Facts You Need To Know About Urticaria and Hives

Urticaria, also called hives, are bumps or wheals on the skin that are swollen and reddish. They pop out as an outcome of the body's reaction to certain allergens, or sometimes for unknown reasons.

Normally, hives are itchy and stingy. You can also experience a burning sensation. Hives appear on your mouth, lips, face, throat, ears or tongue. They come in different sizes (small as a mosquito bite to as big as a plate). A group of hives that appear in one area is called a cluster. If mild, they can last from a few hours to one day before they completely vanish.

Hives usually occur on the surface of the skin but once the swelling happens underneath, it is called angioedema. Swelling can happen around the lips, eyes, feet, hands and genitals. If angioedema happens in the throat, tongue or lungs, this can be life-threatening as it can block the airways which can result to difficulty in breathing.

CAUSES OF ANGIOEDEMA AND HIVES

The reason why hives and angioedema develops is because histamine is released in the body. The release of this chemical is a reaction of the body towards allergens. This chemical is a leakage from the skin's tiny blood vessels. The release of histamine is caused by the body's allergic reactions towards foods, medications, food preservatives or additives, extreme temperature, sunlight exposure, insect bites or stings. The worse part of this skin condition is sometimes, the cause can't be identified.

DIAGNOSIS OF HIVES AND ANGIOEDEMA

One way to pin down or identify the root cause of your skin condition, your primary health provider will ask you a number of questions possible. There is no specific skin test solely focused on hives. The testing will entirely depend on tests done by your dermatologist or primary health care provider. They can also be able to determine what triggered your skin condition by asking your medical history.

Skin tests are done to determine the specific cause of your hives. To determine if an underlying condition is what triggered your hives outbreak, a routine blood test may also be performed.

TREATMENT OF HIVES AND ANGIOEDEMA

It is a fact that hives and angioedema is annoying. The good news is there are treatments.

• One of the best treatments is to determine the trigger or the cause of the hives outbreak and avoid having contact with it in the future.


• Doctors prescribe antihistamine for relief from your symptoms. This is effective if taken regularly as this could prevent the re-occurrence of hives.


• Antihistamines may be taken in combination with other medications to treat hives. If antihistamines are not effective, your primary health care provider may give you oral corticosteroids.


• Injections may also be given (epinephrine injection) if you have severe hive or angioedema outbreak.

HOW TO MANAGE HIVES

While waiting for the swelling to disappear, you can relieve the swelling by doing the following:

• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes as this can irritate the affected areas.


• Apply cool compresses or wet cloth on the affected skin.


• Sleep and work in a cool room. Make sure it's not too cold or not too hot.

CALL THE DOCTOR IF:

If you experience the following symptoms during your hives or angioedema outbreak, immediately call your doctor.

• Lightheadedness or dizziness


• Breathing difficulties


• Wheezing


• Swelling of the lips, face, or tongue


• Tightness in the chest