Which Foods Cause Hives and How to Respond
Food allergy is a well-known cause of acute hives, but a rare cause of chronic hives. If hives consistently appear within minutes to two hours of eating the same food, a food allergy is a real possibility.
Foods Most Often Linked to Hives
- Peanuts and tree nuts
- Shellfish and fish
- Eggs
- Milk
- Wheat, soy and sesame
Symptoms Beyond the Skin
Food allergy can also cause swelling of the lips and tongue, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing and low blood pressure. See allergic reaction hives.
Getting Tested
Skin prick or blood tests for specific IgE, interpreted by an allergist, can support a diagnosis. Testing without a suggestive history can produce misleading results. Do not eliminate foods long-term on your own, especially for children.
What to Do After an Exposure
- Stop eating the food.
- Use epinephrine if prescribed for severe symptoms and call 911.
- Take an antihistamine for mild hives.
- Keep a note of what and when you ate.
Compare with other hives causes.
When to Call 911
Call 911 right away if hives or swelling occur with difficulty breathing or swallowing, a tight or closing throat, a swollen tongue, lips or face, wheezing, faintness, or a sudden feeling of impending doom. Use an epinephrine auto-injector first if one has been prescribed to you, then call for emergency help.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if your symptoms last more than a few days, keep coming back, cover large areas, or interfere with sleep or daily life. The Hives Treatment Center, founded by Dr. Tiffany Young, is a San Francisco practice that evaluates and treats food allergy hives in person and online.
Related Reading
You may also find these guides helpful: hives symptoms and how to treat hives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Allergy Hives
Can food cause chronic hives?
Rarely. Most chronic hives are not caused by food.
Are food dyes an issue?
The evidence is limited and varies by person.
Should I carry an EpiPen?
Ask an allergist if you have had a significant reaction.
Get Relief for Your Hives
If food seems to trigger hives, get tested properly rather than guessing. Visit our hives treatment page to see the latest treatment options for your outbreak.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
