Yes, milk can cause itching, but primarily as a symptom of a milk allergy. It's crucial to understand the distinction between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance.
Understanding Milk Allergies and Itching
A milk allergy is an immune system overreaction to milk proteins. This reaction can manifest in various ways, with itching being a common symptom. Other symptoms often include stomach problems, rash, and tingling around the mouth. Severe cases may lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. [Source: Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, ACAAI]
- Itching: Itching can occur as a result of hives (urticaria), a skin reaction to the allergen.
- Other Allergic Symptoms: Note that itching often accompanies other symptoms like digestive upset, swelling (especially of the mouth and throat), and even difficulty breathing in severe cases.
Several sources confirm that itching is a key symptom of a milk allergy in both children and adults. [Source: Better Health Channel, Healthline, WebMD, Allergy Asthma Network]
Lactose Intolerance vs. Milk Allergy
It's important to differentiate a milk allergy from lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue where the body lacks the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose, the sugar in milk. While lactose intolerance can cause discomfort like gas, bloating, and diarrhea, it doesn't trigger an immune system response and, therefore, usually doesn't cause itching. [Source: FoodAllergy.org, NHS]
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect a milk allergy, it's essential to consult an allergist. They can conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis and help manage the allergy. Treatment usually involves avoiding milk and milk products and, in severe cases, having an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) readily available. [Source: Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, ACAAI]