Urticaria , commonly known as hives , is a skin condition that manifests as red rashes. Accompanied by skin swelling that can last from a few minutes to 24 hours, the disease presents with symptoms such as itching and burning. The redness during urticaria can spread over large areas of the skin and vary in size. If the swelling and redness caused by urticaria last longer than 6 weeks, or even continue for months or years, it is called chronic urticaria . So, what are the symptoms and causes of urticaria ? In this article, we have examined the details you might be wondering about regarding urticaria .
What is urticaria (hives)?
Hives are a skin condition that can arise for various reasons and causes redness and itching of the skin. Approximately 20% of the population is likely to experience hives at least once. The itchy, raised bumps on the skin can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. These rashes, which appear suddenly, usually disappear on their own after a while. Frequent recurrence of hives and the development of chronic urticaria may necessitate more advanced treatment methods.
Urticaria is a condition that can occur at any age, starting from infancy. In childhood, hives can develop as a result of frequent infectious diseases, the use of various medications, and the presence of intestinal parasites. If symptoms become severe, it is strongly recommended to seek medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
In adults, urticaria can sometimes develop alone, and sometimes in conjunction with conditions such as angioedema. Urticaria is twice as common in women as in men. The majority of cases manifest as acute urticaria. Identifying the agents that cause urticaria through allergy tests and avoiding them can be effective in treating urticaria .
What causes urticaria (hives)?
Hives are a condition caused by the body producing histamine and similar chemicals under the skin for various reasons. These substances cause fluid to accumulate under the skin, manifesting as raised bumps. The severity of this reaction can vary from person to person. While hives are generally considered an allergic reaction, infections, medications, and foods can also be triggers in some cases. Factors that can cause hives include the following:
Infectious diseases
Pollen
High fever
Some foods include peanuts, nuts, shellfish, eggs, strawberries, and dairy products.
Sudden changes in ambient temperature
Latex
House dust mites
Animal species and secretions
Antibiotics and some medications
Creams, perfumes, and some chemical cleaning agents.
Sunlight
Intestinal parasites
Intense exercise
Thyroid disease
Various autoimmune diseases
Insect bite
In most patients experiencing urticaria, the exact trigger is unknown, and many different factors can cause the condition. Allergy tests also offer screening for a limited number of allergens in most cases. Urticaria, which can be defined as an autoimmune response of the body to certain factors, generally follows a similar treatment protocol for all types.
What are the types of urticaria?
Urticaria types are divided into two different groups: acute and chronic.
Acute Urticaria: While the exact cause of most acute urticaria cases is unknown, dust, mites, textiles, plant pollens, chemicals, various foods, and medications can all play a triggering role. In cases caused by medication, symptoms typically begin after 36 hours. Penicillin, cephalosporins, and sulfonamide-based medications are among the most common allergens. Various foods are also a frequent cause of acute urticaria. In acute cases, symptoms persist for a maximum of 6 weeks. Improvement increases as exposure to the offending substances is avoided.
Chronic Urticaria: In cases lasting longer than 6 weeks, the condition is called chronic urticaria. Factors that trigger the disease include allergens, foods, medications, dental treatment, menstruation, pregnancy, systemic diseases, and the person's mood.
What are the symptoms of urticaria?
The symptoms of urticaria are similar in most cases. The symptoms of the disease are as follows:
Mild or severe itching, burning, or stinging sensation on the skin.
Raising patterns of varying sizes that can appear on the skin.
Redness and swelling of the skin.
In acute urticaria, symptoms may disappear completely within a day, but they can reappear. In chronic urticaria, symptoms worsen periodically and can persist for years.
How is urticaria diagnosed?
Because hives typically present with a consistent pattern, physicians can easily diagnose urticaria based on patient complaints and various physical examination findings. Certain tests are ordered for a definitive diagnosis, and the results can confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, the diagnosis can be made quickly by the physician in cases that develop suddenly. If the urticaria symptoms subside by the time of the doctor's appointment, the diagnosis can be made based on the patient's description. The important point here is to inquire whether the symptoms resolve within 24 hours, as there are other skin conditions that resemble urticaria. The duration of the symptoms is also crucial in determining whether the condition is acute or chronic. Furthermore, potential causative agents are also investigated during the diagnostic process.
How to get rid of urticaria?
Urticaria is a condition with symptoms that can be confused with other skin diseases. Therefore, it is essential to first determine if it is urticaria. The most effective way to do this is to consult a doctor and undergo a physical examination. It is necessary to avoid using any medication without a doctor's recommendation. Patients with chronic urticaria can use antihistamine medications prescribed by their doctor. On the other hand, in cases of acute urticaria, it is necessary to avoid contact with any chemicals or allergens. If symptoms do not subside within a few days in acute cases, it is essential to consult a doctor. Additionally, if urticaria worsens and symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue, and confusion occur, it is necessary to immediately go to the emergency room of a hospital.
How is urticaria treated?
Although there are many different treatment methods for urticaria, there is currently no definitive cure. The first step in treatment is the use of antihistamine medications. Improvement is observed in most cases after the use of these medications. In patients who do not see improvement, the dosage of the medication may be increased after 2-4 weeks under the supervision of a doctor. In patients who do not improve even at the maximum dose, subcutaneous injection of medication is tried. The injection is given to the patient once a month. These patients should be continuously monitored by a physician, and the effectiveness of the treatment should be examined through health checks. On the other hand, patients with allergies to certain medications should inform their doctor at every visit. Since there is a risk of developing a serious allergic shock in the form of anaphylaxis in such individuals, it is extremely important to seek medical attention immediately if they come into contact with the allergen. If you are struggling with hives and experiencing itching symptoms, you can read the article "Ways to Get Rid of Itchy Hives" for detailed information on the subject.
If you suspect you have hives and are experiencing similar symptoms, you can consult a dermatologist immediately to take the necessary precautions. Also, if you struggle with conditions like eczema during the winter months, you can read articles on "Winter Eczema" and " What Causes Foot Eczema ?" to gain more information about the condition.