Itchy all over the body, and it turns red when scratched—could this be an allergy?
Disease description:
Recently, my whole body has been itchy for no apparent reason, and scratching leaves red patches. Could this be an allergic reaction? I haven't eaten anything unusual, so why did this suddenly happen?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
In general, if the entire body feels itchy and turns red easily upon scratching, it may indicate an allergic reaction, although it could also be caused by other factors.
Allergic reactions typically occur when the immune system abnormally responds to certain substances such as foods, medications, or pollen. When an allergen enters the body, it can sensitize the immune system, leading to symptoms such as itching, rashes, and hives. Scratching the itchy areas usually causes redness due to skin irritation.
However, this condition could also be related to other skin disorders such as urticaria or eczema. For example, urticaria is characterized by localized, raised, swollen areas on the skin or mucous membranes, often accompanied by itching. After scratching, a raised, red streak may appear along the scratch mark, accompanied by swelling. Eczema presents with symptoms such as redness, papules, and blisters, and the skin tends to become highly sensitive during flare-ups. Scratching may also lead to redness and swelling.
In daily life, it is recommended to keep the skin clean and dry and to avoid scratching in order to prevent worsening of the condition.
