What are the key characteristics of hives. How do hives differ from other common skin rashes. When should you seek medical attention for a skin rash. What are effective treatments for hives and similar skin conditions.

Understanding Hives: Causes and Symptoms

Hives, medically known as urticaria, is a skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body. These outbreaks are typically triggered by an allergic reaction to various stimuli, including:

• Certain foods
• Insect stings or bites
• Medications
• Exposure to specific chemicals
• Extreme temperatures

The duration of hives can vary significantly. Some outbreaks may resolve within hours or a day, while chronic hives can persist for over six weeks. Recognizing the symptoms of hives is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Key Symptoms of Hives

How can you identify a hives outbreak? Look for these telltale signs:

• Raised, itchy welts on the skin
• Redness surrounding the welts
• Swelling of the affected area
• A rash that may move or spread to different parts of the body
• Outbreaks that worsen with scratching

Differentiating Hives from Other Skin Conditions

While hives are a common skin condition, it’s important not to mistake every skin rash for hives. Several other skin issues can present similar symptoms, but require different treatments. Here’s how to distinguish hives from other common skin conditions:

Heat Rash vs. Hives

Are fluid-filled blisters and bumps indicative of hives? Not necessarily. These symptoms are more likely to be associated with heat rash, which occurs due to prolonged sun exposure and is often exacerbated by clothing that blocks sweat ducts. Unlike hives, heat rash typically resolves on its own and can be alleviated by cooling the affected skin.

Contact Dermatitis vs. Hives

How does contact dermatitis differ from hives? While both conditions can cause red, inflamed skin, contact dermatitis typically results in a stinging or burning sensation rather than itching. Additionally, contact dermatitis only occurs through direct contact with a trigger, whereas hives can develop from mere proximity to an allergen.

Rosacea vs. Hives

Can hives be confused with rosacea? While both conditions cause redness, rosacea is typically limited to the face, particularly the cheeks and forehead. It’s characterized by persistent flushing and pimple-like bumps, unlike the raised welts associated with hives.

Chronic Hives: When to Seek Medical Attention

Chronic hives, defined as outbreaks lasting six weeks or longer, require medical attention. However, determining whether a persistent rash is chronic hives or another condition can be challenging. Consider these factors:

• Duration of the outbreak
• Pattern and appearance of the rash
• Associated symptoms
• Potential triggers or recent changes in diet or environment

If you experience a rash lasting six weeks or more, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treating Hives and Similar Skin Conditions

The treatment for hives and other skin conditions varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Here are some common approaches:

Hives Treatment

• Antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling
• Corticosteroids for severe cases
• Identifying and avoiding triggers
• Cool compresses to soothe affected areas

Heat Rash Treatment

• Cooling the skin
• Wearing loose, breathable clothing
• Using calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for itching

Contact Dermatitis Treatment

• Identifying and avoiding the triggering substance
• Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Oral antihistamines for itching

Preventing Hives and Skin Rashes

While not all skin conditions are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing hives and other skin rashes:

1. Identify and avoid known allergens
2. Keep a food and symptom diary to track potential triggers
3. Maintain good skin hygiene
4. Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products
5. Manage stress through relaxation techniques
6. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet

The Role of Allergy Testing in Diagnosing Hives

For individuals experiencing frequent or chronic hives, allergy testing can be a valuable diagnostic tool. How does allergy testing help in managing hives?

• Identifies specific allergens triggering the outbreaks
• Helps develop targeted avoidance strategies
• Guides the selection of appropriate treatments
• May reveal underlying immune system issues

Allergy testing methods may include skin prick tests, blood tests, or patch tests, depending on the suspected triggers and the individual’s medical history.

Living with Chronic Hives: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with chronic hives can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Here are some strategies to help manage the condition and improve quality of life:

• Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Keep a symptom journal to identify patterns and triggers
• Work closely with your healthcare provider to adjust treatment as needed
• Educate friends and family about your condition to increase understanding and support

Remember, while chronic hives can be frustrating, many people successfully manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives with proper treatment and support.

Emerging Treatments for Chronic Hives

Research in the field of chronic hives treatment continues to evolve, offering new hope for those who don’t respond to traditional therapies. What are some of the promising new treatments for chronic hives?

• Biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways
• Immunosuppressant medications for severe cases
• Novel antihistamines with improved efficacy and fewer side effects
• Combination therapies tailored to individual patient needs

While these treatments show promise, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific situation.

Understanding the differences between hives and other skin conditions is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. By recognizing the unique characteristics of hives and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can take control of your skin health and find relief from uncomfortable symptoms. Remember, if you’re experiencing persistent or severe skin issues, don’t hesitate to consult with a board-certified allergist or dermatologist for expert care and guidance.

Is It Hives or Something Else

Is It Hives or Something Else?

Category:

Allergies

Posted On:

Feb 7, 2019

Hives is a skin rash that breaks out when you have an allergic reason to something. Known in the medical field as “urticaria,” hives outbreaks may be brought on by consuming certain foods, being stung by certain insects, by taking certain medications, or just by being around certain chemicals. In some cases, extreme temperatures can even result in a hives outbreak. Hives can appear anywhere on the body, and may vary in severity. Some hives outbreaks only last hours or a day, while chronic hives can last for over 6 weeks.

While it’s important to be wary of hives outbreaks, it is also important not to jump to the conclusion that you have hives every time you break out into a rash. Make sure to know what symptoms to look out for, so you can tell if what you are experiencing is hives or something else.

How to Tell the Difference Between Hives and Other Types of Skin Rashes

• Your skin has broken out in an itching, swelling rash: This is a trademark sign of hives. While you should still consult with an experienced medical professional for confirmation, a persistent itchy rash is the hallmark of almost any hives outbreak.
• Your skin has broken out in fluid-filled blisters and bumps: This is not hives. If this is what you are experiencing, think back to whether you have recently spent a lot of time outside in the sun. If you have, chances are what you’re experiencing is a heat rash. These occur as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun, and are often aggravated by clothing that blocks sweat ducts and causes friction. While more severe heat rashes can lead to infections, most clear up on their own, and can be treated by cooling the skin to prevent swelling.
• Your skin has broken out in blotchy red and white bumps or welts: This is likely hives, and chronic hives, to be specific. If you notice your skin is covered with bumps that have a red center and clear edges, you should seek treatment for hives as soon as possible.
• Your skin has broken out in a red rash that stings or burns: While this kind of rash might look similar to hives, chances are it’s actually contact dermatitis. Unlike hives, which can occur just from being around an allergen, this kind of rash does not occur unless you come in direct contact with a trigger. The biggest difference, however, is that where hives itch, contact dermatitis stings.
• The rash in your skin is moving: There is a good chance this is hives, as hives outbreaks often start in one area and spread somewhere else.
• Your face and cheeks are red and flushed: This is a condition known as rosacea. Unlike hives, this kind of rash is limited to your face, and usually affects the cheeks and forehead most. It’s characterized by redness and pimple-like bumps, and while it cannot be cured, it can be controlled with certain medications.
• You experienced a rash after eating something: There is a good chance this is hives, as so many hives rashes occur because someone ate or was exposed to something they are allergic to.
• Your skin is inflamed, dry, and scaly: While this condition may appear similar to hives, chances are it’s actually eczema. While the two rashes may look similar and may be found anywhere on the body, eczema is characterized by dry irritated skin, and is thought to be linked to an overactive immune system.
• Your rash has lasted at least 6 weeks: This is hard to say. While a rash lasting 6 or more weeks could easily be chronic hives, it could also be another skin problem, like pityriasis rosea. It is essential to seek medical help if you experience a rash that lasts this long, in order to mitigate the chance that it is something more serious.

In general, hives tend to be comprised of smaller bumps, making up a larger rash. Individual lesions and disparate pustules tend to signify something else altogether, which may require you to seek the assistance of a dermatologist.

Itchy Skin? Call Today.

If you have frequent skin rashes which you believe may be chronic hives, you should contact Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia today. Our board certified Georgia allergists provide experienced hives testing, and may be able to recommend treatments to help improve your condition.

Call now at (404) 994-3574, or fill out our contact form online. Same day appointments are available. Se habla español.

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Hives – NHS

Hives rashes usually get better within a few minutes to a few days. You can often treat hives yourself.

Check if it’s hives

The main symptom of hives is an itchy rash.

The rash can:

• be raised bumps or patches in many shapes and sizes
• appear anywhere on the body
• be on 1 area or spread across the body
• feel itchy, sting or burn
• look pink or red when affecting someone with white skin; the colour of the rash can be harder to see on brown and black skin

Here is an image gallery with images and detailed descriptions. Select an image tab to get the bigger version of the image and to access the description.

• 1: White skin with hives rash.
  1

• 2: White skin with hives rash.
  2

• 3: Hives rash on light brown skin.
  3

• 4: Hives rash on light brown skin.
  4

• 5: Hives rash on light brown skin.
  5

• 6: Dark brown skin with hives rash.
  6

Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/694159/view

Detailed image description, image 1.

This image shows the hives rash on the leg and hand of a child with white skin. The rash does not appear on their groin, in the top left of the photo.

The skin on most of their thigh is pink, raised and bumpy. At the side of their thigh, close to their hand, are deep creases in the skin.

Their hand is pink with some red patches between their thumb and finger and on their fingertips.

Blue striped material is in the bottom right corner of the photo.

Credit:

Elizabeth Nunn / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-an-urticarial-rash-caused-by-an-allergic-reaction-to-penicillin-111762116.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=261CE1C1-DA64-4EAE-8D55-1794DA842BD3&p=278658&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dGDR5M4%26qt_raw%3dGDR5M4%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d0%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d

Detailed image description, image 2.

This image shows the hives rash on the leg, arm and hand of a person with white skin.

Small, slightly raised pink spots cover their leg. Some spots are close to others and some are further apart.

The same spotty rash spreads along the side of their arm and across the top of their hand. The knuckles and fingertips are red.

The person’s black T-shirt is at the top of the image. Their arm and hand are resting on their leg.

Credit:

Loisjoy Thurstun / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/close-up-of-toddler-with-urticaria-caused-by-sensitivity-to-plum-skins-image8981367.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=51FCF349-CE6C-46DB-B51B-CBCAE97EA94D&p=373224&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3Dbar%26st%3D0%26sortby%3D2%26qt%3DAP98R8%26qt_raw%3DAP98R8%26qn%3D%26lic%3D3%26edrf%3D0%26mr%3D0%26pr%3D0%26aoa%3D1%26creative%3D%26videos%3D%26nu%3D%26ccc%3D%26bespoke%3D%26apalib%3D%26ag%3D0%26hc%3D0%26et%3D0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3D0%26loc%3D0%26ot%3D0%26imgt%3D0%26dtfr%3D%26dtto%3D%26size%3D0xFF%26blackwhite%3D%26cutout%3D%26archive%3D1%26name%3D%26groupid%3D%26pseudoid%3D%26userid%3D%26id%3D%26a%3D%26xstx%3D0%26cbstore%3D1%26resultview%3DsortbyPopular%26lightbox%3D%26gname%3D%26gtype%3D%26apalic%3D%26tbar%3D1%26pc%3D%26simid%3D%26cap%3D1%26customgeoip%3D%26vd%3D0%26cid%3D%26pe%3D%26so%3D%26lb%3D%26pl%3D0%26plno%3D%26fi%3D0%26langcode%3Den%26upl%3D0%26cufr%3D%26cuto%3D%26howler%3D%26cvrem%3D0%26cvtype%3D0%26cvloc%3D0%26cl%3D0%26upfr%3D%26upto%3D%26primcat%3D%26seccat%3D%26cvcategory%3D*%26restriction%3D%26random%3D%26ispremium%3D1%26flip%3D0%26contributorqt%3D%26plgalleryno%3D%26plpublic%3D0%26viewaspublic%3D0%26isplcurate%3D0%26imageurl%3D%26saveQry%3D%26editorial%3D1%26t%3D0%26edoptin%3D

Detailed image description, image 3.

This image shows the hives rash on the knee of a person with light brown skin. The skin is slightly darker brown where the rash is.

There are many skin-coloured bumps on and around the knee which vary in size from around 2mm to 1cm. The larger bumps look like blisters. Some bumps are very close together in groups.

There’s a blue background in the top right of the photo.

Credit:

konmesa :https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/urticaria-301493921

Detailed image description, image 4.

This image shows the hives rash on the cheek, chin and neck of a person with light brown skin.

There are about 50 raised bumps in different shapes and sizes.

Some of the bumps are small circles and others are larger, uneven shapes. Most are close together in groups, but some are further apart. The bumps are a lighter brown than the surrounding skin and look puffy, like blisters.

In the lower left of the photo is the person’s yellow T-shirt and black necklace.

Credit:

Arlee. P: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/child-symptoms-itchy-urticaria-body-arm-1101565460

Detailed image description, image 5.

This image shows the hives rash on the thigh and hip of a child with light brown skin.

There are about 20 patches of pink skin in different shapes and sizes. The patches are mainly flat and vary in size from around 1cm to 8cm.

Some patches are close to or join others, while some are further apart with normal skin surrounding them.

Some patches are bright pink. Others are lighter pink with a darker pink border around the patch.

There’s a long, dark pink patch spreading from their groin to their hip.

Credit:

Apiwut Sookkasame

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/urticaria-on-legs-1040514490

Detailed image description, image 6.

This image shows the hives rash on the thigh of a person with dark brown skin.

There are many raised patches of skin in different shapes and sizes very close to each other. They range from around 5mm to 5cm.

The skin near the left knee also has raised lines, like scars. The skin on the inside of the thigh is smooth.

The rash is the same colour as the person’s skin tone.

There is a black background on the left side of the photo.

If you’re not sure it’s hives

Look at other rashes in babies and children.

A pharmacist can help with hives

A pharmacist can give you advice about antihistamine treatment to help a hives rash.

Tell the pharmacist if you have a long-term condition, because you might not be able to take antihistamines.

This treatment might not be suitable for young children.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• the symptoms do not improve after 2 days
• you’re worried about your child’s hives
• the rash is spreading
• hives keeps coming back (you may be allergic to something)
• you also have a high temperature and feel unwell
• you also have swelling under your skin (this might be angioedema)

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

• you’re wheezing
• you get tightness in your chest or throat
• you have trouble breathing or talking
• your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Treatment for hives from a GP

A GP might prescribe menthol cream, antihistamines or steroid tablets.

If hives does not go away with treatment, you may be referred to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

You cannot always prevent hives

You get hives when something causes high levels of histamine and other chemicals to be released in your skin. This is known as a trigger.

Triggers can include:

• eating certain foods
• contact with certain plants, animals, chemicals and latex
• cold, such as cold water or wind
• hot, sweaty skin from exercise, emotional stress or eating spicy food
• a reaction to a medicine, insect bite or sting
• scratching or pressing on your skin, such as wearing itchy or tight clothing
• an infection
• a problem with your immune system
• water or sunlight, but this is rare

Try to find out what triggers hives for you, so you can avoid those triggers, if possible. This may help prevent an episode of hives.

Page last reviewed: 13 April 2021
Next review due: 13 April 2024

causes, types, symptoms, signs, diagnosis (tests), first aid, treatment (drugs, diet) in children and adults

Urticaria is an allergic disease, the causes of which in children and adults can be very different. The main symptom of the disease is the appearance on the skin of rashes in the form of blisters, which are very itchy and resemble a nettle burn.

According to statistics, 25% of the world’s population has experienced this pathology at least once in their lives, mostly children and women under the age of 40. With constant contact with the allergen, the disease becomes chronic, and in half of all cases it is accompanied by Quincke’s edema.

Causes of urticaria

Urticaria never develops on its own, there must be a reason for this. In some cases, it is not difficult to identify it, but sometimes it is difficult to do so.

Most often, urticaria in children occurs after the use of certain drugs in the treatment or the consumption of certain foods. The most allergenic for babies are honey, nuts, fish, food additives in foods, spices, sausages, semi-finished products. Therefore, they are not recommended for children under 3 years of age.

Also provoking factors include:

• insect bites;
• the presence of parasites in the body;
• plant pollen;
• mold;
• chemicals, including household chemicals;
• latex;
• ultraviolet;
• vibration.

However, it is not always possible to find out what exactly the patient developed allergic urticaria for. In about a third of all patients with this diagnosis, the causes of the disease, even after numerous tests and analyzes, remain unknown.

Urticaria symptoms

The main manifestation is the appearance on the skin of spots of red or pink color, of various shapes, and blisters, the size of which can reach several centimeters. A slight swelling may appear, which gradually disappears during the day, rarely two.

If the swelling affects the deeper layers of the skin or mucous membranes, angioedema may occur – a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Allergic urticaria rash is always accompanied by unbearable itching, and some patients describe it as an unbearable burning sensation. Violent combing of such areas can lead to infection of the epidermis with a further complication in the form of pustules and wounds.

Minor manifestations of urticaria include:

• headache;
• fever;
• sleep disorder;
• anxiety;
• appetite disturbance.

According to the nature of the course, an allergic disease is divided into two types.

Acute urticaria is the most commonly diagnosed. Blisters and puffiness of the skin with this form appear quite suddenly, sometimes against the background of a person’s well-being. Most often caused by some external causes, food. It also happens after the use of drugs, especially when self-medicating. Symptoms resolve on their own within a few days to a few weeks.

Chronic urticaria is a condition in which symptoms persist for more than 6 weeks from the first skin rash. This variant is characterized by an undulating course, when periods of complete absence of symptoms (recovery) are abruptly replaced by exacerbations with the appearance of a new portion of spots and blisters. This is accompanied by unbearable itching and the rapid development of Quincke’s edema. The elements of the rash that appear can merge with each other, covering more and more new areas of the skin.

Sometimes periods of complete well-being without symptoms can last for a long time – up to 10 years.

Children’s urticaria is an allergic skin disease that most often develops against the background of an already existing exudative diathesis and appears due to foods introduced as complementary foods.

It has been observed that this type of allergy mainly develops in babies who are bottle-fed or eat foods that are not appropriate for their age.

Urticaria complications

It is important to know what urticaria looks like and to be able to properly provide first aid. This will help prevent the development of serious complications that can lead to death.

Urticaria is often accompanied by Quincke’s edema, which is also called angioedema. Its development in the larynx is especially dangerous, as it can compress the trachea and disrupt breathing.

Another serious complication is anaphylactic shock. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction of the immediate type, which occurs when the human body is hypersensitive to a particular allergen. It usually develops upon repeated contact with the allergen and requires immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis of urticaria

Before starting treatment, it is important to understand what exactly a person has such a strong allergic reaction to. Only by removing this provocative factor from habitual life, one can not be afraid that the symptoms of urticaria will appear again, and this is possible even after the correct therapy has been carried out.

Most often, this type of allergy appears on food. It is possible to establish from what exactly the rash appeared by a blood test: the level of IgE antibodies to a mixture of food allergens is detected. First of all, you need to diagnose the presence of an allergic reaction to:

• nuts;
• vegetables and legumes;
• citrus fruits and fruits;
• seafood;
• cereal and sesame flour;
• fruits and gourds;
• infant formula;
• fish;
• meat;
• mushrooms;
• leaf tea;
• goat milk.

In addition to food, allergic manifestations can also be on other substances that surround us in life almost everywhere:

• molds;
• pollen from early flowering trees;
• pollen from late flowering trees;
• weed pollen;
• epithelium of domestic animals;
• house dust;
• house dust mite;
• poultry feather.

To identify the exact type of allergen, allergy tests are carried out for certain foods. It often happens that rashes appear due to seasonings and herbs used in cooking: paprika, cumin, cloves, basil, ginger, tarragon, thyme, marjoram, dill, bay leaf, black pepper, vanilla.

Some fish species may also be allergenic: cod, halibut, mackerel, and squid meat. But sometimes an allergic reaction in the form of hives develops on such familiar products as:

• cucumber;
• apricot;
• cherry;
• tomato;
• plum;
• grapes;
• persimmon;
• carrots;
• beets;
• watermelon.

All tests are carried out only by a specialist laboratory assistant. It is impossible to independently determine the presence of an allergy in the form of urticaria to a particular food or substance. This can be life-threatening, as it is possible to develop not only Quincke’s edema, but also anaphylactic shock.

First aid for urticaria

It is important that allergy medications are always in the home first aid kit, since urticaria in adults, and in a child, too, can appear at any time. Allergy medications can be in the form of drops or tablets. Modern drugs do not cause drowsiness and they have virtually no side effects.

Doctors recommend having Fenistil drops in the home medicine cabinet to eliminate urticaria and itching, which can be used from childhood, Erius tablets, which have a long antihistamine effect after taking, Loratadine, which helps to cope with Quincke’s edema, which often accompanies urticaria.

It is important to take the medicine at the first symptoms, without waiting for the general condition to worsen. If after 20 minutes from the moment of admission there was no improvement, you should call an ambulance.

Urticaria treatment

The only way to get rid of the disease is to avoid contact with the allergen, which is previously detected by laboratory tests. If the testing did not reveal a provocative factor, and the urticaria is episodic, then taking antihistamines will quickly eliminate the symptoms.

During treatment, it is recommended to follow a diet that will help prevent the recurrence of the disease in case of urticaria. The menu should include only hypoallergenic foods: lean boiled meat, soups with secondary meat broth or vegetarian. From cereals it is better to choose rice, buckwheat, oatmeal. Low-fat cottage cheese, natural yogurt, apples, dried fruit compote, with the exception of raisins, whole grain bread are recommended.

Citrus fruits, nuts, fish and all seafood, chocolate products, smoked meats, coffee, eggs, honey, store-bought muffins should be excluded from the menu for the duration of treatment.

Treatment is carried out by a dermatologist and an allergist-immunologist. For topical application, urticaria ointments will be effective, which not only relieve itching, but also eliminate swelling, redness and burning sensation on the skin. One of the most effective is Dimetinden gel, which must be applied in a thin layer to the affected area of ​​the skin up to 4 times a day.

A course of antihistamines is prescribed in the form of tablets. Also, the doctor may prescribe calcium gluconate or calcium chloride preparations for hives. They help to reduce the manifestations of allergies, but they should only be administered under the supervision of a doctor in the treatment room.

If antihistamines do not respond quickly, or for severe urticaria, corticosteroids are used, which can be applied to the skin or taken as a tablet or injection.

How long does it take to cure urticaria

Within 4-6 weeks, acute urticaria disappears in almost all patients with this diagnosis. However, sometimes the acute form can become chronic, and then the disease becomes incurable, with periods of exacerbation and complete remission with no symptoms that alternate.

To cope with this allergic reaction as quickly as possible, it is recommended:

1. Immediately consult a doctor at the clinic or call an ambulance.
2. Follow a hypoallergenic diet for several months.
3. Follow all doctor’s prescriptions and recommendations regarding treatment. Do not stop taking allergy medication at the first sign of improvement, but take the full course.
4. Be sure to have modern antihistamines recommended by an allergist in your first-aid kit.

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Urticaria: causes, classification, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Urticaria is a predominantly allergic disease, the main symptom of which is the appearance on the skin of blisters of different colors (from pale pink to purple), accompanied by skin itching, and in more severe cases – other manifestations of an allergic reaction (bronchospasm, Quincke’s edema, allergic conjunctivitis , rhinitis).

According to the statistics of the Russian Society of Dermatologists and Cosmetologists, 25% of people have experienced symptoms of hives at least once.

At the same time, 15% suffer from a chronic form of this disease for at least 5 years.

Causes of urticaria

Allergic urticaria can be caused by many reasons:

1. Contact with household chemicals (powders, cleaning products, latex gloves).
2. Food allergens (seafood, citrus).
3. Taking certain medications (most often antibiotics).
4. Cosmetic products (masks, shampoos, decorative cosmetics, products used for dyeing eyebrows and eyelashes in permanent makeup, for hair, nails and eyelash extensions).
5. Skin contact with plant pollen causing allergic reactions (hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis).
6. Physical effects on the skin: cold, contact with water, prolonged squeezing.

Provoking factors for the development of urticaria include:

1. A history of allergic reactions – seasonal or allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis.
2. Allergic diseases and/or urticaria in close relatives.
3. Worm infestation.
4. Long-term chronic diseases of a non-allergic nature: diabetes mellitus, lymphomas, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and thyroid gland.

Classification of the disease

The main classification of allergic urticaria is based on the duration and frequency of exacerbations of skin manifestations.

1. Allergic urticaria is called acute if blisters on the skin after exposure to an irritant (trigger) develop once and persist for at least 24 hours. Usually the cause of such hives is a food or contact allergen.
2. In chronic allergic urticaria, blisters on the skin constantly occur for at least six weeks, but each new wheal lasts no more than a day. Most often it develops in the presence of chronic diseases.

Thus, if an allergic reaction with skin manifestations lasts less than six weeks, it is called acute, if more than – chronic.

Varieties of urticaria

1. Papular urticaria is characterized by prolonged persistence of blisters on the skin. Women get sick more often.
2. Dermographic urticaria occurs in 2-5% of the population. After mechanical irritation, traces of exposure normally appear on the skin. The addition of a rash to this reaction and the occurrence of itching indicate dermographic urticaria.
3. Solar urticaria is a variant of photodermatosis. After insolation, itchy areas with blisters appear on the skin. More often women and people with liver diseases or with disorders of porphyrin metabolism (a group of genetic diseases in which pigment metabolism is impaired – heme biosynthesis are affected; symptoms also include a change in the color of urine, disruption of the internal organs).
4. Cold urticaria develops after skin exposure to low temperatures.

5. Urticaria in children has symptoms similar to adults, but is characterized by a more rapid course.

   Edema appears not only on the visible mucous membranes of the lips and eyes, but also on the gastrointestinal mucosa, which is accompanied by pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

6. Urticaria due to physical impact develops, according to one theory, due to impaired microcirculation in tissues that are regularly irritated, and increased sensitivity of the skin in these places to damaging factors.
7. Urticaria that occurs after skin contact with an irritant is called contact urticaria.

In terms of severity, urticaria is classified as mild, moderate and severe.

The severe course of any allergic reaction requires hospitalization for medical care, as the risk of developing life-threatening complications is high.

In cases where the cause (in particular, the allergen) of urticaria is not found, it is called idiopathic.

Urticaria symptoms

Urticaria is characterized by the appearance on the skin of blisters of pale pink, pink or purple color, raised above the surface of healthy skin and accompanied by severe itching, with the possible development of soreness in the affected area. These processes are mainly associated with the release of a biologically active substance, histamine, into the blood (treatment with antihistamines is based on a decrease in synthesis or sensitivity to it). In some cases, symptoms of general intoxication may appear: body aches, weakness, sometimes there is a slight increase in body temperature.

In cases of a combination of urticaria with other allergic reactions, it is possible to attach symptoms characteristic of a particular pathology. So, with allergic conjunctivitis, the patient is concerned about itching, redness of the eyes, lacrimation, photophobia and swelling of the eyelids. With allergic rhinitis, in addition to abundant nasal discharge, nasal congestion, a violation of smell and nasal breathing occur. Swelling of the Eustachian tubes may cause hearing loss. An attack of bronchospasm, provoked by exposure to an allergen, is manifested by a feeling of incomplete exhalation, lack of air, and wheezing.

The development of an asthma attack, accompanied by cyanosis of the skin, lips and nasolabial triangle (the latter is especially pronounced in children), severe shortness of breath, lack of effect from the use of habitual inhalers or the use of special inhalers more than 8 times a day requires immediate medical attention.

Women are more susceptible to papular urticaria. Most often, red-brown foci are located on the lower extremities. Delimited areas of hyperpigmentation also appear in the folds of the skin, and hyperkeratosis (excessive peeling) develops.

Dermographic urticaria manifests itself as follows: the area of ​​the skin subjected to mechanical action (scratching, rubbing) turns red, slightly swollen, and an itchy rash appears on it.

Solar urticaria occurs on exposed areas of the body that are most exposed to the rays. Manifestations are similar to allergic urticaria – itchy edematous blisters of different sizes appear on the skin. More often the disease is registered in women.

With cold urticaria, the severity of the disease depends on the severity of skin manifestations: redness of the affected area, itching, swelling with the expansion of the affected surface. One of the causes of cold urticaria is the increased formation of cryoglobulins – special plasma proteins that can precipitate at temperatures below 37 ° C.

Urticaria in children is expressed by redness, swelling and itching of the affected area. More often than in adults, the gastrointestinal tract is involved in the process, which is manifested by rapidly passing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes vomiting.

Due to the immaturity of the immune system in the early years of life, children are characterized by a more pronounced response to allergen exposure.

If itchy blisters appear on the skin after vibration exposure, we can talk about vibration urticaria. It is more often encountered by people of certain professions (working with a jackhammer, asphalt pavers, etc.).

Contact urticaria is easy to recognize – the foci have clear boundaries at the point of contact with the irritant. For example, if you are allergic to latex, hives will appear on the areas of the hands that come into contact with gloves. Diagnosis of the disease is difficult in cases where urticaria develops in response to contact with the skin and mucous membranes of respiratory allergens (pollen of trees, flowers, weeds).

Diagnosis

The examination begins with a complete blood count and counting the number of eosinophils in a blood smear.

Clinical blood test: general analysis, leukoformula, ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in the presence of pathological changes)

Synonyms: Complete blood count, UAC. Full blood count, FBC, Complete blood count (CBC) with differential white blood cell count (CBC with diff), Hemogram.
Brief description of the study CBC: general a…

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With a decrease in the level of hemoglobin or the number of red blood cells, a deviation from the normal values ​​​​of leukocytes and other indicators, the doctor may suspect the presence of a chronic disease that led to the development of urticaria. Also determine the overall level of class E immunoglobulins, which is higher, the more severe the allergy.

IgE total (Immunoglobulin E total, IgE total)

Total immunoglobulin E reflects the total amount of IgE class immunoglobulins in blood serum.

Synonyms: Blood test for immunoglobulin E.

Immuno…

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755 RUB

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If the development of the disease was preceded by the use of new food products, the use of previously unused household chemicals or cosmetics, it is possible to determine specific antibodies to the most common allergens in this group: fruit, meat protein, respiratory agents, etc.

Mixture of food allergens 1: orange, banana, apple, peach, IgE (Food Panel, FP 15 : F33 Orange (orange), F49 Apple (apple), F92 Banana (banana), F95 Peach (peach), IgE)

Determination of total specific IgE to allergens of this group of fruits.

Panel of food allergens of the most common fruits. Allergic Reac…

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2 185 RUB

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5 515 RUB

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To exclude helminthic invasion, as the cause of the development of allergies, it is enough to pass a stool test for protozoa.

Fecal analysis for protozoa (PRO stool)

There are restrictions on the days of taking samples in medical offices and receiving samples self-collected for this study (feces, urine, etc.).
We recommend clarifying the in…

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If a gastrointestinal disease is suspected, the doctor may recommend gastro- or colonoscopy, including with sedation, as well as ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Gastroscopy

Examination of the mucous membrane of the upper gastrointestinal tract with the possibility of performing a biopsy or endoscopic removal of small pathological …

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Colonoscopy

Endoscopic examination of the large intestine to look for abnormalities, biopsy and remove small polyps and tumors.

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Gastroscopy and colonoscopy with sedation (during sleep)

Examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract and large intestine to detect pathologies, perform biopsies and endoscopic treatment procedures in the p…

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Comprehensive ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen)

Scanning of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity to assess its functional state and the presence of pathology.

RUB 3,090

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In the treatment and diagnosis of diseases of the liver and digestive tract will help

gastroenterologist

.

To detect diabetes
an endocrinologist may prescribe a screening test.

Diabetes control: screening

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RUB 1,040

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Also, a comprehensive study is carried out for diseases of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid: screening

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RUB 1,860

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In cases of deviations from the norm during screening, it is possible to conduct additional examinations – ultrasound of the thyroid and pancreas.

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands and regional lymph nodes

Examination of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, which allows to assess their structure, as well as to detect pathological changes in these organs and regional lymph nodes. ..

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Ultrasound of the pancreas

Examination to assess the condition and diagnose the pathology of the pancreas.

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If you suspect bronchial asthma, you should contact

therapist

or

pulmonologist

. After conducting instrumental examinations (X-ray or CT scan of the chest, spirometry), the doctor will make a diagnosis and select the optimal treatment.

Plain chest x-ray

X-ray examination of the structure of the lungs in order to diagnose various pathologies.

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CT scan of the chest and mediastinum

Examination that provides data on the state of the chest and mediastinum.

RUB 5,490

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Which doctors to contact

Given the specifics of the clinical picture, the frequent connection with the allergen immediately before the development of the disease, an allergist can diagnose allergic urticaria,

therapist

or dermatologist.

Treatment

Allergy treatment includes the appointment of a hypoallergenic diet, antihistamines in various forms (tablets, ointments, nasal and eye drops), in moderate and severe cases, hormonal drugs are added to the treatment regimen. Compliance with a hypoallergenic diet, complete cessation of contact with the allergen after 24-48 hours bring significant relief.

Complications

Urticaria in children is often complicated by the development of suppuration, as children find it difficult to control themselves, and they scratch itchy skin, which leads to infection. With the transition of urticaria into a chronic form (including due to inadequate treatment or non-compliance with the doctor’s recommendations for an acute illness), unpleasant symptoms will disturb very often.

The most formidable complication of urticaria is the development of Quincke’s edema – swelling of the tissues of the face, throat, which leads to respiratory failure and requires immediate medical attention.

Prevention

Timely treatment of diseases, prevention of their transition to a chronic form, a balanced diet, minimization of exposure to the skin of harmful physical and chemical factors is a reliable prevention of the development of allergic urticaria.

Sources:

1. Federal clinical guidelines. Allergology // Ed. R.M. Khaitova, N.I. Ilyina / Russian Association of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists. Moscow: PharmarusPrint Media, 2014. 126 p.
2. Clinical guidelines “Urticaria (KR)”. Developed by: Russian Association of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists, Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists. – 2019.
3. Federal clinical practice guidelines for the care of children with urticaria. Developed by: Russian Union of Pediatricians, Russian Association of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists. – 2015.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes over time, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

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