Itchy skin causes pimples when scratched

Many people have very sensitive skin. If it itches, red bumps will appear when scratched, which is very annoying. When this happens, we generally consider it as urticaria. The symptoms of urticaria are the same as this. Red bumps will appear when scratched with your hands, which can also make us very uncomfortable. Urticaria has also become a very common skin disease. Let's take a look at why bumps appear when you scratch your body when it itches.

Have you ever experienced this phenomenon: when you scratch your skin, red bumps appear. Sometimes the bumps disappear on their own, but sometimes they last for a long time. Why do bumps appear when you scratch your skin? Is it urticaria?

Do the bumps disappear on their own? If they do, it is considered a symptom of urticaria. Urticaria is mainly caused by low immunity, dysfunctional body functions, and some symptoms of blood toxins and blood heat in the body. When they accumulate in the body and are stimulated by external factors, they will flow down to the epidermis and cause this phenomenon.

The cause of urticaria is very complicated, and the cause cannot be found in about 3/4 of patients, especially chronic urticaria. The common causes include: food and food additives; inhalants; infection; drugs; physical factors such as mechanical stimulation, cold and heat, sunlight, etc.; insect bites; mental factors and endocrine changes; genetic factors, etc.

Clinical manifestations

The basic lesion is the appearance of wheals on the skin. The skin often itches first, followed by the appearance of wheals, which are bright red or pale, skin-colored. A few patients have edematous erythema. The size and shape of the wheals vary, and the onset time is uncertain. The wheals gradually spread and merge into sheets. Due to edema of the dermal papillae, the openings of the epidermal hair follicles can be seen sunken downward. The wheal lasts from several minutes to several hours, and in some cases it can last for several days before disappearing without leaving any trace. The rash occurs repeatedly in batches, mostly in the evening. Wheals are often generalized but may also be localized. Sometimes it is accompanied by angioedema, and occasionally bullae form on the surface of the wheal.

Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, head swelling, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe patients may also have systemic symptoms such as chest tightness, discomfort, pale complexion, accelerated heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure, and shortness of breath.

A disease that is cured in a short period of time is called acute urticaria. If the urticaria recurs at least twice a week for more than 6 weeks, it is called chronic urticaria. In addition to the common urticaria mentioned above, there are also the following special types of urticaria.

1. Skin scratch urticaria/artificial urticaria

The patient's physiological response to weak external mechanical stimulation is enhanced, causing wheals on the skin. After scratching, or when wearing tight belts or garters, the patient will develop local wheals and itching.

2. Delayed dermatographism

Skin scratches will cause wheals and erythema 6 to 8 hours after stimulation, and the wheals will last for 24 to 48 hours. There is more than one delayed skin lesion, and small segments or dots are formed along the scratch. The lesions are deeper or wider, and even expand to both sides to form lumps. Local fever and tenderness.

3. Delayed pressure urticaria

The rash develops 4 to 6 hours after local skin pressure is applied and usually lasts 8 to 12 hours. Symptoms include localized, deep, painful swelling, which may be accompanied by chills, fever, headache, joint pain, malaise, and a mild increase in white blood cell count. Large local swelling resembles angioedema and is prone to occur on the palms, soles, and buttocks. There may be a 24-hour incubation period before the lesions occur.

If you feel itchy and bumps appear when you scratch your body, we know through the introduction that the most likely possibility is urticaria. You should check and confirm the diagnosis in time. If it is urticaria, you should be able to receive timely treatment. There are also many issues that you should pay attention to in your daily life. You should eat less spicy and irritating foods, maintain a good mood, and change some bad habits, such as smoking, staying up late, and drinking.