Skin On The Attack: Symptoms Of A Histamine Reaction

The skin is our largest organ. Acting as a waterproof, insulating shield, it protects our body against the damaging effects of sunlight, harmful chemicals and bacterial infection to name but a few, but what happens once the living layers of our skin are penetrated or damaged? Simple...
Specialized cells located in the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the epidermis) take action to eliminate the invader and initiate cell repair, releasing the signalling substance known as histamine. The result? Our pain reaction is triggered and the blood capillaries in the effected area dilate to create an array of symptoms:

• Itching: itching is a common symptom of numerous reactions and is simply the skin's way of drawing attention to a problem in order for us to ensure we take the appropriate care required to eliminate the root cause. This particular histamine reaction is the result of the stimulation of a minimal amount of nerve endings. Although scratching may ease discomfort, great care should be taken to prevent breaking the skin resulting in infection.
• Erythema: erythema is a result of dilating blood capillaries in the dermis layer of skin. As blood flow increases, the removal of irritant or penetrant from the effected area speeds up as well as the transport of repair materials required to heal the damage caused. The result? a visible reddening (erythema) of the skin.
• Pain: pain is a common reaction of numerous skin diseases and is created by the stimulation of pain nerve endings. Although an increased build up of fluid in the effected area puts pressure on the nerve endings, the pain experienced during a histamine reaction will more than often subside once the infection or irritant is removed.
• Swelling: swelling occurs when the stimulation of blood forces serum (the watery component of blood) to seep through the capillary walls into tissue. While localized swelling produces a bubble of colourless fluid (a blister) beneath skin, an advanced reaction will not only cause the formation of a large blister, but skin to become visibly puffy. A substantial increase in fluid to the effected area will often help to dilute the irritant while 'cushioning' the deeper layers of skin from injury.
• Inflammation: inflammation is simply the natural reaction of body tissue to infection or injury. An increase in blood supply draws the extra white blood cells required to promote the healing process while the effected area becomes visibly red, swollen, hot and tender. All inflammation disorders end with itis, for example, the common skin condition dermatitis.
• Pustule: pustules are visibly raised and inflamed pus filled spots on the skin. The yellowish liquid contains a combination of white blood cells, bacteria (dead and living) and fragments of dead tissue which has been destroyed by bacteria and serum. Although the colour of pus varies depending on the type of bacteria present, it is the bodies method of fighting bacteria.

Although the extent of a histamine reaction varies depending on the nature and severity of injury, a mild reaction can be determined by the presence of itching together with a slight erythema (reddening) of the skin. A more severe case on the other hand, will not only see skin swell and inflame, but the individual will experience pain, pimples and pustules.