Urticaria

Let's now discuss the various forms of urticaria in detail.

Hives, or urticaria, are a common skin ailment that causes raised, red, and itchy skin welts.

If it persists for over six weeks, it is labelled chronic urticaria (CU).

Types of Urticaria

1. Acute

   The acute type of urticaria, which is rather prevalent, typically has no identifiable allergen. Although it is more common in women, acute urticaria is less common in adults and is mainly thought to be a childhood condition. Most cases of acute urticaria are self-limiting, ending in six weeks. Although food intolerance (0.9%), medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (9.2%), and upper respiratory tract infections (39.5%) have all been linked to acute urticaria, the majority of instances are thought to be spontaneous. Itchy, red, elevated (wheal), and flared skin responses are the hallmarks of acute urticaria, which generally lasts for a few hours (usually less than 24 hours).

2. Chronic:

   This type of urticaria is usually harmless, but occasionally, it might be a warning indication of a severe underlying illness. Patients experiencing chronic spontaneous urticaria symptoms for more than six weeks, witness disturbed sleeping patterns, hindered performance, and quality of life. Along with the various causes, the most significant triggers of chronic urticaria include infections, inducible factors (such as physical conditions), diet, and medications.

3. Inducible Urticaria:

   Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is a common inflammatory skin illness triggered by certain physical or environmental stimuli like; cold, heat, exercise, pressure, sunshine, vibration, water, etc. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of itchy wheals that persist longer than six weeks. Exercise, mental distress, and physical contact with the skin are common triggers for the development of weals.

Causes

The following are the most common causes of urticaria:

• Any food allergies like eggs, milk, nuts
• Other allergens like pollen, dust, mites, pet dander
• Weather changes from cold to hot, or hot to cold
• Other causes include celiac disease or any form of infestation
• Health conditions including Type1 diabetes, Hepatitis, UTI
• Any liver-related diseases

Symptoms of Urticaria

• Raised, itchy rashes
• Burning or stinging pain
• Swelling on the skin surface resulting in reddish welts (wheals)
• Wheals may enlarge, frequently vanish and resurface in a few minutes or hours.
• If the condition is severe, the patient may experience, vomiting sensation, nausea, diarrhoea, and dizziness.

Is Urticaria Contagious?

Commonly referred to as hives, it does not occur due to a contagious agent such as germs or viruses and cannot be transmitted from person to person by direct touch or airborne ways. It does not spread and is simply the skin's and immune system's reaction to different stimuli. On the other hand, the infection (bacterial or viral), the root cause of urticaria, could be communicable. In these situations, the infection, rather than the urticaria, is the thing that may transfer from person to person.

Why Is Diagnosing Urticaria Essential?

Whether the urticaria, or hives, is acute or chronic, determining the underlying cause is crucial for managing symptoms, reducing recurrences, determining options for treatment, and, most critically, preventing potential problems. In addition to taking a look at your medical history and doing a physical examination, the healthcare practitioner could prescribe tests to rule out physical reasons, autoimmune diseases, infections, or food allergies. Determining what causes hives on skin is the first step toward figuring out the treatment plan. While particular forms of urticaria usually disappear when the underlying cause is identified and addressed, others may require more medical care.

Associated Complications

1. Anaphylaxis

   Anaphylaxis, a severe allergy affecting the entire body, can sometimes develop from urticaria and affects various organs simultaneously. It can be fatal if left untreated. Among the symptoms of anaphylaxis are hives, which are usually rather severe.

2. Angioedema:

   Hives may sometimes lead to a chronic condition, called angioedema, which refers to the swelling underneath the skin's surface and in the fatty tissue. Typically, angioedema affects the hands, feet, face, and neck, but other body parts, such as the abdomen, may also swell.

3. Decreased Quality of Life:

   Prolonged urticaria can cause mental anguish by significantly interfering with day-to-day activities, work, and sleep.

4. Secondary Infections:

   Scratching itchy welts increases the risk of secondary infections because it might damage the skin.

5. Psychological Implications:

   Stress, anxiety, and depression are some of the psychological repercussions of having chronic urticaria.

Tips to prevent Urticaria

1. Identify and Avoid Triggers

   These include foods, drugs, latex, pollen, pet dander, and insect stings.

2. Stress Management:

   Include stress-relieving exercises, yoga, or meditation in your daily routine.

3. Healthy Diet:

   Ensure your diet is balanced and nutrient-rich, and consult a doctor if you have a food allergy.

4. Appropriate Clothing:

   Steer clear of woollen, tight, scratchy, or rough clothes.