Urticaria: Urticaria or hives is a skin rash that usually results from an allergic reaction. The hives can differ in size and shape, tiny pin pricks to bulky welts, but they most often appear as inflamed, itchy bumps and can be found any where on the body. Urticaria that last only a few hours or days before going away is called Acute Urticaria. Hives that persist longer than six weeks are diagnosed as Chronic Urticaria.
Acute Urticaria occurs in response to histamine, a chemical released from cells in the skin’s blood vessels. Certain foods, insect bites and stings, and medications can all cause a histamine release. The most common foods that cause hives are eggs, nuts, wheat and milk. Food additives may also prompt a reaction. Medications that can cause hives include aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and painkillers (codeine). Acute Urticaria may also be triggered by emotional stress, temperature extremes, perspiration and illness.
Several environmental factors may trigger Urticaria. Some types of food tend to cause more reactions than others and those include eggs, nuts, wheat and milk. Sometimes additives within those items can trigger acute symptoms. Bugs such as bees and other stinging insects may cause an outbreak. There are also instances of the body reacting to medicines or chemicals with rashes and hives. Immune deficiencies may cause inflammation as well as day-to-day stress, exercise, experiences of sudden heat or cold.
Treatment: the objective of treatment is to alleviate the symptoms of hives because the rashes usually disappear away on their own. Medications and ointments, which relieve the burning, stinging and itching as they numb the skin are commonly used. The majority of these items do not require a prescription, and they are available at a local markets and pharmacies.
The most commonly prescribed remedy is antihistamines and can be had without a doctor’s prescription. Some familiar names are Benadryl, Claritin and Zyrtec.
Prescriptions are usually only given to those suffering with Chronic Urticaria. They consist of antihistamines as well as H2 blockers, oral steroids, UV radiation or antifungal antibiotics may also be a course of treatment.
Summary: Urticaria, a.k.a. Hives, is a skin rash that appears most often as a result of an allergic reaction. It can appear any where on the body and is usually self correcting within a few hours to a few weeks. If hives are persistent, lasting for more than six weeks, it is considered Chronic Urticaria and a physician should be consulted.
While antihistamines are usually effective in eliminating the symptoms, the only way to avoid outbreaks in the future is to avoid the cause. Causes may include allergens in the environment or food sources. Keeping a food diary can help discover problem foods.
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