When we say that a person is suffering from milk allergy, it implies that the immune system of that person’s body has shown hypersensitivity reaction towards the proteins present in milk. The milk allergy is mostly caused through cow milk consumption, although there have been cases where milk allergy could be attributed to milk obtained from animal sources such as goats, buffaloes , and sheep as well as from plant sources such as soy.

Earlier, we thought that only infants would develop milk allergy and that most infants would outgrow the milk allergy. But, statistical data presents some startling facts. It has been reported that nearly 2 to 7.5% of infants suffer from milk allergy caused by cow’s milk. Furthermore, around 60% of these infants outgrow milk allergy by the age of 4 and around 80% of these kids outgrow the milk allergy by the time they turn 6. There are around 4.5 million in the US alone who are very susceptible to developing milk allergy. To complicate the matters associated with milk allergy, we need to know that milk allergy can occur in adults who do not have any incident of milk allergy reaction in their childhood.

Milk Allergy hives: symptoms

The reddish welts known as hives that appear as a result of milk allergy are such that they trigger an itching sensation and they resemble a reddish bump formed on the skin due to mosquito bite. The hives of allergic reaction always have a swollen reddish appearance.

Milk allergy hives: treatment

The doctor will treat the hives caused due to milk allergy through antihistamine medications. In some cases, the doctor will prescribe corticosteroids. Both the classes of medications—antihistamines and corticosteroids—will be beneficial in treating the hives. But, in case the patient also suffers from life-threatening condition of anaphylaxis caused through milk allergy, the person will be prescribed epinephrine.

Milk allergy hives: prevention

To prevent the appearance of hives caused due to milk allergy, avoid milk containing foods including those foods containing only milk protein. It has been found that most people suffer from milk allergy in their childhood and they outgrow the milk allergy symptoms when they grow into adults. But, in some cases, milk allergy could be present throughout one’s lifetime. So, in case you suffer from milk allergy, we need to consult an allergist before re-introducing milk in our diet.