Lactose intolerance is indicated by symptoms in the gastrointestinal area, the skin is usually not affected. In this health tip you can find out when changes to the skin can occur in connection with lactose.
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Lactose intolerance – no skin changes
Lactose intolerance is a food intolerance.
- To be more precise, those affected cannot tolerate lactose. Milk sugar is just another term for lactose.
- The reason for lactose intolerance is the lack of the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the small intestine. If this enzyme is missing, lactose cannot be broken down and absorbed in the small intestine, but reaches the large intestine.
- There, bacteria break down the lactose. The result is problems in the intestines, which manifest themselves as diarrhea, flatulence and abdominal pain.
- However, these symptoms of lactose intolerance are limited to the intestines. The food intolerance has no effect on the skin’s appearance or structure.
Skin changes as a sign of a food allergy
In the case of a food intolerance, the body cannot break down certain food components.
- With a food allergy, on the other hand, the body’s immune system reacts to food or components of food. These reactions are then not limited to the intestines, but can also cause reactions in other parts of the body.
- If, after consuming milk or milk products such as low -fat quark, skin reactions occur in addition to gastrointestinal complaints, this could be an indication of a milk allergy.
- Possible skin reactions range from reddening of the skin with itching to a rash with blisters and pustules.
- Note: An allergic reaction – whether to milk or another trigger – can always be serious.
- So if you notice an allergic reaction after consuming dairy products, please consult a doctor.