Skin rashes that develop after exposure to tomatoes are usually the result of allergic contact dermatitis. Always bear in mind that allergic contact dermatitis is a condition affecting the skin where it becomes inflamed after direct exposure with the allergen or irritant such as tomatoes.
Tomatoes and other highly acidic foods that is capable of triggering contact dermatitis. If there is a skin rash that develops every time the individual touches or consumes tomatoes, a doctor should be consulted. This simply indicates that he/she has an allergy to certain fruits and vegetables.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis involves inflammation in the skin that results to swelling, intense itchiness and redness. After being exposed to tomatoes, the individual can end up with skin rashes within minutes or up to 48 hours.
In most cases, the rash can range from mild to severe and might require several exposure to tomatoes before the rash is identifiable. This is due to the fact that the body is steadily building up antibodies to fight off the tomato allergen.
Treatment
If an individual develops allergic contact dermatitis after consuming tomatoes, the initial step to take is cleanse the areas of the body that came in direct contact with the food. After rinsing the area and eliminating any leftover residue, apply a topical hydrocortisone cream. In some circumstances, the doctor might prescribe a corticosteroid cream in severe conditions.
Testing
An effective test to confirm an allergy to tomatoes is a patch test. The doctor will apply the patch on the skin using a small amount of the allergen. After the patch is allowed to stay in place for some time, it will be removed by the doctor to assess if the skin develops a rash.
Avoidance
Identification and avoidance of the exact source of contact dermatitis is the initial step in managing the condition. Once the individual has been diagnosed with contact dermatitis linked to tomatoes, avoid consuming them or any food that contains tomatoes.
It is vital to carefully read the ingredients on pre-packed foods. When eating outside, always ask the server regarding ingredients used in the dished ordered. In addition, wear gloves if there is a need to handle tomatoes or tomato plants.
Considerations to bear in mind
If an individual develops a rash after consuming tomatoes, he/she might be allergic. In most cases, hives is a common rash linked with a food-related allergy and might be an indication of anaphylactic shock.
Once an individual experiences other symptoms such as asthma, nasal congestion or digestive issues, it is best to consult a doctor in order to determine the severity of the allergy. In rare cases, a severe reaction to tomatoes can even lead to death if not treated promptly.