Even a small scratch or slight pressure on the skin may cause red welts or rashes. This skin conditions is known as dermatographic urticaria and welts on skin is one of the symptoms of this conditions.
When you experience any allergic reaction, your body produces a chemical substance known histamine below the surface of skin. On its release, histamine reacts with proteins in the body, known as histamine receptors (H1 receptor, in particular). This interaction causes inflammation of the skin, which in turn produces welts or hives. Sometimes this condition is referred to as dermatographism, which literally means skin writing, since bumps appear on the skin when it is stroked, scratched, rubbed, and even slapped. These welts tend to remain on the skin for sometime and then disappear. However, at times, these may stay longer than a week. In such a case, a visit to the dermatologist is essential.
Causes of Itchy Welts on the Skin
Welts can appear on any part of the body. They may be noticed on the face, hands, legs, chest, back, etc. These red patches of raised skin can be quite irritating and sometimes itchy. White, itchy welts on the skin are also observed in some people. Though there are many reasons why welts develop on the skin, however none of the causes are concretely verified by experts. Most of the people believe that the main cause of welts on skin that itch is some kind of allergy. Following are some of the causative factors which are believed to be the reason behind bumps on the skin.
- As mentioned above, allergy is one of the main triggers of this skin condition. People suffering from allergies like dust, animal dander and pollen may show this reaction.
- Many people are allergic to some of the food items like nuts, fish, synthetic foods, etc. As soon as these people consume these foods, they get rashes and inflammation in various parts of the body which may result in excess itching.
- People may also develop allergy from some kind of drugs and medication which also result in welts on skin.
- Fungal, bacterial and some form of hepatitis infection may trigger the immune system and cause welts.
- Allergic reactions due to the use of some cosmetics can also be a reason behind the bumps.
- Some people believe that insect or mosquito bites may also lead to skin rashes.
- Temperature change, emotional stress, autoimmune disorders are responsible for the appearance of itchy skin rashes.
Treatment for Itchy Skin Welts
Welts on the body may disappear with time but if they start itching then the problem may not be normal and may require treatment. For such conditions you need to go for medical treatment and get the welts treated as soon as possible.
- You may be prescribed some antihistamine drugs like Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Claritin, Zyrtec, Atarax, Vistaril, etc. These drugs may sometimes make you sleepy and drowsy.
- The physician may also prescribe some ointments, steroids, creams and lotion which may help you to get rid of the itchy sensation.
- Some medication like antifungal drugs or antibiotics may also help you to overcome the fungal and bacterial infection.
- In severe conditions you may be advised to undergo ultraviolet radiation.
- In case of stress and immune disorders, immune system suppressants and tricyclic antidepressants may be helpful.
You should avoid the usage of cosmetics and creams which are high in chemicals to save yourself from welts on the face. Do not scratch the itchy skin as rashes on skin after scratching can become critical, which may take more time to heal. You should also avoid the food you are allergic to. The temperature of your surrounding will also affect the healing time.
People who have sensitive skin are more prone towards getting welts on skin that itch. If you have welts on the skin then try to avoid going in the sun as it may worsen the condition. Skin rashes or bumps that come and go, may seem to be very common but they may get worse in time. So take care of the skin and consult a doctor if you observe any symptoms.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
