What are the common triggers for latex allergies. How can latex allergy symptoms be recognized. What foods should be avoided by individuals with latex allergies. How is latex allergy diagnosed and treated. Can latex allergies be prevented.

Understanding Latex Allergy: A Comprehensive Overview

Latex allergy is a condition that affects numerous individuals worldwide, causing a range of symptoms from mild irritation to life-threatening reactions. This allergic response occurs when the immune system overreacts to proteins found in natural rubber latex, a material derived from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. As latex is used in various products, from medical gloves to everyday items, understanding this allergy is crucial for those affected and healthcare providers alike.

What exactly is latex?

Latex is a milky fluid produced by rubber trees. It’s processed to create a variety of products, including medical gloves, balloons, condoms, and numerous household items. The widespread use of latex in medical settings has led to increased exposure and, consequently, a rise in latex allergies among healthcare workers and patients.

Common Triggers and Exposure Routes for Latex Allergies

Identifying potential triggers is essential for managing latex allergies effectively. Exposure to latex can occur through various routes, each presenting unique risks.

Direct contact triggers

• Medical or dental procedures using latex gloves
• Handling latex balloons
• Wearing latex-containing clothing or using latex-based products

Inhalation exposure

Airborne latex particles, often from powdered latex gloves, can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. This type of exposure is particularly concerning in healthcare settings where latex products are frequently used.

Can latex allergy develop suddenly?

While latex allergy typically develops after multiple exposures, sensitization can occur over time. Repeated contact with latex products increases the risk of developing an allergy, especially among healthcare workers and individuals who undergo frequent medical procedures.

Recognizing Latex Allergy Symptoms: From Mild to Severe

Latex allergy symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening reactions. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for prompt intervention and management.

Mild to moderate symptoms

• Hives or itchy skin
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing

Severe symptoms

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction)

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of latex allergy reaction, requiring immediate medical attention. It can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure, severe breathing difficulties, and loss of consciousness.

How quickly do latex allergy symptoms appear?

Symptoms of latex allergy typically manifest within minutes of exposure to latex-containing products. However, the onset and severity of symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s sensitivity and the route of exposure.

Latex-Fruit Syndrome: Understanding Cross-Reactivity

Individuals with latex allergies may also experience allergic reactions to certain fruits and vegetables. This phenomenon, known as latex-fruit syndrome, occurs due to the similarity between proteins found in latex and those present in specific plant foods.

Foods commonly associated with latex-fruit syndrome

1. Bananas
2. Avocados
3. Kiwis
4. Chestnuts
5. Papayas
6. Melons
7. Tomatoes
8. Apples
9. Carrots
10. Celery
11. Raw potatoes

Is the latex-fruit syndrome dangerous?

While not everyone with a latex allergy will react to these foods, those who do may experience symptoms ranging from mild oral allergy syndrome to more severe systemic reactions. It’s essential for individuals with latex allergies to be aware of this potential cross-reactivity and consult with an allergist for proper guidance.

Diagnosing Latex Allergy: Methods and Considerations

Accurate diagnosis of latex allergy is crucial for effective management and prevention of potentially severe reactions. Healthcare providers employ various methods to confirm a latex allergy diagnosis.

Diagnostic approaches for latex allergy

• Detailed medical history
• Skin prick tests
• Blood tests (specific IgE antibody tests)
• Provocation tests (in controlled medical settings)

The most common and reliable method for diagnosing latex allergy is through blood tests that detect specific IgE antibodies to latex proteins. These tests offer a safe and accurate way to confirm latex sensitivity without risking an allergic reaction during the diagnostic process.

Why is proper diagnosis important?

Accurate diagnosis helps individuals avoid unnecessary restrictions while ensuring they take appropriate precautions to prevent allergic reactions. It also guides healthcare providers in creating safe treatment plans for patients with confirmed latex allergies.

Treatment Strategies for Latex Allergy Management

Managing latex allergy primarily involves avoiding exposure to latex-containing products. However, additional strategies and treatments may be necessary, especially for individuals at risk of severe reactions.

Key components of latex allergy management

• Strict avoidance of latex products
• Use of alternative materials (e.g., nitrile or vinyl gloves)
• Carrying emergency medication (e.g., epinephrine auto-injector)
• Wearing medical alert identification
• Educating family, friends, and colleagues about the allergy

Emergency treatment for severe reactions

For individuals at risk of anaphylaxis, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector is crucial. This life-saving medication can rapidly reverse the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, buying time to seek emergency medical care.

Are there any treatments to cure latex allergy?

Currently, there is no cure for latex allergy. Management focuses on prevention and symptom control. Some promising research into desensitization therapies is underway, but these are not yet widely available or proven effective for all patients.

Preventing Latex Allergy: Strategies for Individuals and Healthcare Settings

Prevention plays a critical role in managing latex allergy, both for individuals at risk and in healthcare environments where latex exposure is common.

Personal prevention strategies

• Identify and avoid latex-containing products
• Inform healthcare providers about your latex allergy before procedures
• Choose latex-free alternatives for personal use
• Be cautious with certain foods if you have latex-fruit syndrome

Prevention in healthcare settings

• Implement latex-safe environments
• Use non-latex or low-protein latex gloves
• Educate staff about latex allergy risks and management
• Clearly label latex-containing products

How effective are latex-safe environments in preventing allergic reactions?

Implementing latex-safe policies and environments in healthcare settings has led to significant reductions in new cases of latex allergy among healthcare workers and patients. These measures have proven highly effective in minimizing exposure risks and preventing sensitization to latex proteins.

Living with Latex Allergy: Practical Tips and Considerations

Adapting to life with a latex allergy requires vigilance and proactive management. By making informed choices and preparing for potential exposures, individuals can maintain a high quality of life while minimizing risks.

Tips for daily living with latex allergy

1. Read product labels carefully
2. Communicate your allergy to employers, schools, and healthcare providers
3. Prepare for travel by researching latex-free options
4. Join support groups or online communities for advice and support
5. Stay informed about new latex-free products and medical advancements

Navigating social situations

Social events involving balloons or other latex products can pose challenges. Open communication with hosts and suggesting alternatives can help make events safer and more inclusive for those with latex allergies.

Can individuals with latex allergy pursue careers in healthcare?

While a latex allergy can present challenges in healthcare settings, many institutions have implemented latex-safe policies. With proper precautions and accommodations, individuals with latex allergies can often pursue careers in healthcare, though some specialties may be more challenging than others.

Living with a latex allergy requires ongoing vigilance and adaptation. However, with proper management, education, and support, individuals can lead full and active lives while minimizing their risk of allergic reactions. As research continues and awareness grows, we can expect further improvements in latex allergy prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Latex Allergy | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Triggers and Symptoms

What triggers the allergic reaction to latex?

When people with latex allergy come into direct contact with latex, an allergic reaction may follow. Common examples include:

• A medical or dental procedure conducted by health care workers wearing natural rubber latex gloves
• Blowing up a rubber balloon

What are latex allergy symptoms?

In most cases, latex allergy develops after many previous exposures to latex. Latex allergy symptoms may include hives, itching, stuffy or runny nose. It can cause asthma symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Symptoms begin within minutes after exposure to latex containing products. The most severe latex allergy can result in anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction involving severe breathing difficulty and/or fall in blood pressure (shock).

Allergic skin problems can occur following direct contact with allergic latex proteins in latex glove products. Symptoms may include immediate itching, redness and swelling of skin that touched the item containing latex. These and other latex allergic reactions are less common now. Many hospitals or doctors’ offices have switched to non-latex gloves or low protein latex gloves.

A second type of skin allergy called “allergic contact dermatitis” may be caused by chemicals used to manufacture rubber gloves. This dermatitis is recognized by the eczema and blisters on the back of the hands. It resembles a poison ivy rash, and begins 1 to 3 days after wearing rubber gloves.

Direct physical contact with latex products is not needed to trigger an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis and severe asthmatic reactions have been caused by inhaling latex proteins in the air resulting from the powder in the latex glove.

What foods are potential problems for people with latex allergy?

If you have latex allergy you also can have food allergies. The foods most likely to cause this problem include: apple, avocado, banana, carrot, celery, chestnut, kiwi, melons, papaya, raw potato and tomato.

Management and Treatment

How is latex allergy diagnosed?

Latex allergy is diagnosed by an allergy blood test.

How is latex allergy treated?

The best treatment for latex allergy is avoidance. If you have severe latex allergy reaction you should:

• Wear medical alert identification
• Carry an "}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8963,"3":{"1":0},"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"12":0,"16":10}">Epinephrine is a naturally occurring hormone, also called adrenaline. It is one of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland. Epinephrine increases the speed and force of heart beats and thereby the work that can be done by the heart. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise. Epinephrine has been produced synthetically as a drug since 1900. It remains the drug of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector for emergency treatment

Health care workers with a history of latex sensitivity who must wear gloves should stop wearing latex gloves. Their co-workers should also not use latex gloves, but rather switch to synthetic gloves.

Patients with latex allergy are at risk of asthma on exposure to latex-containing aerosols. They should try to avoid areas where powdered latex gloves or other latex products are used.

How can latex allergy be prevented?

If you have latex allergy you should avoid direct contact with all products and devices that contain latex. Also avoid food that causes an allergic reaction. Latex allergy problems during dental, medical or surgical procedures can be prevented by warning health care providers about latex allergy before any test or treatment. Latex allergic people can receive medical or dental care in a latex-safe area. Hospitals and clinics that use only low protein latex gloves and non-latex gloves have experienced dramatic declines in new cases of latex allergy.

Allergists can provide latex-allergic people with information and assistance to help them avoid products which may contain latex. The American Latex Allergy Association also has additional information.

With the right treatment plan, you’ll understand how to manage your allergies, so you can be in control.

Pollen Allergy | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Symptoms

If you have a pollen allergy and breathe in pollen-heavy air, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Itchy throat and eyes
• Wheezing

Pollen can also aggravate People with asthma have acute episodes where the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>asthma symptoms, including increased coughing and wheezing.

Management and Treatment

Find an allergist to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and help you find relief.

One key tip is to get ahead of pollen season. For example, if your symptoms are typically at their worst in mid-April, start taking your medications at the end of March. Likewise, if the weather calls for a run of warm weather toward the end of winter, it might be smart to begin taking your medication at that time as well. Ask your allergist about medications that can be taken in advance of pollen season.

Two Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, perhaps by causing production of a particular \"blocking\" antibody, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substances is encountered in the future."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8963,"3":{"1":0},"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"12":0,"16":10}">Immunotherapy is a form of preventive and anti-inflammatory treatment of allergy to substances such as pollens, house dust mites, fungi, and stinging insect venom. Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, perhaps by causing production of a particular "blocking" antibody, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substance is encountered in the future. </span>” rel=”tooltip”>immunotherapy options are available for those with severe pollen allergies:

• Allergy shots can help your body build resistance to pollens.
• Tablets that dissolve under the tongue are now available by prescription for people suffering from grass and ragweed allergies. These medications must be started 12 weeks before symptoms are expected to begin.

Pollen Counts: Not Always the Full Story

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the predicted pollen counts, particularly if you plan to be outdoors for a long period of time. (If you are planning to be outside working around plants or cutting grass, a dust mask can help.)

But even if you see a high pollen count predicted in the newspaper, on a smartphone app or on TV, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be affected. There are many types of pollen — from different kinds of trees, from grass and from a variety of weeds. As a result, a high overall pollen count doesn’t always indicate a strong concentration of the specific pollen to which you’re allergic.

The opposite can be true, too: The pollen count might be low, but you might find yourself around one of the pollens that triggers your allergies.

Through testing, an allergist can pinpoint which pollens bring on your symptoms. An allergist can also help you find relief by determining which medications will work best for your set of triggers.

Acute and recurrent urticaria: causes, symptoms and treatment

Contents

• 1 Urticaria: causes, symptoms and treatment of acute and recurrent forms
  • 1.1 What is urticaria?
  • 1.2 Causes of acute urticaria
  • 1.3 Acute and recurrent urticaria: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1.3.1 Symptoms of acute urticaria
  • treatments
    • 1.4.1 What is recurrent urticaria?
  • 1.5 Causes of recurrent urticaria
    • 1.5.1 Allergic factor
    • 1.5.2 Neuropsychic stress
    • 1.5.3 Physical activity
    • 1.5. 4 Infections
  • 1. 6 Recurrent urticaria: symptoms and manifestations
    • 1.6.1 Features of recurrent urticaria
    • 1.6.2 Signs and symptoms of recurrent urticaria
    • 1.6.3 Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent urticaria
  • 1.7 Diagnosis of urticaria
  • 1.8 Treatment of acute urticaria
  • 1.9 How to treat recurrent urticaria?
  • 1.10 Prevention of acute and recurrent urticaria
  • 1.11 When should you see a doctor if you have acute or recurrent urticaria?
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 How is acute and recurrent urticaria diagnosed?
      • 1.13.0.2 What are the main symptoms of acute and recurrent urticaria?
      • 1.13.0.3 What can cause acute and recurrent urticaria?
      • 1.13.0.4 How is acute and recurrent urticaria treated?
      • 1.13.0.5 Can acute and recurrent urticaria be life-threatening?
      • 1.13.0.6 How can acute and recurrent urticaria be prevented?

Learn about acute and recurrent urticaria: symptoms, causes, and treatments. Useful information for those who suffer from this disease or want to avoid its occurrence.

Urticaria is a skin condition that can cause itching, redness and swelling. Acute and recurrent types of urticaria differ from each other in the duration of attacks and symptoms, but both can be very unpleasant for the patient.

Acute urticaria is usually a reaction to contact with an allergen or other highly irritating environment. Symptoms can appear very quickly and in severe cases can lead to anaphylactic shock. Recurrent urticaria, on the other hand, can come on for no apparent reason and recur periodically, which can be very difficult to diagnose and treat.

Treatment for urticaria usually involves mainly drugs such as antihistamines and creams. In some cases, urgent medical intervention may be required, especially in anaphylactic shock. Adhering to preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with allergens and light, minimal use of chemical products, can also help to avoid bouts of hives.

It is important to note that hives can be caused by a variety of causes, so only your healthcare provider can recommend the best course of treatment and prevention for your particular case.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is an allergic skin reaction that appears as red, hypersensitive and itchy patches on the skin. This reaction disrupts the structure of the skin and can be caused by external or internal factors.

External factors such as insect bites, contact with plants, use of certain medications may cause urticaria. It should be noted that the reaction of the skin to external factors can intensify and become chronic in the presence of internal health problems.

Internal factors such as indigestion, stress, hormonal changes can also trigger hives. The reaction to these factors can be recurrent with prolonged exposure to adverse factors.

Due to the presence of various causes, urticaria can manifest itself in different forms and be acute or recurrent.

Causes of acute urticaria

Acute urticaria is a response of the immune system to an allergen. Allergens can be different – food, drugs, plant pollen, chemicals, insects, etc. When an allergen enters the body, immune cells begin to produce antibodies that cause the release of the substance histamine. Histamine, in turn, dilates the capillaries of the skin, causing diaper rash and itching. As a result, a characteristic urticaria occurs.

Some people may be more likely to develop urticaria due to heredity. Also, the risk of developing hives is increased in the presence of other allergic diseases, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis. Certain physical factors, such as extreme cold, sunlight, or exercise, can also cause acute hives in some people.

• Examples of allergens that cause acute urticaria:
  • Nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy
  • Medicines such as aspirin, antibiotics, anesthetics
  • Pollen, animals
  • Chemicals such as dyes, preservatives, perfumes, creams

symptoms and treatment

Symptoms of acute urticaria

Acute urticaria is characterized by the appearance of reddening of the skin, severe itching, swelling and thickening of the skin. These symptoms can be so severe that they lead to severe itching, flaking of the skin, and even bleeding.

In addition, acute urticaria can lead to symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and even anaphylactic shock.

Symptoms of acute urticaria may appear suddenly and disappear after a few hours or days. Sometimes they can last for months or even years.

• Redness of the skin – skin may become red and mottled, similar to insect bites or nettle stings
• Edema – skin may swell and swell, especially around the eyes, mouth, genitals and extremities
• Skin lumps – may have nodules or vesicles on the skin
• Severe itching – skin may be very itchy and uncomfortable

depend on the cause of the disease.

Recurrent urticaria: symptoms, causes, and treatments

What is recurrent urticaria?

Recurrent urticaria is a disease characterized by recurrent episodes of urticaria on the skin. It differs from acute urticaria, where the rash and other symptoms resolve within a few days and do not recur. In case of recurrence, patients may experience periods of health, but the disease recurs after a few days, weeks or months.

Urticaria is often a sign of allergic reactions, but the causes of recurrence may vary. In some cases, the disease may be caused by stress, or the use of new cosmetics. In some cases, the possible cause of the disease may be uncertain.

For the treatment of recurrent urticaria, the doctor may recommend the use of antihistamine medicines such as levocetirizine or fexofenadine. They soothe the skin and reduce symptoms. The addition of glucocorticosteroids may help patients with more severe forms of the disease.

If you suffer from recurrent urticaria, see your doctor. Various treatments can help control and prevent recurring symptoms.

Causes of recurrent urticaria

Allergic factor

The main cause of recurrent urticaria is an allergic reaction. It can be caused by various allergens such as pollen, food, animals, drugs, etc. Contact with an allergen can cause skin rashes and lead to recurrences of hives.

Neuropsychiatric stress

Repetitive stress is another cause of recurrent urticaria. Nervous stress can lead to a change in the level of hormones in the blood, which in turn can cause an immune system reaction and recurrence of hives.

Physical activity

Physical activity may be a trigger for recurrence of urticaria. It can cause an increase in body temperature, increased sweating, and changes in hormone levels, which can lead to an immune system reaction in the skin.

Infections

Infections may lead to recurrent urticaria. They can trigger an immune response, which in turn can lead to skin rashes. In addition, many infections are accompanied by antibiotics, which can be another reason for the development of relapses of urticaria.

Recurrent urticaria: symptoms and manifestations

Features of recurrent urticaria

Recurrent urticaria occurs when repeated contact with the allergen in the body. A characteristic sign of recurrent urticaria is the presence of islands of rash on the skin, which often merge into one large spot. The rash is accompanied by severe itching, redness of the skin and swelling. Manifestations of recurrent urticaria may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue and body aches.

Signs and symptoms of recurrent urticaria

Symptoms of recurrent urticaria can be severe and unpleasant. Ulcerated and itchy spots appear on the skin, which can be located on any part of the body. Often the rash is accompanied by swelling and irritation of the skin, erosions and blisters.

Common symptoms of recurrent urticaria also include pain and discomfort, white dots on the skin and a rash in the form of circles that gradually increase in size and become more noticeable.

Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent urticaria

At the first sign of recurrent urticaria, a qualified allergist should be consulted. The doctor will conduct a set of necessary studies, determine the cause of the development of urticaria and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Special anti-allergic therapy is used to treat symptoms and prevent recurrence of urticaria. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment can be carried out both in stationary conditions and on an outpatient basis.

Diagnosis of urticaria

Diagnosis of urticaria is based on examination of clinical symptoms. When contacting a doctor, it is important to describe your symptoms: the presence of a rash on the skin, its nature (soreness, itching, swelling), distribution, duration. The doctor also examines the skin and mucous membranes to identify the characteristic signs of the disease.

It is important to remember that acute urticaria resolves on its own and does not require special diagnosis. However, if the disease recurs, contacting a doctor will help determine the cause of the urticaria and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Treatment of acute urticaria

Acute urticaria requires prompt and effective treatment in order to reduce symptoms and prevent possible complications.

The first step is to stop contact with the substance that caused the allergy. Then antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, fenistil and others can be prescribed. They help reduce itching, redness, and swelling of the skin.

If symptoms persist or worsen, glucocorticoids may be given. They help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of more serious problems.

• Stop contact with the allergen
• Take antihistamines
• Give glucocorticoids if symptoms persist

Important! Never attempt self-medication in case of acute urticaria. It is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How to treat recurrent urticaria?

Recurrent urticaria is a chronic disease that can last for many years. To effectively treat relapses, you need to determine the cause of their occurrence.

It is important to remember that when urticaria recurs, it is necessary to avoid contact with possible allergens – food, drugs, chemicals. If a particular allergen is identified, it is necessary to exclude it from the diet or avoid contact with it.

There are also non-pharmacological treatments such as skin cooling treatments such as ice packs and soothing ointments and creams.

You can also use montelkast, a drug that reduces inflammation in the body, to treat recurrences of urticaria. However, before using it, you need to consult a doctor.

• Signs of recurrent urticaria:
  • Skin rash
  • Severe itching and redness of the skin
  • Edema

Urticaria can be caused by many factors, but steps can be taken to prevent its appearance:

1. Avoid contact with allergens: Try to identify what causes your hives and try to avoid contact with these substances. Some common allergens include food, medicines, dust, animals, and plants.
2. Stay safe from physical irritants: Avoid contact with physical irritants such as extreme heat or cold, sun, water, pressure and friction.
3. Boost your immune system: Take care of your health, keep your daily routine, eat right and get enough sleep to keep your immune system in good shape.
4. Watch your health: If you have a chronic condition that can lead to hives, monitor your symptoms and see your doctor if necessary.
5. Take precautions with medicines: Talk to your doctor about possible side effects of medicines, and if you have an allergic reaction to any of them, tell your doctor.

By following these preventive measures, you can reduce your risk of acute and recurrent hives and improve your overall health and well-being.

When should you see a doctor if you have acute or recurrent urticaria?

Urticaria is an allergic disease that can manifest itself in the form of skin rashes, itching and other symptoms. If you are faced with this problem, then you need to consult a doctor to find the best treatment and eliminate the cause of the disease.

It is also worth seeing a doctor if you suffer from recurrent urticaria, that is, if you have experienced this disease for the first time, or if your condition worsens and the symptoms do not go away after home treatment. In this case, you will need to undergo medical examinations and get recommendations for treatment in order to prevent possible complications.

Do not delay going to the doctor if you suspect hives. He will help you find effective treatment and get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

Related videos:

Q&A:

How is acute and recurrent urticaria diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on the clinical manifestations of urticaria and the exclusion of other diseases with similar symptoms. Your doctor may order blood tests, allergy tests, thyroid function tests, and other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the main symptoms of acute and recurrent urticaria?

The main symptoms include the appearance of a skin rash, itching, redness of the skin, swelling, burning and fever. In most patients, symptoms improve within a few days, but in some people, symptoms last longer and may recur for many months or years.

What can cause acute and recurrent urticaria?

Acute and recurrent urticaria can be caused by a variety of factors, such as allergens, infections, physical factors (eg, cold, heat, pressure), certain drugs and foods, stress, and other factors.

How is acute and recurrent urticaria treated?

Treatment of acute and recurrent urticaria may include antihistamines, creams and ointments to reduce itching and burning, short-acting glucocorticosteroids, immunomodulators, and other drugs. It may also be necessary to avoid certain medications and foods that can cause hives symptoms.

Can acute and recurrent urticaria be life-threatening?

In most cases, acute and recurrent urticaria are not life-threatening. However, some patients may experience anaphylactic shock, which is a potentially fatal condition. If you or your child develop symptoms of anaphylactic shock, such as swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, call an ambulance immediately.

How can acute and recurrent urticaria be prevented?

Several ways to prevent acute and recurrent hives include avoiding known allergens, seeking medical attention when symptoms appear, taking medication only as directed by a physician, and avoiding foods that may cause allergies. It is also important to reduce stress, especially during a possible exacerbation of the disease.

Urticaria on the palms can be a sign of a serious autoimmune disease

Symptoms of urticaria on the palms

For almost two years, due to the covid pandemic, great attention has been paid to hand hygiene. Detergents and antiseptics have become very popular, and therefore, when urticaria appears on the palms, people “sin” on them.

Is this true and what kind of diseases can lead to allergic and non-allergic rashes, read below.

Symptoms do not usually indicate serious illness, but may indicate infection or contact with an irritant.

With urticaria, most patients complain of:

· Itching

· Burning;

redness;

desquamation of the skin;

Ulcers, fissures and bleeding.

Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, avoid harsh detergents and protect your hands from excessive contact with them with cotton gloves.

Why do palms itch?

Causes can be caused by the following diseases:

allergic reactions

eczema of the hands;

Dyshidrotic eczema

Contact dermatitis

Psoriasis,

Dry skin;

Diabetes mellitus

Drug reaction;

cirrhosis of the liver

impetigo;

Allergy as a manifestation of urticaria on the palms

Occurs when the immune system tries to protect you from things that are not really a threat. For example, raspberries or a beloved cat.

Allergies can also be caused by medication. When reacting to the allergen used, the palms will itch and also become blistered in the form of hives.

Other symptoms that usually appear at the same time as the rash include:

vomiting;

diarrhea;

itching in the mouth;

edema;

anaphylactic shock.

In the latter case, you will have difficulty breathing and/or swallowing.

In addition, the person will experience the following symptoms:

hives, redness or paleness of the skin;

redness of the skin;

abdominal pain

weak or rapid pulse;

coryza and sneezing;

swollen tongue or lips;

Tingling in the arms, legs, mouth and even on the head.

Ignoring these signs can lead to respiratory arrest and death.

But if the cause of the symptoms is a minor allergic reaction, then antihistamines will reduce or even eliminate the rash.

Eczema and dyshidrotic eczema

Hand eczema affects up to 10% of the population. But this disease is not contagious. Its symptoms include itchy palms, skin redness, cracking, dryness, and sometimes painful blisters.

The following occupations are most commonly affected by eczema:

catering or restaurant staff;

cleaners;

stylists;

medical workers;

mechanics.

They are the ones who have to wash their hands frequently and use various chemicals. Therefore, the best treatment option is prevention. Namely, the use of protective equipment, such as gloves.

If synthetics are also irritating, wear an extra pair of cotton gloves underneath.

Wash your hands with lukewarm water, avoid gel sanitizers and use unscented soaps.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is a special type of eczema that causes small itchy clusters of blisters that are very painful.

The blisters should dry up and peel off within three weeks.

Dyshidrotic eczema, as a rule, affects women, although men can also get this sore.

No cure has yet been found for this disease.

Contact dermatitis

This is also a form of eczema. With it, rashes occur when the palms touch the irritant. Sometimes skin rashes can appear immediately. However, in most cases, they occur after a while.

Contact dermatitis begins to bother a person after touching:

Hogweed;

nickel;

hygiene and make-up products;

rubber gloves;

jewelry;

dust;

soil;

chlorinated water.

Eruptions on the palms may appear on contact with cleaning products, bleach or soap. If the sores sting badly and do not go away within a few days, seek immediate medical attention.

Medication reaction

Sometimes itchy palms can be caused by new medications. Such reactions are called histamine. In this case, it is the palms that will itch, since histamines accumulate in large quantities in the limbs.

If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about taking a prescription drug.

Non-allergic factors affecting the palms of the hands

Dry skin

Cold weather or even routine cleaning of the air conditioner can cause the skin to dry out. And the palms are especially unprotected here. Resist the urge to scratch them. This will only increase the annoyance.

Emollient creams are the best remedy. Dryness leads to increased sensitivity, so look for gentle products that are recommended for eczema and delicate skin.

Psoriasis

As a rule, it is a hereditary autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of various parts of the body, including the palms.

Psoriasis can be caused by other skin conditions, skin damage or infection.

In addition to inflammation of the palms, you may feel

redness;

peeling and dry skin;

plaques or thickenings on affected areas;

Painful cracks in the arms.

There are several types of psoriasis. And the degree of its manifestations is mild, moderate and severe.

Mild psoriasis is treated with emollient creams and shampoos. Severe – light therapy or special preparations.

Diabetes mellitus

In this disease, too high blood sugar can cause dry skin and also cause itching.

In addition, bumps and red spots will appear on the palms and other parts of the body.

Diabetes can cause itchy skin for a variety of reasons. Among them:

Diabetic neuropathy (a type of nerve damage)

Kidney failure (possibly a complication of diabetes)

Allergic reaction to drugs.

If you have diabetes and itchy palms, be sure to see your doctor. People with this disease have reduced immunity, which means they are prone to infectious diseases.

Hand-foot-mouth disease

As a rule, it is children who are the carriers of this disease, which is essentially enteroviral vesicular stomatitis with exanthema. This viral infection is highly contagious. It causes ulcers and rashes in the mouth and on the legs and hands. Other symptoms include:

fever;

sore throat;

blisters on the tongue;

red eruption on palms and soles of feet;

Loss of appetite.

The illness is generally considered mild and resolves in a few days. But if its manifestations intensify and do not disappear within a short time, consult a doctor immediately.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious disease that, again, occurs in children. Blisters appear on the face, neck and palms.

They are immediately transmitted to a healthy person by contact with the skin or by touching objects used by the sick person.

Impetigo causes severe itching and can spread to other parts of the body through scratches. Therefore, it is important not to scratch the sores.

Children are more likely to develop this disease if they have other skin problems such as eczema or contact dermatitis caused by poisonous plant sap (hogweed).

If you suspect impetigo, see your doctor. Only he can prescribe the medications needed for his treatment.

Ringworm

This is a skin infection that can appear in any part of the body in the form of a ring. Sometimes this phenomenon is called “mycosis” or “athlete’s itch”. With this disease, in addition to rashes on the palms, you may experience the following symptoms:

Dry skin;

deep cracks;

thick leather;

inflammation.

Only a doctor should prescribe treatment. As a rule, these are topical preparations that will help get rid of the disease in 2-4 weeks.

Cirrhosis

An autoimmune disease called primary biliary cholangitis or primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) can cause itchy, patchy rashes on the palms of the hands.

PBC affects the bile ducts that connect the liver to the intestines. The bile that travels between these two organs accumulates in the liver, causing lesions and scarring.

In addition to itchy palms, a person with this condition may experience the following symptoms:

spots on palms;

nausea,

bone pain;

diarrhea;

jaundice;

dark urine.

For unknown reasons, PBC is more common in women.

Prescription medications are given to reduce the symptoms of itching for people with this condition.

Home remedies

Fortunately, some rashes heal on their own. At first, just be careful and keep an eye on them. If the sores persist, try placing a cool, damp cloth or a paper towel-wrapped bag of frozen food from the refrigerator on your palms.

In addition, if you are sure that you do not have a reaction to natural products, you can use them.

For example, mix olive oil with a little honey and turmeric powder and apply this poultice on your palms. The list of soothing oils includes castor, coconut or fish oil.

You can soak your hands in an oatmeal bath or make a poultice of coffee-grinded oatmeal mixed with water.