Hives
Hives or Urticaria is a common skin condition looks like red, itchy welts on the skin. It can occur due to various factors and ranges in severity from mild to severe. While acute hives last only a few days to month and Chronic persist for months or years.
Causes of Urticaria or Hives
Hives occur when immune cells release histamine and other chemicals, leading to swelling,
fluid leakage, and severe itchiness of the skin. It represents an abnormal immune response
to potential triggers, such as:
- Allergy to food, medications, insect bites, or stings
- Viral, bacterial and parasitic infections
- Exposure to extreme hot or cold weathers
- Extreme sun exposure to the skin
- Emotional stress
- Physical pressure on skin like, tight clothing, or vibration from exercise.
- Autoimmune disorders
- Fluctuating hormonal levels
In many cases, the trigger behind an outbreak remains unknown.
Patient often visit to a dermatologist with the following complains:
Sudden appearance of red, swollen welts and flare patches on the skin, Individual hives
lesions vary in size and shape, Burning, tingling-type itch or pruritus, Occasional deeper
painful swelling called angioedema. Sometimes, minor dietary changes or stress might
provoke episodes without a clear source.
Treatment options
At Arcane clinic our expert dermatologist will take first step in getting treatment is to
confirm the diagnosis that you actually have hives.
Dermatologist may ask for some blood tests or skin tests to find out what may have caused
your hives.
- Taking antihistamine such as cetirizine or Levocetirizine.
- avoiding irritating the area
- soothing creams to reduce itchiness
- Avoid hot water, which may aggravate the hives
- Taking a cool or lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal.
- short-term use of topical steroids
- in chronic cases, Omalizumab an injectable drug is also helpful.
Have a Question?
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