Can Cow's Milk Allergy Cause Hives?

Possible symptoms

After eating milk or foods containing milk, some allergic people develop welts within a few minutes to two hours, with obvious itching. They may be limited to around the mouth and face, or spread over the whole body. The welts usually fade within a few hours, but they may come back. If swelling of the lips or eyelids, tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain and vomiting, or dizziness also occur, this is a situation that needs emergency care.

It is not easy to identify the trigger

Hives have many triggers, including infection, medicines, physical factors (cold, heat, pressure, exercise), other foods, and unknown causes. Judging from a single episode that milk is the cause and avoiding it long term may not be accurate. It is helpful to record what was eaten and when before the episode, what activity was happening at the time, and any medicines taken, to give clues for the doctor visit.

Management and points to note

• Keep a symptom diary, and have a doctor arrange further tests if needed
• Do not avoid a wide range of foods on your own long term, especially in children
• During an acute episode, avoid scratching and hot water washing; cold compresses can help relieve symptoms
• Medicines should be used as prescribed by a doctor; if symptoms keep coming back or come with whole-body symptoms, see a doctor promptly

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.