Urticaria

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Know the basics

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is the skin condition has a raised and itchy rash skin, which occurs in one part of the body or extending to other large areas. It is not considered to be a life-threatening disease, but it can cause discomfort during sleep or sometimes all day long.

How common is urticaria?

Urticaria is common. It commonly affects more females than males. It can affect patients at any age. It can be managed by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.

Acute urticariamalso known as short-term urticaria, is a common condition. It affect around one in five people at some point in their lives. While chronic urticaria, or long-term urticaria,is much less common. Urticare is more common in children, women from 30 to 60 ages and people with a history of allergies.

Know the symptoms

What are the symptoms of urticaria?

The common symptoms of urticaria are:

• Red or white welts batching on the face, trunk, arms or legs;
• Welts at a vary of sizes and shapes;
• Itching.

These symptoms recur frequently and unpredictably, sometimes for months or years.

There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

You should contact your doctor if the disease:

• Don’t disappear within 48 hours;
• Is severe;
• Cause distress;
• Disrupts daily activities;
• Occurs alongside other symptoms;
• Doesn’t respond to treatment.

You need to seek emergency care immediately if you:

• Feel dizzy;
• Have severe chest tightness or trouble breathing;
• Feel your tongue or throat swelling.

Know the causes

What causes urticaria?

Histamine and other chemicals, released into bloodstream, may be responsible for leading to urticaria. Histamine and other chemicals which are released into your bloodstream by certain cells are responsible for causing urticaria.

Know the risk factors

What increases my risk for urticaria?

There are many risk factors for urticaria, such as:

• Your sex. It is reported that the number of women who have the disease doubles the number of men do;
• Your age. Younger adult is more at risk of getting the disease.

Understand the diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How is urticaria diagnosed?

Urticaria can be pre-diagnosed by using a physical exam and a number of questions referring to your specialites. You can be required to write down what you do daily, what medications, herbal remedies or supplements you take, what you eat and drink, where urticaria appears and how long it takes a welt to fade. Also, to confirm, blood tests, allergy tests can be performed.

How is urticaria treated?

Urticaria commonly do not need to be treated until within a few days. In some cases, antihistamines can be used to reduce discomfort and steroid tablets (oral corticosteroids) may occasionally be applied in short-term to treat severe cases of urticaria.

Treating urticaria by treating any underlying factors causing your symptoms is important to control urticaria.

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage urticaria?

The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with urticaria:

• Wear loose, light clothing;
• Avoid scratching or using harsh soaps;
• Cool the affected area with a shower, fan, cool cloth or soothing lotion;
• Keep a track of when and where the disease occurs, what you were doing, what you were eating, and so on. This may help you and your doctor identify risk factors;
• Avoid known triggers.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you. Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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