Consuming large amounts of strawberries is often linked with hives but eating a lot does not mean that the individual will end up with a reaction. Hives are described as swollen, red patches on the skin that is called as wheals. Remember that strawberries are considered as potential triggers but only if an individual is allergic or highly sensitive to them.
Close look on hives
An individual ends up with hives on any part of the body and might only have one or several hives at one time. Remember that hives are generally itchy and can go away in just a few minutes or last for hours or even days.
Oftentimes, an individual might only end up with a single spot that vanishes and then another manifest in a different spot. Some individuals might have hives that come and go for years. Hives are not considered serious but can serve as a precursor to anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening emergency. The indications of anaphylaxis include weak and rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, throat swelling, rash or hives as well as vomiting and nausea.
Is strawberry a trigger?
Always bear in mind that strawberries are common triggers for hives. Some of the food triggers such as fish, nuts, eggs and shellfish can trigger a reaction in which consuming a small amount can lead to an outbreak of hives. When it comes to strawberries, an individual might only suffer from a reaction if he/she eats a large amount of the fruit.
In case an individual is going to develop hives from eating large amounts of strawberries, one might develop right after and does not last longer than 2 hours after ingestion. If the individual develops a reaction after eating a lot of strawberries, large amounts should not be eaten in the future.
Allergies
Always bear in mind that food allergies are not as common as what many believe. Some individuals simply have food intolerance, not an actual allergy. In most cases, hives are a symptom of an allergy and strawberries are the most common culprits.
An individual is more likely to end up with an allergy if he/she has a family history of allergies. In case both parents had a food allergy, there is a high risk for the individual to end up with one.
Treatment
Hives typically vanish on their own after some time. The best way to relieve the undesirable symptoms that occur along with hives such as headache, itchiness and swelling is to take an antihistamine.
You can also utilize a soothing cream to help minimize the itchiness. A cool compress can also be applied on the affected skin or soak in a lukewarm oatmeal bath. If possible, avoid alcoholic beverages during an outbreak of hives. It is recommended to wear loose clothing since tight ones can instigate another attack. In case an individual experiences a severe reaction such as breathing difficulty, it is best to seek emergency care. An individual who is prone to severe allergic reactions should always bring along an epinephrine injection as well as antihistamines.