Urticaria Treatment

Urticaria, commonly known as hives are a type of skin rash, characterized by red, raised areas or bumps on the skin. Such hives are or wheals can be associated with both allergic and non-allergic causes. This condition can be acute and chronic. The acute urticaria usually subsides within six weeks, while the chronic urticaria can last more than six weeks. The hives can appear in any part of the body as a single raised bump, or in a cluster. It can be of different types, acute urticaria, chronic urticaria, allergic and non-allergic urticaria, autoimmune urticaria, etc.

Causes and Symptoms of Urticaria
It can be caused by allergic reactions, as well as many other non-allergic factors. The hives are formed due to the release of histamine from the mast cells, which in turn, causes the leakage of fluid from the superficial blood vessels. Many times, it can be caused by allergies to certain foods, medications as well as insect bites. However, the causes of the non-allergic form of the condition are not known properly.

A small number of individuals have been found to develop the condition due to some underlying autoimmune disorders. Urticaria pigmentosa, on the other hand, is caused by the presence of excessive mast cells on the skin. When the skin is irritated, the mast cells produce hives or localized skin rash. In addition to these, some other causes include, viral diseases including common cold, infection of the gut, caused by H. pylori, dietary histamine poisoning, cold, exposure to intense sunlight and stress.

Apart from the characteristics hives or lesions, it can present some other symptoms like, itching, burning sensation and redness. Hives caused by this condition can change size and broaden in shape and then ultimately, disappear. Another condition, known as angioedema, can cause swelling, most commonly in the areas like, lips, eyelids and mouth. Such swelling can sometimes, become very severe and painful.

Treating Urticaria
As there are several types of urticaria, and some of them are idiopathic in nature, it is quite difficult to treat the condition. Many individuals can also suffer from more than one type of urticaria. So, proper identification, as well as the specific the triggering factors is very important for the management of the condition. However, medications can control the symptoms of the condition and reduce their severity. But, different individuals can respond to different types of medications and hence, it is very important to find out the appropriate medication for an effective treatment.

The most commonly used antihistamine drugs for treating acute and chronic urticaria are, H1 receptor antagonists and H2 receptor antagonists. Examples of H1 and H2 receptor antagonists include, diphenhydramine, cetirizine, hydroxyzine, cimetidine, ranitidine, etc. Many people take these medications on a regular basis, while others take them during a flare-up. Drowsiness can be termed as the most common antihistamine side effect. However, in recent times, some antihistamines have been developed that do not cause drowsiness.

In addition to antihistamines, steroid tablets are also used for a severe outbreak. But, considering the side effects of steroids, they are usually not opted for long-term urticaria and urticaria pigmentosa treatment. Immunosuppressant medications can be required occasionally, to treat a severe case of this condition. In the meantime, a tepid or cold bath can help to relieve the itching and burning sensation, accompanied by hives. Even topical creams and lotions with menthol, camphor can also help to soothe the affected area. Other topical creams that can be used for treatment are, steroid creams and those containing diphenhydramine and pramoxine.

The best treatment for this condition is to recognize and avoid the triggering factors as far as possible. At the same time, identifying the exact type of urticaria is also important for long-term management of the condition. As far as the medications are concerned, be sure to talk to your physician before taking them.