A milk allergy occurs when a body’s immune system reacts against certain proteins present in milk and causes allergic symptoms. Unlike milk or lactose intolerance that merely causes digestive symptoms, a milk allergy causes the immune system to form antibodies to fight off certain proteins in the milk. What follows is a chain reaction that leads to the release of histamines in the body.
When histamine is released in the body it causes a number of reactions such as inflammation and irritation of the sinuses, the lungs, the digestive system and the skin. It is this increase in histamine in the body that causes a milk allergy rash.
Milk allergy rash symptoms include hives and eczema. Hives is a skin rash where welts of different shapes and sizes appear all over the body.
These welts are flat on top and can be very itchy. While largely harmless, hives can be very uncomfortable especially for infants and small children. Eczema is another skin condition caused by a milk allergy. Chronic eczema can recur over time and may be triggered off by other allergies as well. With eczema, the skin erupts into blisters that weep and crust over causing considerable pain and discomfort.
The best treatment for a milk allergy rash in babies is to change the mother’s diet. The mother will have to avoid milk and milk-based products until she stops nursing. For formula-fed babies, an amino acid based formula is recommended instead of a regular brand. Amino acid based formulas are much safer for babies with milk or soy allergies as they do not contain proteins in their complete form. If your baby has a milk allergy or has developed a milk allergy rash, he or she needs to be under the supervision of your doctor or medical health care practitioner.
Food allergies in infants and young children can cause severe and even fatal reactions if not addressed immediately.
With regards to a milk allergy rash in adults, the only option is to completely avoid the consumption of milk or products that contain milk. You could also apply a cold compress to the areas of the rash for some relief. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a topical cream that contains corticosteroids to reduce the itchiness and inflammation. In rare cases, hives caused by a milk allergy rash could lead to anaphylactic shock. If hives are accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, a rapid pulse and loss of consciousness, you need to call 911 immediately to prevent a fatality.