What is often associated with severe itching in skin conditions?

Urticaria, also known as hives, is closely associated with severe itching due to the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells in the skin. These chemicals cause the characteristic raised, red welts that are often accompanied by intense itching. The mechanism behind this itching involves the body's immune response, wherein allergens or irritants can trigger the release of these substances, leading to the sensation of itchiness, inflammation, and swelling in the affected areas.

Understanding urticaria's role in severe itching helps clarify why it is commonly recognized in this context compared to other skin conditions. While infections, psoriasis, and dermatitis may also result in itching, they tend to involve a broader range of symptoms and etiologies that do not exclusively focus on the acute, intense itching often seen with urticaria. In cases of dermatitis, for example, while itching is a symptom, it is often accompanied by redness, scaling, or other features that distinguish it from urticaria.