Urticaria, also known as “Hives”, is a common skin condition that can affect children and adults. It causes itchy red bumps on the skin. The rash is usually short-lived, lasting for minutes to hours, and tends to come and go, affecting different parts of the body. In severe cases, “Angioedema”- whereby the eyes/ lip/ face/hands/feet become swollen, may develop.
What is Urticaria?
Urticaria
What is the cause of Urticaria?
Urticaria is caused by the release of histamine from our white blood cells resulting in redness, itch and swelling. Often, the exact cause of urticaria cannot be identified. It is well recognized that infection is a common trigger to urticaria. Many a times, urticaria occurs shortly after a person recovers from a viral infection such as a flu-like illness. Other known triggers of urticaria are: physical factors (eg heat, cold, exercise, pressure on the skin), alcohol consumption and certain drugs eg Aspirin, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Most of the time, urticaria is a short-lived condition, lasting for a few days to a few weeks. In a minority of cases, urticaria can become a chronic problem (See Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria) .
What is the treatment for Urticaria?
The treatment of urticaria includes avoidance of any known triggers as well as the use of oral antihistamines. Oral antihistamines are generally highly effective in the treatment and prevention of urticaria. For severe acute urticaria, antihistamines and steroids are often combined to bring about rapid control of the rashes.
What is Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria?
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) refers to persistent, recurrent episodes of urticaria lasting more than 6 weeks. The cause of CSU is unknown. It is more common in women. CSU sufferers often require long term oral antihistamines for symptom control. In cases where oral antihistamines are not effective, oral immunosuppressants and biologic treatments may be required.