What Causes Urticaria?

Posted on Sat, 11 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 11 Apr 2015 Answered on

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have this itchiness on my skin that is severe in the evennings. It's been 7 days now and the subtle itching on the skin - head,neck, chin and breast area,and laps; it gets worse in the evenings and when it is warm. Whenever I start to itch in the evenning/night the rashes are visible, and more visible when light is shown on the affected skin at a 20-35 degree angle. I wont say it looks more rashy than mild bumps.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest a possibility of Urticaria

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query and I will try to help you the best I can.

I suggest a possibility of Urticaria. It presents as skin welts that are itchy and may be distributed widely on body.
The welts may last for just a few hours (4-6 hours) and may appear again. This may continue for a few days.

I suggest you to take an OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily in the evening for a few days.

Topically you may apply a soothing lotion e.g calamine over the rashes.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 hours later)

Hello Dr,

Please find attached a picture I managed to get yesterday night. The picture is of my laps, at the peak of rhe itchiness.

Regards, XXXXXXX Azege

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Urticaria; Oral antihistamine

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX Azege.

I have reviewed the Image. I can see raised, variably sized, and irregular, skin welts.

The picture substantiates my earlier diagnosis of Urticaria/ Hives.

I suggest you to take an oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily in the evening for a few days.
You may apply a soothing lotion e.g calamine to soothe the rashes.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Thank you Dr Kakkar. I have had my first dose of cetrizine.

Will keep you posted.

Regards

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Thank you.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 hours later)

Dr Kakkar,

Just to update you that 24hrs after my first dosage of cetrizine and application of Eurax lotion, I have had no rash or itch. I am thus confident to close this matter except subsequent related developments, if any.
Thank you.
Regards.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
hi.

continue cetrizine for a week and thank you for writing to us.

regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D