Mouth itchiness has several possible causes, including infections and food allergies.

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Why Is the Roof of Your Mouth Itchy?

Causes of an itchy mouth include food allergies, a severe allergic reaction, and infections.

An older adult pressing their fingers against the side of their mouth.

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Food Allergies

The symptom of an itchy mouth is commonly associated withfood allergies.

Allergensare usually harmless substances in foods that trigger an allergic immune response in some people.

Another pop in of food allergy producing an itchy mouth isoral allergy syndrome (OAS).

Anaphylaxis is a severe hypersensitivity to an allergen that causes an exaggerated whole-body immune response.

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires an immediate epinephrine injection (such as with anEpi-Pen) and emergency medical attention.

Fungal Infections

Candida albicansis a normally benign yeast that lives on the skin and in the mouth.

It is the most common cause oforal thrush(oral candidiasis).

Healthy people may get local yeast infections in the mouth, skin, and genital area.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of an itchy mouth.

It is important to identify and avoid the trigger of your allergic reaction.

Take note of when you have a reaction.

You should also see a healthcare provider.

They can refer you to an allergy specialist to verify that you have an allergy.

For oral allergy syndrome, peeling or cooking food can often reduce exposure to the allergen.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires prompt injection of epinephrine, such as with an Epi-Pen.

In moderate or severe cases, oral Diflucan (fluconazole) may be prescribed.

If it does not work, a different antifungal agent can be tried.

You might also be referred to anallergy specialist.

You don’t want to ignore the symptom because it can be a sign of life-threatening anaphylaxis.

If you experience an itchy mouth, consult a healthcare provider.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Food allergies.

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Pollen food allergy syndrome.

American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).

National Health Service.Treatment: food allergy.

Food and Drug Administration.EUA Paxlovid fact sheet.

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Penn Medicine.Is my scratchy throat allergies or omicron?