HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Article Home Skin Disorders Urticaria

Urticaria

Publisher
11787 Views
Urticaria (Hives) is a condition in which there are raised red spots or eruptions of various sizes on the surface of the skin, often itchy, which come and go

Urticaria is usually an allergy to a drug or some food item. It is a skin disease that produces lesions and intense itching. If you rub the lesions, hives may develop.

 

Causes

Urticaria is very common, especially in people who have experienced other allergic reactions.

Many substances, called allergens, can trigger the allergic response.

 

Common allergens include

  • Medications
  • Foods (such as berries, fish, nuts, eggs and milk)
  • Pollen
  • Animal dander (especially from cats)
  • Insect bites

 

Signs & Symptoms

  • Itching
  • Red or skin colored eruptions with clearly defined edges
  • Sudden onset
  • Rapid resolution
  • Eruptions enlarge, spread, or join together to form large flat raised areas
  • Eruptions change shape, disappear and reappear within minutes or hours

 

Treatment

The best treatment for urticaria is to find and remove the cause.

Antihistamines are usually prescribed to provide relief.

 

Care & Prevention

Cool compresses or soaks to the area may reduce swelling and pain.


Avoid irritation of the area, and do not wear tight clothing which may trigger a new outbreak.


Avoid known allergens to prevent recurrence of hives.

 

  • Avoid exposure to substances that are known allergen for you
  • Take only prescribed medications
  • Avoid hot baths or showers after an episode of urticaria to prevent recurrence
  • Avoid high protein foods at this time