Idiopathic Urticaria

Urticaria is the medical term used to denote hives, which are characterized by a skin rash with dark red, itchy bumps. These raised itchy bumps with red border can develop anywhere on the skin and are commonly referred to as 'wheals'. Mostly, hives develop as allergic reactions, but, can also be due to other causative factors. In some cases, hives last for more than six weeks and this condition is termed as chronic urticaria, which is usually, not caused by allergies. Studies suggest that most of the people with chronic urticaria has an idiopathic (unknown) cause. In such cases, treatment becomes difficult as the cause is unknown and the skin of the patient gets scarred due to the continuous scratching. In most cases of chronic idiopathic urticaria, the patients are found to develop secondary depression and angioedema too. In children, the condition is usually found to be chronic.

More About Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

It can be defined as a condition, which is characterized by hives and constant itching, which lasts for at least six months or more, without any obvious cause. There were very little studies regarding this condition, making it difficult for doctors to prescribe an effective treatment method for the affected persons. However, recent researches show that at least 30% to 50% of the chronic idiopathic urticaria patients suffer from the condition, due to autoimmune disorders. The remaining 50% can be truly idiopathic, as no other causes have been identified for their condition. Even though, it has been proved that autoimmune disorders can cause chronic idiopathic urticaria, there is no specific method for diagnosing such conditions. In some cases, immunotherapy has been found to be beneficial.

Treatment

As there is no definite cause for this condition, prescribing an effective treatment is also difficult. The treatment mainly involves treating the symptoms, i.e, the hives. One of the effective urticaria treatment options is antihistamines. However, relevant antihistamines must be used for a longer period, in required dosage. Another development in the area of autoimmune idiopathic urticaria is the use of a drug, which was earlier used or treating malaria. Recent trials show a success rate of 80%, when used for a period of three to four months.

In short, chronic idiopathic urticaria is a serious form of urticaria, with hives that last for over six months, along with itching. It has been suggested that almost 40% of such cases are caused by autoimmune disorders, the remaining ones do not have any specific cause. Studies regarding the condition and its treatment, are still underway. As of now, the treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms - hives and itching. However, self medication should be strictly avoided.