How Urticaria (Hives)

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of itchy, raised, red or white welts on the skin. These welts can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and may appear anywhere on the body. Hives can occur as individual lesions or in clusters and typically resolve within 24 hours, but new hives may continue to appear. Here's an overview of urticaria:

Symptoms of Urticaria:

- Raised, itchy, red or white welts on the skin

- Intense itching

- Swelling of the affected areas

- Burning or stinging sensation on the skin

- In severe cases, hives can also cause swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, leading to difficulty breathing

Causes of Urticaria:

Urticaria can be caused by various factors, including:

- Allergic reactions: Hives can develop as a reaction to allergens such as certain foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk), insect bites or stings, medications (e.g., penicillin), latex, and environmental allergens like pollen or pet dander.

- Non-allergic triggers: Some cases of urticaria are not related to allergies and can be triggered by factors such as stress, heat, cold, exercise, pressure on the skin (e.g., tight clothing), sunlight, infections, and certain medical conditions (e.g., thyroid issues, autoimmune diseases).

Types of Urticaria:

- Acute urticaria: This is the most common type of urticaria and usually lasts less than 6 weeks. It's often caused by an allergic reaction or non-allergic triggers.

- Chronic urticaria: When hives persist for more than 6 weeks, it's considered chronic urticaria. The cause of chronic urticaria can be more challenging to identify and may require further investigation.

Treatment for Urticaria:

Treatment for urticaria aims to relieve symptoms, prevent new hives from appearing, and address any underlying causes. Common treatment options include:

- Antihistamines: These medications help block the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction, and can relieve itching and reduce the appearance of hives.

- Corticosteroids: In severe cases, oral or topical corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.

- Avoidance of triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as specific foods or allergens, can help prevent hives from occurring.

- Epinephrine: In rare cases of severe anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) may be prescribed for emergency use.

When to See a Doctor:

Seek medical attention if:

- Hives are accompanied by swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, making it difficult to breathe.

- Hives persist for more than a few days or keep recurring.

- Over-the-counter antihistamines don't provide relief.

- You suspect a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).