Urticaria is a skin reaction that consists of red welts or swellings called hives that cause itching or itching. Hives last from two to six hours and can disappear spontaneously without leaving a mark and reappear in the same place or in another area of ??the skin. It is an illness that can be acute, if it lasts less than six weeks; or chronic, if it exceeds that time and can appear at any age, although acute urticaria is more common among children and adolescents. It is more common in women than in men.
Hives can be caused by emotional stress, but it is most commonly caused by immunological reasons, an allergy to a food, an ingredient, a medication, insect bites, etc. There are also non-immunological causes such as those caused by cold, sweat, friction, contact with the skin or an infection.
The types of hives are:
– Aquagenic urticaria. Called “water allergy”. It’s not Common.
– Urticaria from the cold or al frío.
– Contact urticaria.
– Autoimmune urticaria.
– Cholinergic urticaria or heat urticaria.
– Urticarial vasculitis. Vascular damage of immunological or inflammatory cause.
In the case of acute urticaria, the symptoms are hives and inflammations (hives) that are similar in color to the skin. The hives and itching disappear within a few weeks. In chronic urticaria, when the signs last more than six weeks or reappear frequently, sometimes for months or years, groups of hives or hives occur with itching that can be intense and appear in any area of ??the body.
Hives can vary in size and shape. Angioedema, painful swelling of the lips, eyelids, or inside the throat, may also occur. In chronic urticaria, symptoms can increase with heat, exercise and stress.
The physical examination and questionnaire are the basis for establishing the diagnosis by the doctor. You can also order a diary of activities, medications, supplements, herbal teas, foods and drinks. It is also key to see where the hives appear and how long it takes for them to disappear. The doctor may request a blood test or skin test or refer the case to a dermatologist or allergist.
To treat hives, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines or even corticosteroids for severe cases; diet; and dermatological care.
The doctor may also recommend, for the treatment and prevention of the appearance of hives, avoiding the intake of some foods that release vasoactive amines or histamine such as tuna, cocoa, strawberries, shellfish, fermented cheeses or peppers. Another recommendation is to wear loose, light clothing, avoid scratching, use mild soaps, and use sunscreen outdoors.
