Hives in common areas: What to know

Hives are a form of rash that can often appear when the body responds to a trigger. They can occur anywhere on the body. Hives are particularly common on the arms and legs because the limbs have more exposure to external factors.

Hives, or urticaria, are raised rashes that can develop as red or purplish spots or patches. The rashes are often itchy and uncomfortable.

Hives typically occur when mast cells, which are part of the immune system, trigger an allergic reaction by releasing histamine into the skin. Histamine is a chemical messenger that the immune system releases in response to an injury or allergic reaction.

Mast cells cause hives and control how long they remain.

A similar process known as angioedema occurs when mast cells deeper in the skin release histamine.

Hives can develop due to an allergic reaction to food, medication, or something in the environment, such as being licked by a dog or from non-allergic sources, such as infection or inflammation.

Individual hives typically go away within 24 hours. However, urticaria can persist for several weeks, even months. This can result in new hives appearing as the previous ones fade.

Hives can occur anywhere on the skin. They are particularly common in areas of the body that experience higher pressure, such as the waistline and the groin.

Read on to learn more about the causes, types, and treatments of hives.

Hives can result from:

• physical triggers, such as pressure
• allergic reactions, such as food allergies
• medical conditions, such as infection

Triggers cause the immune system to respond by sending histamines and similar chemicals into the skin, where they cause hives. Triggers can include:

• medication, such as penicillin or anti-inflammatory drugs
• food or drink, such as eggs or seafood
• bacterial infection, such as strep throat
• viral infection, such as infectious mononucleosis
• contact triggers, including latex
• insect bites or stings
• allergens in the air, such as pollen or mold spores
• physical conditions, such as cold temperature or pressure

In rare cases, urticaria can be a hereditary condition.

When hives have no known cause, they are called idiopathic urticaria.

If hives only appear on the arms or legs, they are likely the result of a physical trigger, such as extreme temperature, or a contact allergen, such as latex.

Learn about contact dermatitis here.

Urticaria can be acute or chronic.

With acute urticaria, symptoms go away within 6 weeks. However, when a person has chronic urticaria, the condition can persist for longer than this.

There are three types of chronic urticaria:

• Chronic spontaneous urticaria is where the trigger is unclear, and symptoms occur at least twice each week.
• Chronic inducible urticaria is where specific, physical triggers, such as pressure, cause hives.
• Episodic chronic urticaria can overlap with chronic inducible urticaria, but typically, symptoms appear less than twice each week.

Learn about hives on black skin here.

Treatment options include over-the-counter (OTC) medication, prescription medication, and home remedies.

OTC options include antihistamines, which people can take in higher doses than doctors typically recommend.

If OTC medication does not work, a doctor may prescribe:

• sedating antihistamines
• systemic corticosteroids for short term use
• omalizumab (the only FDA approved treatment for chronic urticaria)
• cyclosporine

However, medication may not always be necessary, as hives can go away by themselves. Home remedies that can help to ease symptoms include:

• soothing the area with a cool compress
• taking a comfortably cool bath
• avoiding tight or itchy clothing and wearing loose, cotton clothes
• avoiding particularly hot or cold temperatures
• avoiding activities that cause sweating

Learn about ways to treat hives here.

It is not always possible to prevent hives from developing on the arms and legs, as around 50% of people with chronic urticaria never find out what causes their hives to appear. However, if there is a clear trigger, the most effective preventive measure is to try to avoid it.

Learn more about hives that come and go daily here.

See a doctor if:

• hives continue to flare up for more than 6 weeks
• OTC treatment is not helping
• individuals want to check for potential allergies

Taking a photograph of hives before an appointment can help a doctor make a diagnosis, as the skin may clear up before the appointment.

If swelling underneath the skin accompanies a rash, a person may have angioedema. This condition can cause similar symptoms but requires swift treatment, as it can cause life threatening swelling that affects the ability to breathe.

Anyone who suspects they have angioedema should see a doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible.

Severe allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis, an extreme response that can cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock. Seek immediate medical attention if extreme symptoms develop.

Learn about the differences between urticaria and angioedema here.

Hives, or wheals, occur when the immune system sends histamines and other chemicals into the skin in response to triggers.

Urticaria can be acute, where it goes away within 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria lasts longer than this. The hives themselves disappear within 24 hours, but flare-ups may persist as new hives develop.

Physical triggers, allergic reactions, or medical conditions can cause hives, and they can develop anywhere on the body. The arms and legs are more likely to react to contact triggers, such as allergens, because they have greater exposure.

Hives can be itchy and uncomfortable, but they will generally go away on their own. Home remedies such as a cool compress can help to ease symptoms.

If urticaria symptoms continue, a doctor can suggest a treatment plan to help.

Hives in common areas: What to know

Hives are a form of rash that can often appear when the body responds to a trigger. They can occur anywhere on the body. Hives are particularly common on the arms and legs because the limbs have more exposure to external factors.

Hives, or urticaria, are raised rashes that can develop as red or purplish spots or patches. The rashes are often itchy and uncomfortable.

Hives typically occur when mast cells, which are part of the immune system, trigger an allergic reaction by releasing histamine into the skin. Histamine is a chemical messenger that the immune system releases in response to an injury or allergic reaction.

Mast cells cause hives and control how long they remain.

A similar process known as angioedema occurs when mast cells deeper in the skin release histamine.

Hives can develop due to an allergic reaction to food, medication, or something in the environment, such as being licked by a dog or from non-allergic sources, such as infection or inflammation.

Individual hives typically go away within 24 hours. However, urticaria can persist for several weeks, even months. This can result in new hives appearing as the previous ones fade.

Hives can occur anywhere on the skin. They are particularly common in areas of the body that experience higher pressure, such as the waistline and the groin.

Read on to learn more about the causes, types, and treatments of hives.

Hives can result from:

• physical triggers, such as pressure
• allergic reactions, such as food allergies
• medical conditions, such as infection

Triggers cause the immune system to respond by sending histamines and similar chemicals into the skin, where they cause hives. Triggers can include:

• medication, such as penicillin or anti-inflammatory drugs
• food or drink, such as eggs or seafood
• bacterial infection, such as strep throat
• viral infection, such as infectious mononucleosis
• contact triggers, including latex
• insect bites or stings
• allergens in the air, such as pollen or mold spores
• physical conditions, such as cold temperature or pressure

In rare cases, urticaria can be a hereditary condition.

When hives have no known cause, they are called idiopathic urticaria.

If hives only appear on the arms or legs, they are likely the result of a physical trigger, such as extreme temperature, or a contact allergen, such as latex.

Learn about contact dermatitis here.

Urticaria can be acute or chronic.

With acute urticaria, symptoms go away within 6 weeks. However, when a person has chronic urticaria, the condition can persist for longer than this.

There are three types of chronic urticaria:

• Chronic spontaneous urticaria is where the trigger is unclear, and symptoms occur at least twice each week.
• Chronic inducible urticaria is where specific, physical triggers, such as pressure, cause hives.
• Episodic chronic urticaria can overlap with chronic inducible urticaria, but typically, symptoms appear less than twice each week.

Learn about hives on black skin here.

Treatment options include over-the-counter (OTC) medication, prescription medication, and home remedies.

OTC options include antihistamines, which people can take in higher doses than doctors typically recommend.

If OTC medication does not work, a doctor may prescribe:

• sedating antihistamines
• systemic corticosteroids for short term use
• omalizumab (the only FDA approved treatment for chronic urticaria)
• cyclosporine

However, medication may not always be necessary, as hives can go away by themselves. Home remedies that can help to ease symptoms include:

• soothing the area with a cool compress
• taking a comfortably cool bath
• avoiding tight or itchy clothing and wearing loose, cotton clothes
• avoiding particularly hot or cold temperatures
• avoiding activities that cause sweating

Learn about ways to treat hives here.

It is not always possible to prevent hives from developing on the arms and legs, as around 50% of people with chronic urticaria never find out what causes their hives to appear. However, if there is a clear trigger, the most effective preventive measure is to try to avoid it.

Learn more about hives that come and go daily here.

See a doctor if:

• hives continue to flare up for more than 6 weeks
• OTC treatment is not helping
• individuals want to check for potential allergies

Taking a photograph of hives before an appointment can help a doctor make a diagnosis, as the skin may clear up before the appointment.

If swelling underneath the skin accompanies a rash, a person may have angioedema. This condition can cause similar symptoms but requires swift treatment, as it can cause life threatening swelling that affects the ability to breathe.

Anyone who suspects they have angioedema should see a doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible.

Severe allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis, an extreme response that can cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock. Seek immediate medical attention if extreme symptoms develop.

Learn about the differences between urticaria and angioedema here.

Hives, or wheals, occur when the immune system sends histamines and other chemicals into the skin in response to triggers.

Urticaria can be acute, where it goes away within 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria lasts longer than this. The hives themselves disappear within 24 hours, but flare-ups may persist as new hives develop.

Physical triggers, allergic reactions, or medical conditions can cause hives, and they can develop anywhere on the body. The arms and legs are more likely to react to contact triggers, such as allergens, because they have greater exposure.

Hives can be itchy and uncomfortable, but they will generally go away on their own. Home remedies such as a cool compress can help to ease symptoms.

If urticaria symptoms continue, a doctor can suggest a treatment plan to help.

symptoms, causes, types, treatment and complications – consultation of experienced dermatologists and allergists of the MEDSI clinic

Urticaria is an allergic disease (dermatosis), which is manifested by the formation of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Its symptoms, according to statistics, are experienced by about 25% of the world’s population. At the same time, only 2–7% are children, the rest are adults. The onset of the disease often occurs before the age of 40. Under the condition of constant contact with the allergen, the disease becomes chronic. Pathology is dangerous because it can cause Quincke’s edema.

Classification of diseases

Urticaria can be acute and chronic.

In the first case, it is manifested by the rapid (within one hour) appearance of numerous bright pink blisters. After some time, they either disappear completely, or a second wave sets in with the formation of new ones. Chronic urticaria is characterized by a long course. Moreover, it can occur not only in contact with an allergen, but also in diseases of the liver and digestive organs.

Also, depending on the location of the rash, the following forms of urticaria are distinguished:

• Localized. In this case, the rash forms only on certain parts of the body
• Generalized. Rash spread all over body

Depending on the causes, the following types of pathology are distinguished:

• Allergic urticaria
• Endocrine
• Solar
• Cold
• Medicinal
• Infectious
• Reactogenic etc.

Urticaria in children

This pathology is also called strofulus. It usually occurs in children who are breastfed or on an age-inappropriate diet. Insect bites, contact with allergens, infectious infections, and the appearance of parasites in the body can provoke the disease. Blisters in children quickly transform into pink-brown nodules with a small bubble. The affected skin itches and itchs. Often, bloody crusts form on it. Skin folds and limbs are often affected. Gradually, the rash can spread throughout the body. Babies under 3 years of age additionally develop symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation and vomiting. If the pathology becomes chronic, the child may become drowsy and lethargic, suffer from sleep disturbances and loss of appetite. Interestingly, after 7 years, almost all children have it without a trace.

Other types of diseases

Symptoms of urticaria in some women appear before menstruation, the cause of the pathology in this case is hormonal changes. Usually, formations are noticeable on the chest and in the face area. They do not cause pronounced discomfort, they can only cause slight swelling and slight itching.

There is also a toxic form of the disease. It occurs upon contact with certain insects, animals, fish, marine life (for example, jellyfish) and plants (including poisonous ones).

Chronic sluggish urticaria can develop in the presence of a pet.

Causes of disease

Urticaria in adults and children occurs against the background of:

• Insect bites
• Use of certain drugs
• Eating new food
• Vaccinations
• Blood transfusions
• Direct contact with allergen

A rash occurs as a result of a reaction to high temperatures or cold, vibration, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical friction, etc. Infectious agents (fungi, bacteria, etc.) also lead to the development of pathology. In about 30% of patients, it is not possible to find out the causes of urticaria.

Symptoms

The main signs of a pathological condition include:

• Rash on body
• Itching
• Transformation of rash into blisters

Usually the rash is concentrated on the limbs, face and scalp. In some cases, it also appears on the mucous membranes. In addition, the symptoms of urticaria include headache and drowsiness, a feeling of weakness and nausea. In some cases, patients complain of an increase in body temperature.

Important! With a favorable course, the symptoms disappear very quickly.

If the disease has acquired a chronic form, then it is characterized by less pronounced symptoms, but a long course.

Diagnostics

Before determining how to treat hives, a doctor needs to identify its symptoms and causes. Usually, the diagnosis is made on the basis of a survey of patients and a study of clinical manifestations. If necessary, identify the allergen. For this, special tests are carried out.

Methods of treatment of urticaria in children and adults

The most effective method of therapy is to eliminate contact with the allergen. If it cannot be detected, the patient is prescribed antihistamines that prevent the risks of developing the disease.

Treatment of acute urticaria

To quickly eliminate symptoms, not only antihistamines are recommended, but also avoiding contact with household chemicals, cosmetics, perfumes and other potentially hazardous substances. Patients are also prescribed a special diet. Thanks to it, it is possible to eliminate the risks of occurrence of factors that provoke unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

The diet is selected individually, while there are general principles.

These include an exception to the diet:

• Products that can provoke an allergic reaction
• Lots of protein food
• Products that are unknown to the patient and have not been previously tried by him
• Sauces and condiments
• Complex dishes with many components (especially unknown ones)
• Alcohol
• Spicy dishes
• Pickles and marinades

It is also important for the patient to limit the consumption of table salt and sugar, to use only fresh proven products for cooking.

Even with restrictions, you need to try to make the diet as diverse as possible. It is desirable to include in it: yellow or green (not red) apples, lean meat, mild cheese, grain bread, cabbage, herbs, white currants, peas, beans.

Important! It should be understood that an allergy can occur to almost any product. Therefore, they should be introduced into the diet in small portions and a special food diary should be kept, describing in it the reactions to the use of products. This will allow you to plan a complete, but safe meal.

Treatment of chronic urticaria

Therapy requires special attention from the doctor. He needs to carefully select the initial set of drugs. It is determined by the severity of the pathology and the symptoms of the disease. If a negative reaction occurs to any of the means, the reception is immediately stopped. It is also important to cleanse the intestines and remove potentially dangerous substances from the body.

Important! The patient needs to be prepared for the fact that the treatment of urticaria is often delayed for months. In this case, there is always a chance that all symptoms will suddenly disappear.

Treatment of urticaria in children

The therapy is carried out in the same way as in adults. Special preparations are prescribed to reduce the body’s sensitivity to the allergen, remove the skin reaction and ensure the prevention of exacerbations.

Important! If necessary, gastroenterologists, gynecologists and other narrow specialists are involved in the treatment of urticaria in adults and children. This is due to the fact that in some cases the pathology develops against the background of diseases of internal organs and systems and requires an integrated multidisciplinary approach.

Prevention

Patients prone to urticaria need to reduce contact with potential allergens. It is also important to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Use antihistamines before vaccination and local anesthesia
2. Keep a food diary
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing to ensure adequate ventilation and avoid the risk of skin irritation
4. Avoid emotional stress
5. Treat all chronic diseases in a timely manner

Important! The doctor will tell you about all preventive measures. If there is a predisposition to the disease, it is very important to visit a dermatologist and an allergist immunologist to receive all the recommendations and identify the causes of the pathology.

Benefits of contacting MEDSI

• Modern expert class equipment. It provides fast and accurate diagnosis. The patient can undergo a comprehensive examination with the identification of allergens and the determination of the general condition of the body
• Multidisciplinary approach. It allows you to identify all possible causes of the pathology and select adequate treatment for various symptoms of urticaria
• Therapy according to the latest recommendations (including international ones). It is carried out taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, his current condition, the type of pathology and the factors that provoke it

To clarify the conditions for the treatment of urticaria or make an appointment, just call +7 (495) 7-800-500. Our specialist will answer all questions. Recording is also possible through the SmartMed application.

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor now:

• Urticaria treatment
• Dermatologist’s appointment

what is dangerous and how to treat.

Contents of the article

1. Symptoms and manifestations of urticaria
2. Clinical forms
3. Risk factors
4. Complications of urticaria
5. Do I need to see a doctor
6. Diagnosis and examination of urticaria
7. Treatment of various forms of urticaria
8. Patient participation in treatment
9. How to get an appointment with a doctor

Urticaria is a skin symptom of an allergy or other pathology associated with the release of histamine. It got its name because of the redness and blisters, very similar to a nettle burn. You can also find the names “nettle fever” or “urticaria”.
This condition requires careful examination and treatment, as it is fraught with complications: Quincke’s edema and anaphylactic shock.

Symptoms and manifestations of urticaria

• Skin rashes and redness.
• Itching of the skin.
• Fever, chills.
• Sometimes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

Upon contact with the allergen, mast cells are activated and release histamine, a substance that causes swelling of the skin and mucous membranes, which leads to the formation of blisters.

These rashes look like bubbles or nodules, are dense to the touch, have a clear outline, rise above healthy skin and turn pale when pressed. Diameter from one millimeter to several centimeters, large blisters can merge with each other, forming a large spot of irregular shape. The color varies from white to bright red. Disappear without leaving spots and scars. Necessarily accompanied by itching – from moderate to painful.

The blisters are volatile, meaning they come on quickly and go away just as quickly, but may return after a few hours. In some cases, episodes of rashes are repeated many times.

Localization of urticaria is different – on the face, neck, arms, back and abdomen. In the generalized form, rashes cover most of the body.

Clinical forms

According to the nature of the course of the disease, acute and chronic forms are distinguished. Acute lasts from several hours to 1.5 months. During this time, the symptoms may subside, but do not go away completely.

The chronic form is characterized by a cyclic alternation of light intervals (remission) with periods of exacerbation. Sometimes there is no pronounced remission at all.

According to the etiology of occurrence, the forms are distinguished:

• allergic – manifests itself in contact with food, drug, inhalation and other allergens;
• cold – from contact with cold water or exposure to cold air. In a local skin reaction, blisters form around the cooled area of ​​the skin;
• thermal or cholinergic – provoked by a hot shower or bath;
• from exposure to pressure – occurs in places where the skin is squeezed by tight clothing and shoes, a tightly tightened belt or tight stockings;
• contact – in direct skin contact with an allergen, such as latex or household chemicals.

Risk factors

An episode of urticaria or the development of a chronic form can be provoked by one of the factors, or a combination of them:

• previously identified allergy, especially with skin manifestations;
• hereditary predisposition – plays a significant role in heat and cold forms;
• eating foods that promote the release of histamine – strawberries, shrimp, fish, soybeans, nuts, citrus fruits;
• the presence of foci of chronic infection in the body – caries, tonsillitis, sinusitis. This increases immune tension and can provoke allergic reactions;
• infectious diseases (viral hepatitis, herpes, infectious mononucleosis) and helminthiases;
• hormonal disruptions during pregnancy, lactation, puberty and menopause;
• medications – aspirin and other NSAIDs, codeine, oral contraceptives, some drugs that lower blood pressure;
• stress is a provoking factor.

Complications of urticaria

Quincke’s edema or angioedema

An emergency condition, similar in its mechanism of development to urticaria, characterized by swelling of the deep layers of the skin, mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissue.

Sometimes urticaria turns into Quincke’s edema, or they develop simultaneously with each other. The danger lies in the possible development of laryngeal edema, difficulty breathing and suffocation.

Myocarditis and glomerulonephritis

Rare, but terrible complications of urticaria. Their development is associated with a violation of the permeability of the vascular wall, which is fraught with a violation of the heart rhythm and the filtration function of the kidneys.

Anaphylactic shock

With the progression of allergies, there is a possibility of developing anaphylactic shock upon contact with the allergen. This is a life-threatening condition, accompanied by inhibition of all vital body functions. Requires immediate medical attention. The risk of death is very high.

Purulent skin lesions

Due to the excruciating itching, patients with hives often scratch the affected areas strongly. With a decrease in immunity, or if hygiene is violated, there is a danger of bacterial flora entering. This leads to the appearance of pustules and boils.

Do I need to see a doctor

Despite the fact that urticaria most often passes quickly and without consequences, it is necessary to identify its causes. At least in order to avoid serious complications. As a maximum, to prevent its occurrence in the future and to protect yourself from discomfort.

JSC “Medicina” (clinic of academician Roitberg) is located in the center of Moscow at 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy pereulok 10 within walking distance from the Mayakovskaya, Belorusskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya, Novoslobodskaya metro stations.

You can make an appointment with our specialists on the website or by phone +7 (495) 775-73-60.

Diagnostics and examinations for urticaria

The leading role in the diagnosis is played by the identification of a provoking factor, especially if it is not possible to establish a relationship between urticaria and something. In such cases, diagnostic tests come to the rescue:

• dermal – intradermal administration of suspected allergens;
• cold – placing an ice cube on the skin with an assessment of the reaction;
• solar – insolation of a skin area with a wave of a certain length;
• food challenge test;
• provocation by physical activity.

Some of these tests are done on the same day, others may require preparation. When testing for allergens, it is necessary to exclude the use of antihistamines for two weeks – for the correct result.

To complete the clinical picture, blood and urine tests, fluorography, ECG and other examinations are carried out according to indications.

JSC “Medicina” (clinic of academician Roitberg) has a modern department of allergology and immunology, staffed by qualified specialists. Each patient is assigned an attending physician who oversees the process of examination and treatment. If the patient has concomitant diseases, for example, bronchial asthma or heart disease, specialized specialists are involved in the treatment.

Treatment of various forms of urticaria

Drug treatment is prescribed and adjusted only by a doctor, self-medication is unacceptable. Dosages of drugs depend on the patient’s body weight, age and severity of the disease.

With allergic etiology, antihistamines are required. In cold and cholinergic forms, histamine receptor blockers are used. In severe autoimmune forms and the ineffectiveness of conventional therapy, hormonal drugs (glucocorticosteroids) are added to the treatment.

When selecting drug therapy, it is necessary to take into account the presence of concomitant diseases and contraindications, as well as possible adverse reactions.