A delicious meal should put a smile on your face -- not turn it bright red. Or itchy. Or bumpy. But for some people, one or more of these 11 foods can trigger hives (an eruption of small raised welts), swollen lips, itchiness, flushing, eczema (rough, itchy patches), or a hot, bumpy rash -- even if you've never reacted to a food before.
If the outbreak covers your entire body and/or is accompanied by chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath, get to an emergency room pronto for a shot of epinephrine. You're having a full-blown allergic reaction.

Otherwise, apply hydrocortisone cream to help sooth welts, rashes, and inflammation, says New York City dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. To quell itching, take an antihistamine pill like Benadryl. If you suspect hot spices are to blame, drink lots of water to help flush them from your system.

And if you know what the trigger food was, obviously try to steer clear of it in the future! But if you're not sure, write down everything you remember about what you ate -- use this list of common culprits as a memory jogger -- and see a doctor for testing.

Cow's milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Tree nuts (cashews, walnuts, almonds, etc.)
Shellfish
Soy
Wheat
Red wine
Citrus (limes, oranges, et al.)
Tomatoes
Hot spices, such as chili seasonings