Urticaria also known as hives is a skin reaction that produces raised grouped weal and smooth erythematous popular and itchy wheals. These welts can appear at any time and are due to allergies, stress or various medical complaints. Although their presence can be painful and upsetting, urticaria can be treated and its presence eased in various ways.
In this article, will be discussing about the short-term
management of urticaria as well as the long-term management of urticaria even
if it’s just home remedies, medications, etc. Symptoms depend on the severity
and frequency of an outbreak whether one is having a relapse or suffering from
chronic hives there are measures of managing the disease.
What Causes Urticaria?
Urticaria is dermatological condition that happens when
histamine is released due to allergens or related stimuli. Histamine is
definitely associated with inflammation; it blocks vessels and makes them even
wider to produce a red spotted, itchy rash. Urticarial might therefore have
many causes and it is sometime difficult to identify the cause of the
condition.
Some common triggers include:
- Allergic Reactions: Pollen grains, consumed foods such as
nuts, shellfish or eggs, insect stings, certain medications or animal proteins
like pet dander.
- Infections: Sometimes the hives that develop can be due to
viral infections such as the flu or common cold or bacterial infections.
- Physical Factors: Heat Urticaria also known as inducible or
chronic physical urticaria can be caused by heat; cold urticaria by cold,
pressure urticaria by pressure, exercise urticaria by exercise and
photosensitivity by sunlight.
- Stress: In some cases, hives can be brought on by fevers or
stress, in other words, some type of emotional stress.
- Chronic Conditions: Lupus or thyroid problems are other possible related autoimmune disorders that may also connect with chronic hives. But in many cases, there is no single known cause and instead, the condition can be diagnosed as Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) which lasts for over 6 weeks.
Tips on the Management of Urticaria
And to this date, there is no definitive guideline on how to
manage Urticaria as these therapies are totally based on the prescription
overcoming the intensity of the signs and the speed of the recurrence. However,
treatment of the itch, reduction of inflammation as well as stopping of the
occurrence of the disease is all encompassed in the definition of psoriasis
treatment. Here's a breakdown of some of the most effective approaches:
1. Antihistamines
H1 antihistamines form the primary base of the treatment of Urticaria. These anti-itch creams also work by inhibiting the management of histamine receptors in the human body and hence expunging rash, itching and inflammation.
- Non-sedating Antihistamines: These are the kind of
antihistamines that are used in the treatment of hives because they make the
patient less overwhelms. Some of the available drugs are first-generation drugs
such as doxylamine succinate and promethazine, which can be obtained over the
counter (OTC) alongside second-generation drugs: Some of the prescriptions
include; loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine
(Zyrtec). These drugs can help to relieve itching and usually are adequate for
first- and second-degree urticaria.
- Sedating Antihistamines: In some situations when the case is really severe hives or any over-counter non-sedative antihistamines do not work, the doctor may prescribe the sedating antihistamine, diphenhydramine. Although these are often better for addressing snoring, they can make you feel drowsy, so it is suggested to only take them at bedtime or when you don’t have to operate any machinery.
View More: The 10 Most Common Skin Diseases And How To Treat Them
2. Topical Treatments
Local medications are used in treating inflammation on the skin and for managing skin irritations. These are particularly beneficial where one is only managing localized hives.
- Corticosteroid Creams: Topical steroids, especially
low-potency ones such as hydrocortisone, may be used to treat raised lesions,
to decrease redness and inflammation. These are usually taken for the sudden
flare-ups which occur after several weeks.
- Calamine Lotion: This lotion, by the way, has a cooling
effect, and with its help, it is possible to scratch no longer and relieve the
inflammation on the skin.
- Cold Compresses: Ideally one should be in a position to try and take a bowl of cold water and place it on the hives to reduce inflammation as well as itchiness. It also allows for the relief from the discomfort of a flare-up as soon as the patient sets foot into their general practitioner’s office.
3. Corticosteroid Medications
In cases of severe or chronic urticaria, the doctor may
decide to use oral corticosteroids. These steroids are also used to control any
inflammation and dampen immune reactions in the body.
- Prednisone: Prednisone is the most commonly and highly
recommended oral steroid for chronic urticaria management. Though it’s often
given for few days to avoid side effects from long usage of the drug.
One of the treatments utilising corticosteroids is effective
in controlling the symptoms, but cannot be used for the long term due to the
side effects that include effects on weight, bone mass and blood pressure.
4. Some Other Drugs
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LRAs), are prescribed
sometimes together with antihistamines for chronic urticaria especially if the
latter is not very effective. They antagonistic leukotrienes, which are
compounds that may cause inflammation in the body. While not they are not used
as frequently as antihistamines, LRAs potentially can prevent or decrease
flare-ups in certain individuals.
5. Immunosuppressive Therapy
In cases where antihistamines or other drugs are unable to
remedy chronic urticaria, physicians can prescribe immunosuppressing medicines.
- Omalizumab (Xolair): This is an injectable biologic
medication that is used for treatment of chronic urticaria where antihistamine
medication fails. It possesses immunosuppressive properties through
interference with immunoglobulin E which is a protein essential for allergic
reactions. People with chronic urticaria used Omalizumab so as to minimize
chances and severity of hives; thus those diagnosed with the condition can at
least minimize on hives.
- Cyclosporine: An immunomodulation agent, which is indicated
in chronic urticaria in the severe form. It continues to reduce the heightened
activity of the immune system to avoid the recurrence of the sign of the
illness.
These are usually administered where other drugs have been
unavailing and must be under the prescription of a doctor.
6. Diagnosis and Prevention of Triggers
This is especially important if your dermatitis is caused by
particular substances or climate conditions in your environment.
- Allergy Testing: Your doctor might suggest an allergy test
to determine which allergens may have caused the hives. These are foods, drugs
or any component of sera and insect bites.
- Avoiding Physical Triggers: If heat, cold, or pressure
appears to be causing your hives, avoid such stimuli that might be making your
skin worse! For example, wear comfortable freestyle clothes to reduce pressure
on the skin or do not take hot shower because it causes sweating.
- Stress Management: This is likely to result in hives so some of the activities that are recommended include non-stressful activities such as doing yoga, meditating and even practicing deep breathing.
Conclusion
Urticaria is very painful and probably among the most
uncomfortable skin conditions, although the best news is that if the right
course for taking the urticaria is observed, then the conditions should be
surmountable. There are drugs available for most types of allergy and
antihistamines are usually the initial treatment of choice with further
options.
Please book an appointment with the Best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
