skin reaction on face = definite food allergy?

[katies_mama]

DD has reacted three times to tomatoes since we've been overseas this vacation (in the Netherlands). I think I saw this kind of reaction once before at home but it was unclear. The first two times (on vacation) we weren't sure it was tomatoes, but suspicious. The third time all we gave her was tomatoes--immediate reaction. On her chin and near her lips all three times she got red blotches, not too big but enough to be worrisome and definitely not normal, after/during the eating of tomatoes--possibly where the juice was on her skin. Her skin was not raised or itchy, it just turned red in spots. She was eating other things, though, and we thought it could be things other than eating. . . but anyway, we are pretty sure now it was tomatoes.

Before the end of the meal all three times the blotches disappeared, though while they lasted they were pretty bright red, at least the first two times (the third time she had less tomatoes I think).

Tomatoes are one of her favorite foods. I'm guessing this has to do with the allergy.

So, what does this mean? What should I do? What are the rules?

And are all tomatoes the same? My MIL wants to give her grape tomatoes tomorrow and I think that is silly. If she is allergic to big tomatoes, she's allergic to little ones, and when you're allergic to something, you stay away from it. . . right?

This thing that happens to her face, it doesn't seem to bother her at all, or change anything. But still, it's important to stay away from tomatoes, right? Or not? And what else? Forgive my ignorance. Thanks in advance for your help!

[Caden's Mom]

I would suspect allergy, but tomatos are highly acidic, so it *could* be very sensitive skin. For the time being I would avoid all tomato products and it you are bf, avoid it in your diet too. You could try giving her some more tomatos in 6 months and see what happens.

Personally, I would get it checked by a doctor (allergist, not pediatrican)

[Chinese Pistache]

Ditto what Caden's mom said.

Does she react with both cooked and raw tomatoes? I know many people can tolerate cooked, but not raw.

My dd appears to be allergic to tomatoes, too. She gets the red splotches also. I ate some myself (we're bfing) to see if she reacted that way and she did, so I know it's not the acid in her case, since she didn't ingest it herself. But, she ended up with a very sore, red diaper area and not a red face that time.

[katies_mama]

Originally Posted by Chinese Pistache

Ditto what Caden's mom said.

Does she react with both cooked and raw tomatoes? I know many people can tolerate cooked, but not raw.

I've never seen the reaction with cooked tomatoes or sauces, only raw. I was thinking I should eliminate all of them, though?

We're still breastfeeding, too--probably 8-12x/day around the clock with no signs of slowing. I think it's important to determine, somehow, if it is a reaction or an allergy. I'll ask around for a recommendation for an allergist when we get home--I guess there is no other way to tell? What do they do to determine whether or not it is an allergy? Skin testing with needles?

[Caden's Mom]

Yes you need to eliminate them if it is an allergy, all tomatos.

DS had two test, one the RAST is a blood draw and the second was skin prick back test (at the allergist). The back test didn't phase him one bit. He got mosquito bite looking bumps when he reacted to a particular allergen.