Urticaria/Hives Types, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Urticaria is a type of skin rash. It appears as bumps that are raised, itchy and is of pale red color. It is estimated that 20% of the populations develop this condition at one point in their lives. It occurs as a result of allergic reaction to certain foods or medications. These rashes relieved on their own after a few minutes, hours or days in acute cases.

Types

There are two main types of hives depending upon the duration of action.

• Acute urticaria/hives

f the duration of rashes is less than 6 weeks, then it is called acute hives or urticaria.

• Chronic urticaria/hives

If the duration of rashes is greater than 6 weeks, then it is called chronic hives or urticaria.

Causes

Urticaria or hives is caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods or medications. When an allergic reaction occurs, your body releases histamines into blood in order to defend or protect itself against the infection or irritants. This histamine can cause bumps, itching, swelling and other symptoms associated with urticaria in some people. Insect bites and internal disease can also cause the development of skin rashes. The most common foods that can cause hives/urticaria includes chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs,  nuts, berries, and milk. The risk of developing hives increases with fresh food rather than cooked food. The most common drugs that can cause hives include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen), hypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors and narcotic analgesics (codeine). Certain diseases such as thyroid disease, hepatitis, infection and cancer can also cause the development of rashes reported in urticaria or hives. Infections such as fungal mononucleosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid can also cause hives. In some cases, hives can also be caused by physical activity such as after exercise, swimming, extreme sweating and pressure. Stress or anxiety can also trigger the allergic reaction reported in hives.

Symptoms

The most visible symptom reported in hives or urticaria is itchy and swollen rash. These rashes can appear on any body part. Other symptoms include,

• Rashes or skin bumps
• Itching
• Swelling
• Irritation
• Burning sensations
• Difficulty in breathing
• Tongue or throat swelling
• Inflammation

 Treatment

For mild cases of hives or urticaria, the most commonly prescribed medicines are antihistamines. They are prescribed to treat itching and swelling in hives. The most common antihistamines used are diphenhydramine, chlorphenamine, or cetirizine. Corticosteroids such as prednisone are used to reduce the inflammation of skin. There are different types of steroids that are used. These types depend upon the site, severity and type of hives. They are recommended for shorter duration because of side effects. Antibiotics such as dapsone are used to relieve the symptoms of redness and swelling in urticaria or hives. Monoclonal antibodies such as omalizumab are also prescribed in chronic hives to block the action of natural substances that causes the symptoms reported in hives. You should take certain precautions if you are suffering from hives or urticaria. You should avoid hot water or certain irritants because they may aggravate the condition. You should take a bath with cold water. You can also add oatmeal or baking soda in this water.