Urticaria (hives, welts or nettle rash) is a raised, red, itchy rash that appears on the skin. The raised marks in the rash are called weal. Each weal is short-lived, but the rash can move about.
Types
Acute
Urticaria lasts less than six weeks
Chronic
Urticaria lasts for six weeks
Causes of Urticaria
Acute urticaria
- Allergen
- certain foods (nuts, shellfish or eggs)
- latex
- wasp sting
- Infections
Colds or the flu
- Irritants
- chemicals
- nettles
- insect bites
- Medicines
NSAIDs
- Physical triggers
- pressure to the skin
- change in temperature
- sunlight
- exercise
- water
Chronic urticaria
More or less autoimmune disease
- Chronic illnesses and infections
- Thyroid disease
- Viral hepatitis
- Intestinal parasites
- Infectious mononucleosis
- HIV
- SLE
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Warm temperature
- Prolonged pressure on the skin
- Medications( NSAIDs and codeine)
Symptoms and signs
- Itching
- Wheals
Clearly defined edges, join together to form larger areas of flat, raised skin. May change shape, disappear and reappear soon
- Urticaria vasculitis
- Angioedema
Investigations
Acute urticaria
Allergy test
Chronic urticaria
- CBC
- Stool test
- ESR
- Thyroid function test
- liver function tests
Treatment
Ayurvedic Medicines
Complications
- Angioedema
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylaxis
Prevention
Avoid intake of certain chemicals in food
1. Vasoactive amines, found in–
- shellfish
- strawberries
- tomatoes
- fish
- chocolate
- pineapple
2. Salicylates, found in–
- tomatoes
- spices
- orange juice
- raspberries
- tea