Allergies Food Allergies Treatment & Diagnosis Photos of Common Food Allergy Symptoms By Jeanette Bradley Jeanette Bradley Jeanette Bradley is a noted food allergy advocate and author of the cookbook, "Food Allergy Kitchen Wizardry: 125 Recipes for People with Allergies" Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 21, 2022 Medically reviewed by Farah Khan, MD Medically reviewed by Farah Khan, MD LinkedIn Farah Khan, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist who treats pediatric patients at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Food allergy symptoms can range from a rash, sneezing, congestion, or nausea to severe abdominal pain or life-threatening anaphylaxis. Common reactions include: Hives Itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) Swollen lips Abdominal pain Being aware of food allergy symptoms can help you spot reactions. This article will teach you the common reactions and what they look like. 8 Most Common Food Allergies: EggsMilkPeanutsTree nutsFishShellfishWheatSoyThese "big eight" allergens account for about 90% of food allergy reactions in the US. Hives (Urticaria) Dr P. Marazzi / Science Photo Library / Getty Images Hives (urticaria) are a common symptom of food allergies. They can appear anywhere on the body. They can result from any food allergy. But hives are especially likely in people allergic to: PeanutsEggsNutsShellfish When you get hives, you may first notice an itchy patch. Then bumps form and can look like a rash. These bumps are called wheals. They have well-defined edges. They may be flesh-colored or red. Wheals can appear, change shape, and disappear very quickly. Also, while most itch, they don't always. To see if a red patch is urticaria, press the center of a wheal. If it's a hive, it'll turn white (called "blanching"). Hives aren't life-threatening. But they are annoying and uncomfortable. Emergency Symptoms Get medical help immediately if you get hives along with:Swelling around your lips, face, or eyesDifficulty breathingThese are symptoms of a life-threatening anaphylaxis reaction. Symptoms of Hives Eczema Mion / Phanie / Getty Images Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an itchy, scaly rash. The inflamed skin can turn into dry patches that flake off. Food allergies don't cause eczema, but eating certain foods that you're allergic to can trigger or exacerbate eczema. Eating or just touching a problem food can cause a reaction. Common triggers include: DairyNutsWheatSoyEggs Food allergies aren't the only possible cause—eczema can also be exacerbated by environmental irritants such as pollens or animal dander. It's most common in babies and often improves as they get older. However, children and even adults may continue to struggle with eczema. In babies, eczema often develops on the face, cheeks, or around the mouth. Scratching can lead to infection, and healthcare providers recommend swaddling babies or placing mitts on their hands to keep them from scratching. How Eczema and Food Allergies Are Linked Recap Hives are itchy patches with raised edges. They're sometimes red. They aren't dangerous but can be annoying.Eczema is an itchy, scaly rash that's flaky. It's especially common in young children. Itchy Red Eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis) Allergies can cause itchy, watery, and swollen eyes. This is called allergic conjunctivitis (AC). AC is more common in pollen allergies (hay fever) than with food. Still, food allergies can trigger it in some people. Anaphylaxis Warning An anaphylactic reaction can include eye symptoms. If you have itchy, swollen eyes plus other symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as trouble breathing, get emergency medical help. Swelling of the Lips, Mouth, or Tongue (Angioedema) susandaniels / Getty Images Angioedema is swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue. It's similar to hives but occurs under the skin. This swelling can be a sign of anaphylaxis. Watch for other symptoms, as well. Food allergies linked with this symptom include: FishShellfishNutsMilkEggs Symptoms of Angioedema Recap Itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) are more common with pollen allergies. But they're still possible with food allergies.Angioedema (swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue) can be a sign of anaphylaxis. Watch symptoms carefully. Abdominal Pain Jan-Otto / Getty Images Abdominal pain can occur from a food allergy. Watch for pain, vomiting, and diarrhea within two hours of eating. It often hits within minutes of ingesting a problem food. It's easy to confuse these symptoms with those of food intolerance. A true food allergy usually involves skin and respiratory symptoms as well. So watch for abdominal pain plus other signs of food allergy. 6 Ways to Soothe Stomachaches From Food Allergies Summary Hives, eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, angioedema, and abdominal pain all are possible food-allergy symptoms. Get emergency medical help if: Symptoms come on suddenlyYou have several of themYou have breathing problems A Word From Verywell Rashes and stomachaches can be caused by many conditions. If you think you might have a food allergy, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you find out the cause of your symptoms and determine whether you are at risk of anaphylaxis. Food Allergies Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Food allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Hives (urticaria). American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview. KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation. Eczema (atopic dermatitis). American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Eye allergies. Cleveland Clinic. Urticaria (hives) and angioedema. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Food intolerance versus food allergy. By Jeanette Bradley Jeanette Bradley is a noted food allergy advocate and author of the cookbook, "Food Allergy Kitchen Wizardry: 125 Recipes for People with Allergies" See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit