Itchy Skin, Redness, and Hives: Common Causes of Skin Allergy Symptoms

Redness, bumps, scales, itchiness, blisters or swelling-- skin irritations are very common. Most people will experience one of these symptoms at some point in their life, but it may not be easy to know why. They come on suddenly and progress quickly and can be a sign of illnesses like measles or chicken pox, or a reaction to plants like poison ivy. They can also be caused by chronic and ongoing conditions, like allergies. When you come into contact with something that your immune system views as a threat, it responds by releasing a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine, along with other substances released by the body, is what causes the allergic reaction.