Peanut Butter Rash: Causes, Symptoms & What to Do

According to the Merck Medical Library, our immune system mounts a chemical reaction to substances recognized as foreign or harmful. An exaggerated immune response to dietary proteins, or an allergic reaction to food may produce a rash.

Features

• A rash, or urticaria, triggered by peanut butter may begin as a small patch of bumps that spreads as itching increases and scratching provides more irritation.

Time Frame

• The allergic rash associated with a peanut butter sensitivity can appear within minutes or hours of a meal or snack. Age influences the speed with which the rash appears with reactions being more severe in teens and adults than in children.

Treatment

• Antihistamines are the first line of treatment. Anti-itch creams and gels containing hydrocortisone, menthol, camphor or diphenhydramine are soothing to the affected skin.

Warning

• According to the Mayo Clinic, breathing in the same room with peanuts or peanut oils and contact with items processed with peanut oils will trigger a reaction, if your allergy is severe.

Prevention/Solution

• Remember to avoid eating peanut butter or peanuts. Pay close attention to food preparation, read labels and consider wearing a medical bracelet, alerting others of your sensitivity.

Considerations

• If the rash covers the whole body and a fever develops, call your doctor. Rashes with these added features may signal viral infections, like measles, instead of allergic reactions.