Allergies which cause itching

It can be difficult to understand exactly what is causing the skin to itch. Itchy skin can be the result of a rash or another skin condition. It can also be a symptom of a more serious condition such as liver disease or kidney failure. To get relief, it is important to identify the problem and treat the underlying cause. Skin serves a vital purpose as the barrier that protects the inside of the body.

It is filled with special cells of the immune system that can protect the body and skin from viruses, bacteria, and other hidden threats. Once the skin cells detect any type of suspicious substance, they trigger a reaction that causes the area to become inflamed. Medical professionals refer to this inflammation as a rash or dermatitis.

This can lead to itching. Immune cells can react to something that touches the skin, a whole-body infection, or an illness. Some rashes are red, painful, and irritated, while others can lead to blisters or patches of raw skin.

Itching is a symptom common to many skin complaints. Skin can itch all over the body or only in specific areas. Dry skin is one of the most common causes of itchy skin. If a person does not see any bright red bumps or notice a sudden change to their skin, dry skin is a likely cause.

Environmental factors that can lead to dry skin include excessively hot or cold weather with low humidity. Washing too much can also cause dry skin. It can affect any age group, but as people age, their skin becomes thinner and drier. A good moisturizer can usually help repair dry skin. Extremely dry skin can be a warning sign of dermatitis, so it may be necessary to see a dermatologist to help get relief and keep the condition from becoming worse.

It is important to seek help to treat dry skin because cracks in the skin can allow germs to enter. Once inside the skin, these germs can cause an infection. Red, sore spots on the skin are often an early sign of a potential infection. A skin specialist may prescribe a special moisturizer to apply throughout the day or a topical medicine to apply directly to the skin. Eczema , or atopic dermatitis, is the most common cause of skin rash in children.

The cause is linked to the leakiness of the skin barrier. This causes the area to dry out, putting it at risk of irritation and inflammation. It is vital to keep the skin moisturized. Eczema often improves over time. People with eczema must be careful, however, as they are more vulnerable to skin infections. Which natural remedies can help with eczema? Irritation and allergic reactions can also cause itchy skin.

Acute urticaria is most commonly caused by exposure to an allergen or by an infection. The cause of chronic urticaria is largely unknown. Contact dermatitis is a reaction that appears when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or an allergen.

Symptoms can include a rash, blisters, itching and burning. Soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos — or even excessive exposure to water — can all cause contact dermatitis.

Other items that can cause a reaction are metals such as nickel, a component of stainless steel and other alloys used to make costume jewelry , adhesives, nail polish, topical medications, plants and latex gloves. This condition is called photoallergic contact dermatitis.

It can occur with products such as shaving lotion, sunscreen and some perfumes. Eczema also commonly called atopic dermatitis typically results in dry, sensitive skin.

You may experience red itchy patches. Eczema can come and go over time, and flare-ups may crack, ooze, and itch severely. It is very itchy and can vary in severity from mild just dry skin to severe red, scaly, thick, fissured and oozing skin. Hives also known as urticaria are raised itchy bumps. Contact dermatitis is typically caused by exposure to an allergen or irritant.

If you have red itchy bumps on your skin, especially at the site of contact with some potential irritant or allergen, you may be experiencing contact dermatitis. If you suspect you have any of these conditions, your allergist can conduct an examination and do testing to help determine the cause of your skin reaction and can recommend treatment to help relieve your symptoms.

Avoid scratching! Scratching your rash or hives can create more irritation and can lead to infection. Frequent baths followed immediately with adequate moisturization may help ease your discomfort. Allergists are specially trained to help treat your condition. Your allergist may prescribe a cream or oral medication to help alleviate your discomfort. Antihistamines and moisturizing ointments can also help ease irritation and dryness. Recently, new medications have been approved, including an ointment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis and a biologic for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

You can discuss these options with your allergist. There are many possible causes for your skin rash. Some types of rashes are caused by allergies, others may be caused by infections, skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, or even just dry or damaged skin.

Your allergist can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe treatment to help you take control and find relief. Two people who have the same allergy may not react the same way when exposed to the allergen.

Some allergic reactions are dangerous, such as anaphylaxis shock which stops you from breathing , while others are simply uncomfortable. Examples of allergic reactions include:.

Itchy skin that is caused by allergies generally comes on suddenly and intensely after you are exposed to the allergen. You will notice an urge to itch all over your body out of nowhere. Itchy skin may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as hives or redness of the skin, or it may happen independently.

Itchy skin can happen due to a variety of allergens. Keep in mind that not every allergen causes the same symptoms for every person. In fact, your symptoms may change over time when you get exposed to the same allergen.