to the digestive tract, it’s common for its symptoms to reside in that area of the body. Food sensitivity and food intolerance symptoms can include:

• Bloating

• Gas

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Cramping

• Nausea

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is the more detrimental of the two. Unlike a food sensitivity which is an issue within the body’s digestion, a food allergy directly conflicts with the body’s natural immune system. Food allergies are severe and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed.

The immune system works to fight off toxic or invading particles entering our bodies. When the body has a food allergy, it will naturally fight the allergy in an effort to protect the body. This can lead to harmful and immediate reactions such as anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

The most common food allergies are milk, eggs, fish and shellfish, nuts, wheat, and soy. And they are accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Drop in blood pressure

• Trouble breathing

• Increased pulse

• Skin rashes or irritations

• Hives

• Diarrhea

• Nausea and vomiting

Once a food allergy is found, the food should be avoided at all costs.

Get Tested at Southern Connecticut Dermatology

It’s best to visit a board-certified dermatologist for a food sensitivity test to find whether your body is reacting to a food sensitivity or food allergy.

The test is comprised of a short and simple blood draw. The test can identify the exact triggers affecting your skin or body and other gastrointestinal issues like leaky gut, which is when the lining of the gut is damaged and no longer functions as a protective barrier. Your blood will then be tested for IgG antibody reactions to foods, spices, and ingestants.

Southern Connecticut Dermatology offers the food sensitivity test by appointment. Schedule yours today. Call (203) 323-5660.