The words “allergy season” are most often associated with things like itchy eyes and a runny nose, but this time of year I see quite a few people dealing with itchy skin.

According to WedMD an allergy occurs when the body is unable to tell the difference between a harmless substance and a true invader.  The body attacks the perceived threat by releasing a chemical called histamine.  Histamine dilates the small blood vessels through out your body and allows them to become permeable so that white blood cells can have easy access to the invader.  This causes the runny nose and eyes typically associated with allergies, but it also contributes to swelling in the skin and triggers other inflammatory responses that can cause itchiness, rashes, hives or wheals (which, as an example, is the mark left by a mosquito bite).

Aside from the obvious discomfort, rashes and excess histamine have other more long-term effects on the skin.  Firstly, the physical act of scratching can break down the skin’s protective barrier making it more susceptible to further irritation, dehydration and bacteria.  Scratching also causes the body to release more histamine which can prolong the healing process.  Additionally studies show an excess of histamine in the skin activates the enzyme collagenase and the enzyme elastase which break down collagen and elastin respectively.  Hyaluronic acid, which is found in skin tissue and is a natural hydrator, is also lost during a histamine reaction.  The loss of collagen, elastin and the supporting fluids such as hyaluronic acid compromise our skin’s firmness, leaving it less toned and prone to wrinkling.

Although it is often hard to always avoid allergens (grass??), it is best to be aware of what causes irritation for a number of reasons.  Keeping the collegen and elastin in our skin healthy is the best way to keep it looking it’s best as we age.