Urticaria: Urticaria or hives is a skin rash that usually results from an allergic reaction.
The hives can differ in size and shape, tiny pin pricks to bulky welts, but they most often appear as inflamed, itchy bumps and can be found any where on the body.
Urticaria that last only a few hours or days before going away is called Acute Urticaria.
Hives that persist longer than six weeks are diagnosed as Chronic Urticaria.
Certain foods (eggs, nuts, wheat, and milk) and food additives are often the cause of Acute Urticaria.
However, insect bites and stings, and some medicines can also prompt a reaction, whereby a chemical, histamine, is released from cells in the skin's blood vessels causing a rash or hives.
Taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and various painkillers (codeine) may also result in a person getting about of hives.
In some cases, stress, physical activity, temperature fluxuation and poor health may also trigger Acute Urticaria.
Causes of Chronic Urticaria are often tougher to diagnose because chronic hives rarely occur as a result of an allergic reactions.
Most people with Chronic Urticaria have an idiomatic (unknown) reason for their hives.
Viral infections, hormonal imbalances and malignancies might be factors; however, 30-40% of people with Chronic Urticaria will be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.
Treatment: the objective of treatment is to alleviate the symptoms of hives because the rashes usually disappear away on their own.
Medications and ointments, which relieve the burning, stinging and itching as they numb the skin are commonly used.
The majority of these items do not require a prescription, and they are available at a local markets and pharmacies.
Antihistamines, are the most frequently used oral treatments, as many of these medications can be purchased over the counter (OTC) without a prescription.
Popular, brand names of these drugs are Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec.
All of them can be used to treat hives.
If Chronic Urticaria has been diagnosed, an individual treatment plan may be required and prescription antihistamines may be recommended.
In addition, antihistamines combined with H2 blockers might be suggested.
Oral steroids (such as Prednisone) can be taken for short period of time, but their long-term uses has been deemed unsafe.
UV radiation, antifungal antibiotics and other immunosuppressants may also be discussed, but these treatments are rare.
Summary: Hives, also known as Urticaria, is a skin rash that emerges any place on the body.
Urticaria is most frequently the result of an allergic reaction.
Hives can last for several hours or several weeks, but they usually disappear on their own without an arduous regimen of care.
If hives are present for more than six weeks, a physician should be consulted because the treatment for Chronic Urticaria may pose different challenges.
Antihistamines and topical creams can be used to assuage the symptoms of hives, but the only guaranteed treatment for Urticaria is to eliminate the cause.