Urticaria is a common skin ailment in which the skin gets swollen in the form of red patches in some or all parts of the body. These patches are usually in the form of swellings and cause itching. Urticaria is also known as hives. Urticaria is an allergic skin rash also known as 'nettle rash' or hives. There are two distinct types: acute urticaria is often caused by an allergy and can last between several hours and six weeks; chronic urticaria persists beyond six weeks. Most hives go away within days to a few weeks. The skin becomes covered with pinkish or red bumps or swollen areas of skin. Sometimes they itch real bad, and at other times they don't. You can get hives over most of your body, or sometimes just on your stomach, or arms. The medical name for hives is urticaria.
Hives are caused by the allergic reaction takes place in the body due to intake of certain food substances, medicines, infection or some other factors. Because of this allergic reaction the immune system of body tends to produce IgE antibodies and these antibodies bind the mast cells which in turn promotes the growth of histamine inside the body. There are different causes for hives. Acute urticaria is usually caused by food allergy after eating eggs, nuts, soy or shellfish. Chronic urticaria is seldom caused by being allergic to food. It is the kind of hives that lasts the longest and it is the most difficult to cure. Drug induced urticaria as the name suggest, is caused by drugs. This type of urticaria in most severe cases can even lead to hypotension and problems with breathing. The physical urticaria can be of many types, like cold, solar, aquagenic and many more.
Urticaria may stem from a few various allergens including food, pet fur, mold and pollen. In some patients, urticaria may be triggered by heat, sweating, stress and exposure to sunlight. One should consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis in case the suspicion of uticaria arises. The doctor can also provide advice regarding the causes of Urticaria in a specific patient and about recommended treatment methods.
Sometimes urticaria hives are not brought on by an allergic reaction. These can be triggered by extreme temperatures, acute stress, prolonged exposure to sunlight or a sudden increase in body temperature due to exercise or climate. By reducing daily stress and physical exertion, urticaria hives can be minimized and chronic urticaria can dissipate. Keeping the body hydrated is an important component to keeping it cool, and this can help prevent urticaria hives. Identifying and preventing the cause of urticaria is the most important step to keeping the number and intensity of chronic urticaria incidents to a minimum.
Oral antihistamines control wealing and itching for the majority of patients with urticaria. Avoid aspirin and codeine. It is usually safe to take paracetamol and the newer Cox-II inhibitor anti-inflammatories and avoid alcohol. Non-sedating antihistamines (loratidine, fexofenadine, terfenadine, cetirazine, and astemizole) are less likely to cause drowsiness than the less expensive conventional antihistamines. They may be unsuitable in pregnancy. Remember, although hives are rarely serious, the allergies which cause them can be. If you are experiencing reoccurring hives speak to your physician and consider testing for allergies and unknown immune deficiencies.Most hives go away within days to a few weeks. The skin becomes covered with pinkish or red bumps or swollen areas of skin. Sometimes they itch real bad, and at other times they don't. You can get hives over most of your body, or sometimes just on your stomach, or arms. The medical name for hives is urticaria.
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