Our skin is the biggest organ of our body. Urticaria, also called, hives, are raised blotches of reddened skin (wheals) causing severe itching from an allergic reaction to an external factor. These swellings appear like rashes on the skin and are extremely itchy. They can appear anywhere on the body in batches, on the face, the extremities, the torso, back or pelvic area.
The reason why urticaria occurs is not clearly defined. There are many trigger factors like medication, certain foods, bacterial or viral infections, intestinal parasites, pet dander, insects, pollen, chemicals, exercise, emotional stress, water or even sunlight. Dr. Stanley Fineman, an allergist says “Hives usually are caused by other things besides infection, although it could be from a virus. It could be from an allergen, or some sort of an allergy that you have. It could be from a hormonal change. And it even could be emotional in some situations.”
There are mainly two types of hives:
Acute Urticaria: is when recurrent episodes of hives last for a few days to a maximum of six weeks. For most of them, it doesn’t last any more than 24 hours.
Chronic Urticaria: is when intermittent and recurrent hives episodes last for a duration of a year to about five years. It may last longer for some people.
Acute hives is treated primarily by avoiding the trigger (the allergen leading to the episode of hives). It is then managed with antihistamines to be taken regularly for a few weeks. An allergy specialist doctor will prescribe two or three antihistamine combinations along with anti-itch balms for the itching to subside.
Chronic hives, being a long term illness with complications, involves avoidance of factors that aggravate hives episodes along with treatment with non-sedating antihistamines, antibiotics, Omalizumab - a biologic antibody agent and topical soothing agents. Depending on the symptoms, a combination of these medicines are prescribed.
Angioedema, that is similar to hives, is the rapid swelling of the mucosa underneath the skin, mostly on the face, throat, abdomen, limbs and genitals. This can be resolved through an immediate visit to an allergy specialist or an immunologist doctor who will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, anti-itch medication and sometimes corticosteroid drugs or immune modulators depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Most cases of acute urticaria can be managed with a general physician consultation. If the allergy trigger is identified and avoided then the symptoms can be resolved. However, if the allergen cannot be identified, then one needs to either talk to an allergist and immunologist online or consult an allergy specialist doctor face-to-face. In the same manner, if symptoms persists despite avoiding the allergy trigger or if the medicine continues to be ineffective, it surely warrants a talk with an immunologist or allergist.
Remedial Measures to Follow When Diagnosed with Urticaria
Wear loose clothing and light-weight clothing
Control or avoid alcohol intake
Choose mild soaps, lotions and creams for sensitive skin
Avoid medication that triggers hives
Cool the skin with cold compresses
Avoid foods that trigger histamine production
Peanuts, walnuts and cashew nuts
Artificial flavors and additives
Even though there is no specific cure for this condition, with proper treatment, follow-ups and a life filled with healthy choices, one can lead a normal life. Know and understand your body’s health condition with the help of an allergy specialist to get back to enjoying your life and living it up.