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Histamine intolerance and skin problems such as rashes

Histamine intolerance can trigger various symptoms : from migraines and weight problems to nausea , diarrhea, constipation , and even skin problems . This blog post explains what's behind it and what you can do to manage it.

Histamine intolerance and skin

The topics of histamine and skin are closely linked, because histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) Among other things, it is responsible for breaking down histamine in the skin . However, if the enzyme's activity is impaired , skin problems can occur. Even if your body releases or produces large amounts of histamine itself, its capacity to break it down may be limited .

Histamine intolerance skin symptoms

Histamine causes skin problems all over the body, especially on the face. Besides (dry) skin rashes, histamine also causes...

Angioedema : Fluid retention and swelling in the skin, especially in the face
Hives (urticaria) : small, red or white skin swellings with a red border, often arranged in a bed-like pattern.
Skin redness (flushing) : occurring suddenly, especially on the face, décolleté and neck
Itching : mostly above the welts, as this area of skin is very sensitive.
Pimples/skin blemishes : caused by accompanying conditions such as intestinal dysbiosis or an imbalanced hormonal system

Some symptoms often occur simultaneously . A common condition caused by a histamine reaction on the skin is urticaria (hives ). It is accompanied by itching, angioedema, skin redness, and wheals. Wheals develop because the blood vessels in the skin become more permeable due to the increased histamine concentration, allowing more fluid to enter.

This histamine is produced in the skin's mast cells and cannot be broken down sufficiently. Additionally, allergenic components are released , which promote itching. This itching typically does not occur without a preceding skin change. Extracellular histamine from histamine-rich foods and medications, as well as stress, UV radiation, and thermal stimuli, further intensify the symptoms . As a result of the increased blood flow caused by histamine release, nitric oxide is released, leading to vasodilation and increased blood flow.

The affected skin areas become warm and red, a phenomenon known as flushing in the facial area. Provided there is no further contact with the trigger, the symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours .

If you suffer from certain skin conditions such as eczema, acne, or rosacea, these can also be aggravated by an excess of histamine . Scratching the itchy areas can easily cause the dry and irritated skin to become inflamed, creating a vicious cycle.

Histamine and rash: Treatment and tips

If you have been diagnosed with histamine intolerance, you should adopt a low-histamine diet with natural, unprocessed foods (organic quality). If you still experience itchy skin irritations, whether due to stress or thermal stimuli, itch-relieving creams can provide relief.

When using these products, you should opt for natural cosmetics and ensure they don't contain any irritating additives. Coconut oil, for example, is a natural remedy for itching and redness. Other measures that can help with skin problems include:

Always prepare food fresh and don't store it for long periods, as this can cause it to develop histamine. Alcohol is not recommended for those with histamine intolerance. However, if you do decide to have a small sip, histamine-tested wine is recommended.
The consumption of secondary plant compounds (polyphenols), such as resveratrol, can inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells.
Avoidance or limited consumption of allergy-promoting foods such as dairy products, nuts, wheat and fish (soy should be avoided anyway in a low-histamine diet).
Avoidance of irritating fragrances and pollutants such as perfume, fabric softener, chemical detergents, certain skin care products or essential oils.
Avoid wearing makeup , as it can clog your pores and lead to further skin irritation.
Avoiding certain medications or switching to a specific preparation. If you have a medical condition, you should not stop or change medications on your own, but always consult a doctor.
If you suspect allergies or other illnesses, always consult a specialist . Skin problems are not always caused by histamine intolerance, and existing illnesses can exacerbate histamine intolerance.

INFO: Our skin, with a surface area of 1.5-2 square meters and a mass of up to 10 kg, is the largest organ. Through it, we unconsciously absorb a large number of toxins and (hormonal) pollutants every day, whether from care products and cosmetics containing silicones, aluminum, microplastics, fragrances and preservatives, mineral oils, or plasticizers.

These substances must be broken down by the liver. If the liver is overloaded, the breakdown of toxins is also impaired. As a result, normal bodily processes, such as histamine breakdown, can no longer be adequately carried out.

Histamine intolerance and skin problems such as rashes