Urticaria
Hives are raised,
often itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic
reaction to food or medicine.
Causes,
When you have an
allergic reaction to a substance, your body releases histamine and other
chemicals into your bloodstream. This causes itching, swelling, and other
symptoms. Hives are a common reaction, especially in people with other
allergies such as hay fever.
Incidence
When swelling or
welts occur around the face, especially the lips and eyes, it is called angioedema.
Swelling from angioedema can also occur around your hands, feet, and throat.
Risk
factors
- Many
substances can trigger hives, including:
- Animal
dander (especially cats)
- Insect
bites
- Medications
- Pollen
- Shellfish,
fish, nuts, eggs, milk, and other foods
- Hives
may also develop as a result of:
- Emotional
stress
- Extreme
cold or sun exposure
- Excessive
perspiration
- Illness
(including lupus, other autoimmune diseases, and leukemia
- Infections
such as mononucleosis
Symptoms
- Itching
- Swelling
of the surface of the skin into red- or skin-colored welts (called wheals)
with clearly defined edges
- The
welts may get bigger, spread, and join together to form larger areas of
flat, raised skin.
- They
can also change shape, disappear, and reappear within minutes or hours.
- The
welts tend to start suddenly and go away quickly. When you press the
center of a red welt, it turns white. This is called blanching.
Investigations
If you have a
history of an allergy, then the diagnosis is even more obvious.
Occasionally, skin
or blood tests are done to confirm that you had an allergic reaction and to
test for the substance that caused the allergic response.
To
reduce itching and swelling:
- Avoid
hot baths or showers.
- Avoid
irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing.
- Avoid
exposure to substances that give you allergic reactions.
- Don't
wear tight-fitting clothing and avoid hot baths or showers just after an
episode of hives. These can both cause the hives to return.
Homeo
Treatment for Urticaria
Homeopathy
medicines works well for urticaria,
Homeo medicines helps to prevent the further recurrence also