Urticaria is a rash caused by an allergic reaction to food, drugs, or other irritants. Other factors could include a physical trigger, such as pressure from tight clothing, or an underlying health problem. Urticaria is also known as hives, welts, wheals, or nettle rash. Urticaria comes in two forms: chronic and acute. Acute hives last for six weeks or less and are caused by an allergen or irritant, such as food or contact with a nettle. Chronic urticaria lasts for a long time. For months or years, a person with chronic urticaria may experience hives every day. Urticaria are usually non-contagious. However, in some cases, these occurs with a contagious infection.
Is Urticaria a risky condition? Yes, it can be.
When a person gets hives, they run the danger of developing anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. Other signs of this condition to be aware of include swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, a quick heartbeat, or lightheadedness. Anyone who thinks they could be suffering from anaphylaxis should seek medical attention immediately.
Urticaria Causes:
a) Acute urticaria by allergens can be caused through:
- Drugs, such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or blood pressure medications.
- Food allergy to nuts, eggs, shellfish, or another food
- Nettles, poison ivy, and poison oak among other plants.
- Food, cosmetics, and other goods that contain additives
- Latex
Urticaria can be caused by something other than an allergen.
High body temperature, due to sweating, exercise, anxiety, or a hot shower adrenalin, which the body releases during exercise and exposure to heat or stress, UV light from a tanning bed, in rare cases water on the skin can also be a reason.
Health issues that can cause Urticaria include:
- Infections caused by viruses, such as influenza, the common cold, glandular fever, or hepatitis B.
- Bacterial illnesses, such as strep throat and some urinary tract infections.
- Giardia lamblia and other intestinal parasites.
- Hypothyroidism caused by autoimmunity.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes all autoimmune diseases cause hive.
- Any other disorder that produces blood vessel irritation.
Chronic Urticaria could be the result of an autoimmune reaction, although the exact reason is unknown.
Treatment
The appropriate treatment strategy is determined by the cause and whether the problem is acute or chronic.
Acute urticaria
- Non-sedating antihistamines.
- Short-term use of topical steroids.
- Antiseptic creams to prevent a secondary infection.
- Soothing creams to reduce itchiness.
Chronic urticaria
Antihistamines may be needed on a frequent basis by someone with chronic urticaria until their symptoms subside.