Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can be caused by direct contact with an allergen, a material or substance that causes red skin welts and bumps. It is usually caused by direct contact with an allergen. Itchy skin conditions are sometimes reffered to as uticaria or nettle rash. Itchy skin reactions (hives) are also known to be caused by stress.

There are two main types of hives or uticaria that cause itchy skin:-

• Allergic Uticaria (hives) Histamine and other allergens are released from mast cells (which play a role in allergy, anaphalylaxis and wound healing) in the skin and tissues by linking allergen bound antibodies to create the allergic itchy skin reaction known as hives.
  



• Non-allergenic Uticaria (hives) are emotionally induced and often linked to stress. Acute uticaria (itchy skin or hives) occur minutes after exposure to an allergen and can last from a few hours to several weeks. This type of hives tend to be a food related allergic reaction from products such as shellfish, eggs, nuts, fish and dye.

Physical uticaria (itchy skin or hives) refers to common reactions to scratched skin, body heat (after exercising), cold and delayed pressure (belts and bra straps).

More rare itchy skin reactions are related to physical things such as water, heat, sunlight, vibration and adrenaline. Treatment relies on removing the sufferer from the hive generating allergen and taking appropriate anti-histamines to alleviate the more extreme allergic itchy skin reaction. Lotions, creams and body oils use ingredients such as aloe and provitamin B5, which sooth and calm the skin and reduce the inflammation and redness associated with itchy skin.