Urticaria (Hives)

Name: Urticaria (Hives)
SKU: 599
Availability: InStock

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What is Urticaria?

Urticaria, (is also known as welts, hives, nettle rash or weal’s) is a raised, itchy, red rash caused by fluid leaking from blood vessels immediately beneath the skin’s surface. It may arise on a single section of the body or it may cover a greater area. The rash may change within 24 hours, but generally settles within a few days. Urticaria can be acute (lasting less than six weeks) or chronic (lasting six weeks or longer). It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergic reactions, infections, stress, or physical stimuli like heat or cold.

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What are the types of Urticaria?

The following are types of Urticaria:

Acute Urticaria:

Duration: Lasts less than six weeks.
Common Triggers: Allergic reactions to foods, medications, insect stings, or infections. It can also be caused by non-allergic factors like stress, exercise, or certain environmental conditions.
Symptoms: Sudden onset of red, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body. The welts may merge to form larger areas of swelling.

Chronic Urticaria:

Duration: Persists for six weeks or longer, sometimes lasting for months or years.
Common Triggers: Often idiopathic (no identifiable cause), though in some cases, it may be associated with autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, or other underlying health issues.
Symptoms: Recurrent episodes of hives that may appear and disappear spontaneously, often accompanied by swelling (angioedema) of deeper layers of the skin.

Physical Urticaria:

Triggered by Physical Stimuli: Includes cold (cold urticaria), heat, pressure (dermatographism), sunlight (solar urticaria), water (aquagenic urticaria), or exercise.
Symptoms: Hives develop in response to specific physical triggers and usually subside once the trigger is removed.

What are the causes of Urticaria?

The following are typical causes:

Allergic Reactions:

Foods: Common triggers include nuts, shellfish, eggs, and certain fruits.
Medications: Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin), aspirin, NSAIDs, and certain blood pressure medications.
Insect Stings or Bites: Bee or wasp stings, mosquito bites.

Infections:

Viral Infections: Colds, flu, and other viral infections can trigger hives.
Bacterial Infections: Such as urinary tract infections or strep throat.

Stress and Emotional Factors:

Psychological stress can exacerbate or trigger episodes of urticaria in some individuals.

Physical Stimuli:

Heat or Cold: Temperature changes can cause hives in some people.
Pressure: Tight clothing, belts, or sitting for prolonged periods can lead to hives in affected areas.
Exercise: Physical exertion can trigger hives in some individuals.

Other Triggers:

Chronic Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and certain cancers can be associated with chronic urticaria.
Environmental Factors: Sunlight, water, or contact with certain plants or animals.

What are the symptoms of Urticaria?

The following are typical signs and symptoms:

Red, Raised Welts: The hallmark of urticaria, these welts can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They are usually red or flesh-colored and may have a pale center.

Itching: The welts are often intensely itchy, leading to discomfort.

Swelling: The skin around the welts may swell, and in some cases, deeper layers of the skin may also swell (angioedema), particularly around the eyes, lips, hands, feet, and throat.

Fleeting Nature: Individual hives often come and go within a few hours, but new ones may appear as others fade, making the outbreak seem continuous.

Is there treatment available for Urticaria?

Treatment for urticaria focuses on relieving symptoms and avoiding triggers. In cases where an underlying cause is identified, treating that condition can also help:

Antihistamines:

First-Line Treatment: Non-sedating antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine are used. If not effective, fexofenadine is commonly prescribed to block the effects of histamine and reduce itching and swelling.
Sedating Antihistamines: Chlorphenamine (Piriton) may be used at night to help with sleep but is not typically recommended for daytime use due to its sedative effects.

Corticosteroids:

For Severe Cases: Short courses of oral corticosteroids like prednisone may be prescribed for severe or persistent urticaria. However, they are generally not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects.

Avoidance of Triggers:

Identifying and avoiding known triggers, whether they are foods, medications, or physical stimuli, can help prevent outbreaks.

Cool Compresses and Lotions:

Applying cool compresses or using calamine lotion can provide temporary relief from itching.

If you suspect you have urticaria or if you’re not sure, speak to a clinician. Our clinicians can diagnose the rash and if necessary, prescribe medicine to help treat it. Please attach pictures (non-intimate areas) if you choose the telephone consultation option, not for the video consultation.

Call 999, if you experience anaphylaxis symptoms:

Have severe chest tightness, trouble breathing or wheezing

Are feeling dizzy, collapsing or unconscious

Have tongue or throat swelling

Have swollen lips, eyes, hands and feet

Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.