GFCF diet and Urticaria - Autism Spectrum Message Board

KarenRichardson · 07-24-2002, 04:30 PM

Has anyone else noticed urticaria develop in a child who has been on a GFCF diet for more than six months? My daughter has a tendency to eczema and autism which has been kept well under control for more than two years on a fairly strict diet. On her eighth birthday a few days ago she did eat a few suspect foods. Also the following day. On Suday I was alarmed to see the rash appearing. Her ears were red, fingers and feet itchy and swollen. It spread dramatically along arms and legs and appeared on her face.
It has reappeared several times since. How long will this last? I am reluctantly giving antihistamine.
Is this an allergy? Urticaria is a mystery.

News Update,
The rash took four days to clear.
Carmoisine in artificial cochineal was used in the icing which Grandpa placed on Angela's cake. Carmoisine (E122) is an Azo dye and is banned in some other countries. It is known to cause urticaria.
Please do not use Carmoisine. Why isn't it banned in UK?.

[This message has been edited by KarenRichardson (edited 07-25-2002).]

[This message has been edited by KarenRichardson (edited 08-11-2002).]

annaanna · 04-01-2006, 01:35 AM

Dear Karen,

Thank you - you have just explained symptoms that I (34) have had for years.

Linked to when I eat jam doughnuts, cake or anything like that, I have a terrible urticaria all over my head, earlobes, neck and trunk. It is horrendous to experience - like burning - for two maybe three days. but because it is not an immediate reaction (maybe starting the day after) it has been really hard to connect the two events.

I had been told it could be flour improver, but I had some sort of sense it was the red jam....

You have really helped me and my family today.

Best wishes!

elmhar · 04-01-2006, 10:38 AM

Thanks for doing this research, Karen. I learn something new each day!

In our family, people also experience urticaria on exposure to certain pollens in the spring. Nasty!

My kids were also more prone to eczema outbreaks whenever they were teething -- right up to the wisdom teeth.

Best wishes, & I hope DD stays clear.