Shellfish Allergy and Hives: What to Do When Welts Appear After Eating
Welts may be a sign of shellfish allergy, but hives have many causes beyond food alone.
Typical signs
After eating shellfish, red welts appear on the skin with clear itching. They may show up within a few minutes to two hours. They can appear anywhere on the body, either in one area or all over. The welts usually fade within a few hours, but they may come back.
First, rule out danger signs
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, tightness in the throat, hoarse voice
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- Repeated vomiting, belly pain, dizziness, feeling very unwell
If any of these occur, call 120 (the emergency number in China) right away and follow your emergency plan. Do not stay at home and wait to see what happens.
If there are only local welts
Stop eating, rinse your mouth with water, and avoid scratching or washing with hot water. A cold compress can help ease the itching. Contact a doctor to assess what to do next. Causes of hives also include infection, medicines and physical factors. Working out whether shellfish is involved means looking at your record of what you ate. Keep a symptom diary and see a doctor. The doctor will decide whether tests are needed and whether your diet should be changed.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.