Knowing urticaria in terms of its causes and symptoms will go a long way in treating this skin disorder more effectively. Hives, commonly known as urticaria are red or pink swollen bumps, welts or patches that appear suddenly on the skin. The most common synonym associated with hives is itching, although few people also experience a burning or stinging sensation.
Causes of urticaria:
Hives occur as a common reaction to all types of stimuli. Though an allergy can be the major reason for hives, in most outbreaks of urticaria the exact cause of hives is unknown. Hives occur when a chemical namely histamine and other compounds are released from specialized cells known as mast cells. It is an established fact that any form of allergy ultimately result in the release of histamine, but other factors also influence its release.
The chemical substance called histamine acts by causing the blood vessels to leak a fluid to the neighbouring tissues. Therefore small areas of swelling are formed due to the capillary leakage. Though alarming, hives generally fade on their own in a matter of a few weeks. These are rarely medically serious.
Some cases of urticaria are caused by allergic reactions from things such as medications, food and stings of insects. Majority of hives cases are non-allergic, and there is no specific reason ever for the causation of such hives. Patients find it annoying not able to know the causes for hives, and it is also true that just changing diet, soaps, detergent or makeup will not help in any manner.
Certain hives are caused by drug allergy or bee stings; and in rare cases urticaria and angioedema are often accompanied by difficulty in breathing and shock. This condition is known as anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of urticaria:
Hives can broadly be categorized into two categories, namely ordinary urticaria and physical urticaria. Ordinary hives do flare up all of a sudden without any known reason. Welts or wheals often appear at different places of the body. These eruptions itch, flare, swell and disappear only in a matter of minutes to certain hours, only to be seen elsewhere in the body. This appearing and disappearing sequence continues for many days to weeks. But most cases last for a duration that is less than six weeks. Hives that do last for a period of more than six months are termed as “chronic urticaria”.
Treatment of urticaria:
Ordinary urticaria may be treated by relieving its symptoms and in this process the condition fades away by itself. The most common of all the oral treatments available are antihistamines which perform the function of opposing the effects of histamines that are leaked by mast cells.
Many of the antihistamines are available without a prescription. Though these medications can be taken for about three times in a day, they can cause drowsiness and hence advisable to take at the bedtime. Oral steroids are also administered for relief in the short term, but not advisable due to the side effects.
Knowing urticaria at a base level will save you much time and money in treating your skin condition. One must have a basic idea about what causes hives, what are the symptoms and how it can be effectively treated.
