Peanut Allergy and Urticaria (Hives): What to Do About Welts After Eating

Typical signs

After eating peanuts or foods containing peanuts, red welts appear on the skin with clear itching. They may appear within minutes to two hours. They can be in any place, either limited to one area or all over the body. The welts usually fade within a few hours, but they may come back.

First, check for danger signs

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, tight throat, hoarse voice
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, feeling less alert

If any of these happen, call 120 (the emergency number in China) right away and follow your emergency plan. Do not wait and watch.

If there are only local welts

Stop eating at once, rinse your mouth with water, avoid scratching and avoid washing with hot water. A cold compress may help. Contact a doctor to assess what to do next. Causes of urticaria (hives) also include infection, medicines and physical factors. Deciding whether it is related to peanuts needs to take your eating records into account. It is best to keep a symptom diary and see a doctor. The doctor will decide whether tests are needed and whether your diet should be changed. Do not avoid many foods on your own for a long time.

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