“Urticaria” Once It Occurs… You Must Know How to Handle It
Sometimes our skin develops abnormalities such as red rashes and itching, and we don’t know what it is or what caused it. We might think it will go away on its own if left alone, but after several days it still doesn’t disappear and the symptoms worsen. If this happens, try to carefully observe whether the skin abnormality you have is “urticaria” or not?
What Kind of Rash Is Called “Urticaria”?
“Urticaria (Hives)” is a common skin disease. In a lifetime, about 8-22% of people may experience urticaria at least once. It can occur in both females and males of all ages.
Urticaria appears as swollen, raised, red rashes scattered on the trunk, arms, legs, or face, accompanied by itching. Generally, the rash will gradually subside on its own within 24 hours (but it may reappear again during the course of the disease). In some cases, when symptoms occur on soft tissues such as lips or eyelids, it is called angioedema. This may last 2-3 days before gradually subsiding. Some cases may have swelling in the gastrointestinal tract causing abdominal pain or tightness, or respiratory symptoms causing nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
Types of Urticaria
Many people are familiar with “urticaria” but may not be sure how many types there are and how they differ. Basically, urticaria is divided into 2 types based on the duration of the condition.
- Acute Urticaria
Symptoms usually last no more than 6 weeks. About 50% of cases occur without a known cause. The rest may be caused by upper respiratory infections, drug allergies, and food allergies, respectively.
- Chronic Urticaria
Symptoms come and go, lasting more than 6 weeks and occurring at least twice a week. This type of urticaria can be caused by various factors such as inducible urticaria triggered by scratching, heat, cold, exercise, etc. It may also be caused by reactions to proteins in the patient’s blood that trigger the rash, from drugs, infections, or it may be idiopathic with no specific cause found.
What Causes “Urticaria” and What Can Trigger It?
Urticaria can have many causes, and the factors causing urticaria may differ from person to person. Let’s look at some causes.
- Food allergies such as seafood, food preservatives, or certain food colorings
- Allergy to certain drugs such as painkillers, aspirin, etc.
- Allergy to dust, pollen, certain plants, and animal hair
- Infections such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites
- In some cases, abnormal skin reactions to heat, cold, or sunlight
- Contrast media used in computed tomography (CT) scans
- Skin contact with certain chemicals or drugs such as anti-inflammatory topical medications
- Blood transfusions or blood products
- In some cases, autoimmune reactions where proteins in the patient’s blood stimulate inflammatory cells to release substances causing urticaria symptoms
How to Manage Urticaria
If you know you have urticaria, the initial steps to take are:
- Try to recall possible causes of the rash, especially within 1-2 hours before the rash appeared, such as what you did or ate, to avoid potential triggers
- Maintain healthy, intact skin without dryness, which can cause itching
- Do not scratch the skin as it may cause inflammation and leave marks
- See a doctor for treatment and to identify the cause of the disease appropriately for each patient
See a Doctor Immediately… When Symptoms Are Suspicious
“Urticaria” not only causes itching and discomfort but in some severe cases, if not properly treated, it can be life-threatening. Therefore, if you or someone close to you has urticaria or abnormal symptoms suspected to be urticaria, you should see a doctor immediately. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Rashes that are itchy, swollen, red, appear quickly, subside quickly, but then reappear
- In severe acute urticaria, symptoms may include chest tightness, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, along with swelling of the face, eyes, or lips. These symptoms indicate severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) and require immediate emergency medical attention
The severity of urticaria symptoms depends partly on the cause, severity of the disease, and the patient’s self-care. Therefore, if you have urticaria symptoms or suspect urticaria, you should see a doctor promptly to identify the cause and plan treatment together.
Dr. Patcharawat Jirasutthas
Dermatology and Family Medicine Specialist
Dermatology and Beauty Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
