URTICARIA
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, itchy welts or wheals on the skin's surface. These welts are typically red, pink, or flesh-coloured and can vary in size from small spots to large patches. Urticaria can affect any part of the body and may last for a few hours to several days. While hives are often harmless, they can cause significant discomfort and may indicate an underlying allergic or immune response.
TYPES OF DERMATOPHYTOSIS
Urticaria can be classified based on its duration and trigger:
Acute Urticaria:
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Overview: Acute urticaria is defined as hives that last less than six weeks. It is the most common form and often results from an allergic reaction to certain foods, medications, or insect stings.
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Symptoms: Sudden onset of itchy, red or pink wheals that may appear anywhere on the body. The hives may come and go quickly, with new wheels forming as others fade.
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Causes: Common triggers include foods (such as nuts, shellfish, eggs), medications (like antibiotics, aspirin), insect bites or stings, infections, and physical factors such as heat or cold.
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Chronic Urticaria:
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Overview: Chronic urticaria is characterized by hives that persist for six weeks or longer. It can last for months or even years and may significantly impact the quality of life.
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Symptoms: Persistent or recurrent hives, often without an identifiable trigger. The welts may change in location, size, and shape over time.
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Causes: Chronic urticaria is often idiopathic (without a known cause) but may be associated with underlying autoimmune conditions, chronic infections, or hormonal imbalances.
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Physical Urticaria:
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Overview: Physical urticaria occurs in response to physical stimuli such as pressure, temperature changes, sunlight, or exercise.
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Types:
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Dermatographism: Hives appear after the skin is stroked or scratched.
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Cold Urticaria: Hives are triggered by exposure to cold temperatures or cold water.
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Cholinergic Urticaria: Small hives develop during or after physical exertion, heat exposure, or stress.
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Solar Urticaria: Hives are induced by exposure to sunlight.
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Angioedema:
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Overview: Angioedema is related to urticaria and involves deeper swelling of the skin, often around the eyes, lips, throat, or extremities. It may occur alongside hives or on its own.
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Symptoms: Swelling beneath the skin, which may be painful or cause a burning sensation. If the throat is involved, it can lead to difficulty breathing and is considered a medical emergency.
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Causes: Angioedema can result from the same triggers as urticaria, including allergens, medications, and physical stimuli.
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CAUSES OF URTICARIA
Urticaria results from the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells in the skin. This release can be triggered by a variety of factors:
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Allergens: Foods like nuts, shellfish, eggs, and certain fruits are common dietary triggers. Medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen), and vaccines can also cause hives.
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Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can trigger hives. This is particularly common in children.
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Physical Stimuli: Heat, cold, pressure, sunlight, or water exposure can lead to physical urticaria.
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Stress: Emotional stress or anxiety can exacerbate or trigger hives in susceptible individuals.
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Autoimmune Conditions: Some chronic urticaria cases are associated with autoimmune disorders like thyroid disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.
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Unknown Causes: In many cases, particularly chronic urticaria, no specific trigger is identified.
SYMPTOMS OF URTICARIA
The hallmark symptoms of urticaria include:
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Raised Wheals: Red or pink welts that appear suddenly on the skin. These wheels can be small (just a few millimetres) or large (several centimetres in diameter) and may merge to form larger areas of swelling.
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Intense Itching: The welts are often intensely itchy, which can lead to scratching and further irritation.
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Changing Shape and Location: The welts may change shape, size, and location over time, often appearing and disappearing within hours.
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Swelling (Angioedema): In some cases, urticaria is accompanied by deeper swelling, particularly around the eyes, lips, and throat. This can cause discomfort and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
PREVENTION OF URTICARIA
Preventing urticaria involves identifying and avoiding potential triggers, as well as adopting general measures to maintain healthy skin:
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Avoid Known Triggers: If a specific allergen or irritant is known to cause hives, such as certain foods, medications, or environmental factors, avoiding it is the most effective preventive strategy.
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Manage Stress: Stress is a common trigger for urticaria, so practising stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
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Maintain Healthy Skin: Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding harsh soaps, hot water, and irritating fabrics can reduce the likelihood of hives, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.
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Regular Monitoring: For those with chronic urticaria, regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor symptoms, adjust treatment as needed, and check for any underlying conditions.
