Several types of skin problems can lead to skin irritation, such as an illness or allergic reaction. Try to keep in mind everything you have come in contact with in the past 24 hours, so you can pinpoint the cause of the itchiness and get relief for your symptoms. Always seek medical help for a rash or skin condition that gets worse or does not improve with over-the-counter medicine.
Identification
If the area on your skin is red with no inflammation or rash, it is possible that it could be a slight irritation from clothing or something you have come in contact with. Family Doctor website explains ways of identifying problems that cause itchy skin irritation, including rash, raised bumps, blisters, bald spot, blotchy skin, scaly skin, oozing bumps or sores, bruising, swelling or a fleshy bump that is itchy and red.
Causes
Once the skin is exposed to an allergen, your immune system reacts through a change in the condition of the skin. The onset of many illnesses can cause itchy and reddened skin such as chicken pox, measles or Rocky Mountain spotted fever -- all which start off red and then develop into a visible rash that can cause itching and irritation. Bug bites may also be a cause. Mosquitoes, tick, flea, bed bug or scabies infestation can start off as an intense itch or bites, and then lead to redness. An allergic reaction that irritates the skin, such as being exposed to chemicals or irritant,s can cause redness on the skin, followed by itchiness and possibly hives or a rash. A mole or bump on the skin that does not heal or itches could be an indication of skin cancer.
Treatment
Conditions that cause red and itchy skin, such as chicken pox and measles, can be relieved by taking an anti-inflammatory and also something to soothe the skin, such as an oatmeal bath. Bug bites can be soothed by spraying anti-itch solution on the area or soothing it with an ice pack. An allergic reaction may need medical treatment, which consists of a steroid treatment or cortisone cream to help with the itch. Any type of skin bump that is red or not healing may have to be removed and examined in pathology to rule out skin problems. If you have been exposed to poison ivy, oak or sumac, you can use over-the-counter treatments, such as calamine lotion directly on the skin and Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine to help reduce inflammation, explains the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Prevention
The best way to prevent any type of irritation of the skin is to avoid the cause. This means avoiding people who may have communicable illness, such as chicken pox or scabies. Stay away from plants that have three leaves in the garden -- as they could be an indication of poison ivy. Try to avoid common allergens that could trigger an allergic reaction, such as pet dander, certain foods, pollens or medications.
Warning
If your redness and itching gets severe and to the point of intense inflammation, go to the emergency room -- this could be an indication of anaphylactic shock. This is a life-threatening condition in which the airways can become constricted and the patient is unable to breathe, notes MedlinePlus website.
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