Eczema & Eggs
Eggs have no effect on eczema unless the patient has an allergy to eggs. An egg allergy can cause increased levels of histamine in the body, which leads to an outbreak of eczema. Eczema is a chronic skin condition causes welts, blisters and severely itchy skin, according to MedlinePlus.
Eggs have no effect on eczema unless the patient has an allergy to eggs. An egg allergy can cause increased levels of histamine in the body, which leads to an outbreak of eczema. Eczema is a chronic skin condition causes welts, blisters and severely itchy skin, according to MedlinePlus. Different triggers can cause someone's eczema to get worse, such as environmental factors, pressure on the skin and allergens. If you notice that consuming egg products causes eczema, see a doctor for a diagnosis.
About Egg Allergy
An egg allergy is one of the most common food-related allergies, according to MayoClinic.com. After consuming eggs, you will experience symptoms within a few minutes or up to an hour. The immune system doesn't recognize the proteins found in eggs as safe so it attacks them to ward them off. The body releases IgE antibodies that trigger the production of histamine in cells. Histamine is the hormone that causes common allergy symptoms, including eczema.
Eczema Symptoms
An eczema flare-up from an egg allergy will develop alongside other egg allergy symptoms. After consuming eggs, the skin may become itchy without any other signs. As you scratch, your skin becomes irritated, inflamed and blistered, according to KidsHealth.org. Scratching makes the condition worse and can leave your skin leathery or cracked. Cracked skin can lead to a secondary infection, such as impetigo.
Other Symptoms
Symptoms from an egg allergy, other than eczema, are asthma, inflamed nasal passages and gastrointestinal complications. Asthma symptoms may include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and chest pain. The increased levels of histamine cause the sinuses to swell and become inflamed. This causes nasal congestion that restricts breathing through the nose and a stuffy nose. Gastrointestinal complications that can develop are vomiting, diarrhea and an upset stomach, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
Treat an egg allergy by avoiding all products made with eggs. If eggs are accidentally ingested, take an antihistamine to reduce symptoms and wait for the body to expel the egg proteins. Treat eczema with over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or prescribed corticosteroid lotions. KidsHealth.org explains that eczema is also treated by wearing loose clothing; taking short, cool baths; and applying a moisturizer.
Consideration
Eczema is commonly mistaken for hives or vice versa. During an outbreak of the rash, have it evaluated by a dermatologist to determine the type of rash that develops.