Has anyone had a child (or anyone they know) have a reaction to ranch salad dressing?

Question

My daughter has various food allergies and is under the care of an allergist, but this past weekend she reacted (hives) to what we think was ranch dressing. She's not allergic to eggs or dairy. Anyone else have a reaction to something this specific?

Answer 1

My two year old daughter had the same reaction with Kraft Ranch dressing! She isn't allergic to milk or eggs, my guess is that she is allergic to a thickener in the dressing, or sensitive to the MSG (many people are allergic/sensitive to MSG, esp. those who have other allergies). She also occasionally has problems with other foods that have artificial ingredients in them, such as Doritos or certain types of ice cream. I am going to start a food diary to track her symptoms and see if I can come up with anything. Did you talk to your daughter's allergist? Good luck, I hope we can both nail down the problem ingredient!

Answer 2

My kids never had a reaction to ranch salad dressing, but they would have to something similar. Mayonnaise. Especially at fast food places. They would get a big red ring around their mouths when they would eat it. It would go away after a bit but yeah...it was weird since they never seemed to have a reaction to milk or eggs otherwise. Now they are old and I don't see the reaction as much.

As far as hives, I would get them as a child if I hung upside down on the money bars and I still get them when I get cold. I don't know if that helps, but I would say that unless they were so bad that they inhibited breathing or something, I would say don't stress over them.

Answer 3

I'm not allergic to dairy, but am lactose intolerant. Thus, I react to ranch dressing, but with cramping, gas and the runs - it's the buttermilk.
Not sure what causes hives, other than strawberries to some people, or seafood.

Answer 4

Ranch dressing does have a lot of different ingredients in it. Is there a way you can check the list?

Good luck!