Dye allergy: symptoms and what to do

Dye allergy can occur due to an exaggerated reaction of the immune system against some artificial substance used to give color to food and appears shortly after consuming foods or products that contain the dye, such as yellow, red, blue or green dye, for example. .

These dyes are generally used to make foods more attractive, such as candy, ice cream, yogurt and cereals or used to color syrups, liqueurs or cosmetic products.

Dye allergy is rare, but it can cause symptoms of itching all over the body, the formation of small blisters on the skin and, in more serious cases, anaphylactic shock with symptoms of swelling in the mouth, tongue, throat or face or difficulty breathing, which which can put lives at risk. Learn more about anaphylactic shock.

Main symptoms

Signs and symptoms of dye allergy are more common in people who already have other allergies and can appear the first time this food is eaten. The most common include:

The main symptoms of dye allergy are:

• Skin lesions, such as bumps or plaques;
• Itching on the body;
• Headache;
• Dizziness;
• Low pressure;
• Tingling in the mouth;
• Runny nose;
• Diarrhea or vomiting;
• Rapid heartbeat.

In the case of a severe reaction, other symptoms may appear such as difficulty breathing and/or speaking, pressure in the chest, swelling in the mouth, tongue or throat, and it is important that the person goes to the emergency room as quickly as possible. Know how to recognize the symptoms of severe allergies.

The signs and symptoms of dye allergy are more common in people who already have other allergies and may appear the first time the food is consumed. If you suspect an allergy to dyes, it is recommended to suspend consumption of the food or product and consult an allergist.

To find out if you have an allergy, please indicate your symptoms below:

This test is a tool that serves as a means of guidance only. Therefore, it is not intended to provide a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of dye allergy is made by an allergist, who evaluates the symptoms presented by the person, in addition to carrying out a physical examination and tests such as the Prick test or intradermal test, and starting the most appropriate treatment. See how the intradermal allergy test is performed.

What to do

In the case of any serious allergic symptoms after eating foods with dyes or any industrialized product that has dyes in the recipe, it is recommended to seek emergency help immediately to avoid health complications, such as anaphylactic shock, which can only be treated with the use of medications applied directly. into a vein, inside a hospital.

How to prevent

To avoid allergy attacks, the doctor must advise how the diet should be and which other products should be avoided, as some medications such as syrups or some types of tablets, cosmetic products such as makeup or moisturizing creams or hygiene products such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner or soap may have dye in their composition.

What to eat

To avoid symptoms of an allergic reaction to dyes, it is important to give preference to fresh foods, such as fresh meat, fish or chicken, and natural foods such as fruits, vegetables or legumes, as these products do not contain dyes.

Furthermore, processed foods or drinks or medicines can only be consumed if they do not contain dyes in their composition and, therefore, it is recommended to read the label or leaflet of these products before consuming.

What to avoid

Some foods should be avoided by people who are allergic to dyes, to avoid the appearance of allergic reactions, and include:

• Rubber balls,
• Jujube candy;
• Peanuts made with dye;
• Cake with topping;
• Colored cereals;
• Gelatin or instant pudding;
• Refrigerator;
• Industrialized juices;
• Frozen foods such as pizza, meat or snacks;
• Ice cream;
• Yogurt;
• Wine or liquor;
• Processed cheese;
• Spices such as saffron, paprika or turmeric.

Generally, being allergic to one type of dye does not mean that you are allergic to all of them. Most people are only sensitive to one type. Therefore, it is important to consult an allergist to determine which dyes you are allergic to and follow medical recommendations regarding permitted or prohibited foods for each person.