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Urticaria - Urticaria symptom, treatment, causes

Urticaria is an allergic reaction in the skin, characterised by itchy weals surrounded by redness. Usually hives (also called urticaria or nettlerash) are the result of an ALLERGY to drugs, certain foods (particularly eggs, shellfish, nuts and fruits), and sometimes insect bites or stings. In most cases it is very diffi-cult to identify the allergen (allergy-causing sub-stance). The reaction can develop rapidly after exposure to a small amount of the allergen, and in severe cases the hives may enlarge, join together and progress to ANGlO-OEDEMA, in which the tongue. lips and face also become swollen.

Most attacks of hives will subside within a week. Itching can be relieved by applying calamine lotion, or other anti-itch preparations recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Antihistamines taken by mouth will help to suppress mild reactions; more severe reactions may need corticosteroid treatment. Further attacks can be prevented by trying to avoid the allergen, if known. If hives appear while you are taking any medicine, discontinue the drug and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Urticaria is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but it may occur to the people at any age. Usually intensely itching intradermal vascular reaction (wheals or hives). No epidermal changes such as scaling, papules, or blisters. More often has an unknown, nonspecific etiology, but can be related to medications, foods, and similar vascularstimulating agents. Laboratory studies are not likely to be helpful in evaluation unless there are suggestive findings in the history and physical examination. It is characterized by raised, red skin welts that are more than 5mm in diameter. Hives are extremely itchy, and often have a pale border surrounding the red area. The urticarial rash can be isolated or many, sometimes they join together and form a large area of raised, red rash. Hives can also be caused by stress.

Urticaria Pigmentosa is a very common type of skin disorders but is very dangerous also. Hives or urticarias Hives are temporary swellings of the skin, caused by a localized collection of fluid in the dermis due to leakage from the blood vessels. Urticaria can result from any of the following: (a) change in the temperature (b) infections, including the presence of worms and (c) emotional upsets. Sometimes the cause cannot be accurately determined. A few individuals get hives repeatedly, but in most people urticaria usually gets better over a period of time. Here you find all terms related to Urticaria Pigmentosa, like symptoms, causes and effective treatment.

Causes of Urticaria

The common Causes of Urticaria :

• Emotional stress and exercise.
• Environmental factors (eg, pollens, chemicals, plants, danders, dust, mold).
• The cause of acute generalized urticaria often is undetermined.
• Cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, cryofibrinogenemia, or syphilis.
• Urticaria pigmentosa is most often seen in children, but it can occur in adults as well.
• Diarrhea can also be a cause of urticaria pigmentosa.
• Skin lesion may lead to the condition of urticaria pigmentosa. .
• Acute headache may also lead to urticaria pigmentosa.

Symptoms of Urticaria

Some common Symptoms of Urticaria :

• The headache may be seen in urticaria patient.
• Lesions may also develop.
• Emotional Stress may be seen in urticaria pigmentosa patient.
• Eye drops containing dextan can be seen in this disease.
• some times these are filled with fluid.
• Histamine causes hives , itching , and flushing .
• Redish brown itchy spot.
• Rubbed area becomes reddened, swollen and itchy.

Treatment of Urticaria

• Apply 1% menthol in aqueous cream to soothe the affected skin
• Patients with urticaria pigmentosa should avoid aspirin, codeine, opiates, procaine, alcohol. polymyxin B, hot baths, and vigorous rubbing after bathing and showering. These can release histamine which can cause itching, flushing and hives.
• Avoid alcohol and reduce your intake of acidic fruits.
• Oral steroids (prednisone) are useful for severe acute urticaria (have side effects)
• The use of antihistamines such as Benadry can help control itching, hives, and flushing.
• Highly specialised treatments may include Immunosuppressive drugs (Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, and Azathioprine), Androgens and Warfarin.
• Frequent use of moisturizers on the skin may add an extra layer of protection
• Oatmeal baths and anti-pruritic lotions can also be used to relieve the itching.
• An array of drugs is used to treat the symptoms of mastocytosis, including anticholinergics , to relieve intestinal cramping.