Article by Dr. Sheetal Bhanushali 20 September 2019
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It is a red, round rash on the skin that itch intensely, sometimes with dangerous swelling, caused by an allergic reaction, typically to specific food, medicines and other irritants, sometimes stress also.
Hives are itchy and swollen small localised plaques of variable size on certain body sites such as lips, hands, face, etc.
The swelling lasts less than 24 hours and don't have any trace. Usually it's a common allergic condition but sometimes it can be life threatening. It also known as angio-oedema. Urticaria affects 20% of people at sometime in their life.
It's not contagious.
URTICARIA usually occurs when the body reacts to any allergens and release histamine from upper surface of the skin. Chemicals leads to inflammation and collection of fluid under the skin and make wheals.
CAUSES OF URTICARIA
Acute causes-
Some medicines.
Some food like eggs, strawberries, shellfish, wheat products, nuts, food additives etc.
Infections including influenza, glandular fever, hepatitis B, common cold.
Intestinal parasites.
Bacterial infection, urinary tract infection.
Change of weather, extreme temperature.
Fever.
Periods ( before/ during/ after )
Exercise, scratching, insects bites.
Dust mites, some plants.
Pet dander from dogs, cats, horses, etc.
Sunlight exposure.
Cockroaches and their waste.
Cloth allergy.
Pollen etc.
Chronic urticaria is due to autoimmune response but exact cause is not clear.
SYMPTOMS
These are round, elevated rashes on the skin. They are variable in size from a few millimetres to a few inches. Usually they are red or pink in colour. Rashes usually disappear in 24 hours. Some patients can have hives for several days.
Patient can feel severe burning, Itching, stinging feeling. Sometimes patient scratch until it bleeds.
Rashes don't have any stains after their disappearance.
SOME SIMPLE TIPS TO GET TEMPORARY RELIEF
Avoid those food which can trigger release of histamine. They are tomatoes, spinach, eggs, strawberries, yogurt, fish, chocolate, meat etc
Choose some good quality soaps,creams which are mild.
You can use LACTO CALAMINE lotion during the acute phase.
You can apply aloe vera.
Wash new clothes and then wear them.
Avoid contact with pets if you are allergic.
Take bath to get relief from burning.
Do yoga to avoid stress.
Along with home remedies you can take HOMEOPATHIC medicines to get relief from hives / urticaria / nettle rash. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies which don't have harsh chemicals.
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