lip allergy

A few years ago, after eating a very acidic greek salad, my lip got swollen.  I think I have narrowed it down to the pepperoncinis in it.  Now I have gotten it after eating a taco salad with olives in it.  Are olives pickled in the same sort of brine and what is in that?  So now that my lip is swollen, what can I do to relieve it.  I tried taking an antihistamine last night and it didn't help.  I put blistex on it this morning.  It feels good but it's still swollen.  What types of foods do people with lip allergies typically stay away from?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It looks like food allergy.You can confirm food allergy and the specific allergens causing it by skin ***** test or patch test. This test involves pricking, scratching or injecting food extracts into the patient’s skin. The skin will react with redness and swelling for those extracts capable of eliciting an allergic reaction when consumed.Other tests used are blood tests like RAST and food challenge tests.They are more specific and accurate than skin tests.

You can take some antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin.They are available over the counter. Also apply some Corticosteroids, such as 1% hydrocortisone cream(dermacort) on the swollen lips. You may take Vitamin C along with antihistamincs.Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.If symptoms persist then oral corticosteroids may be needed.Pls consult an allergist then as corticosteroids are available on prescription.

Hope it helps.Take care and regards.