As someone who values his/her health, you need to familiarize yourself with the causes and prevention urticaria. Urticaria is a type I hypersensitive allergic reaction of the skin characterized by the sudden appearance of pinkish, edematous elevations that vary in size and shape, itch, and cause local discomfort. Urticaria is indeed a serious disease and this article will help you learn more about it.
What is urticaria and what causes it to appear? Are there ways or methods on how one can prevent it? Read on to find the answers to your questions and be more knowledgeable about the causes and prevention of urticaria.
Causes of Urticaria
- Allergens
Allergens are considered the number one cause of urticaria. They are found mostly in the food people eat and they are commonly present in seafood like shrimp, squid, lobster, and shellfish. In addition, they are also present in some fruits like tomato and strawberry and even in nuts.
- Environmental Factors
We have to admit to ourselves that our environment is no longer a safe place to live in. A polluted environment produces bacteria and allergens that can irritate the skin and give way to urticaria. In addition, extreme heat or cold weather and pollen present in the air can also cause urticaria.
- Drugs
Man-made drugs can actually cause urticaria. Antibiotics like penicillin and even anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and indomethacin can trigger urticaria. In addition, it can also be caused by vaccination especially in infants and contraceptive pills taken by women.
How to Prevent Urticaria
- Avoid the causes
Now that you have an idea on what causes urticaria, you must learn how to discipline yourself and avoid them. If you are allergic to certain food, avoid eating them and save yourself the trouble. It is also important that you stay away from chemicals that can cause irritation.
- Seek medical advice
Urticaria is a skin disorder that can cause severe discomfort and you must visit your doctor for the right treatment. You cannot just take any drug at all since it can also cause allergies that can worsen your condition. Always seek the advice of your doctor and strictly follow your medications.
- Keep your environment clean
There are a lot of things you can do to prevent urticaria and the easiest is keeping your environment, especially your home, clean and safe. Maintain a healthy environment by dusting your furniture regularly and keeping your house well ventilated. Use mild household cleaning products to avoid skin irritation.
- Remedy rashes immediately
If you experience having rashes or itchiness, you must apply remedy to the affected area before it gets worse. Apply an anti-itch cream, lotion or ointment to relieve yourself from the itch and redness. You can also take antihistamines like Atarax, Benedryl, Seldane and Tagamet.
- Take a rest
Emotional stress is proven to trigger urticaria. Avoid it by taking sufficient rest to relax your mind and body. You can go for a walk, unwind, and take your mind off things that cause you stress.
Now you have an idea about the causes and prevention of urticaria. Bear them in mind so you will know what to do in order to protect yourself against it. Urticaria can be easily prevented if you know how to take good care of your health.
