Hives are red and sometimes itchy bumps on the skin. It is generally caused due to an allergic reaction to a drug or food. Allergic reactions cause body to release chemicals that can make skin swell up in hives. People who have other allergies are more likely to get hives than other people. Other causes include infections and stress.
Classification:
• Acute urticaria is defined as the presence of wheals which completely resolve within six weeks. Acute urticaria becomes evident a few minutes after the person has been exposed to an allergen. The outbreak may last several weeks, but usually the hives are gone in six weeks.
• Chronic urticaria (ordinary urticaria) is defined as the presence of wheels which persist for greater than six weeks. Some of the more severe chronic cases have lasted more than 20 years
References: www.nhs.uk
www.nlm.nih.gov
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Reference: www.nlm.nih.gov
Urticaria is caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from under the skin's surface, causing the tissues to swell.
Some risks factors:
Reference: www.nhs.uk
Urticaria is generally diagnosed by looking at the rashes on the skin. Doctor may ask about the allergens and any medications.
It generally involves symptomatic relief. Various medications included are
Antihistamines: Medicines like Cetirizine, Fexofenadine and Loratadine
Corticosteroid tablets: Medicines like prednisolone
Reference: www.nlm.nih.gov
Urticaria can further lead to:
Angioedema: Around half of people with chronic (persistent) urticaria and a quarter of people with acute (short-term) urticaria also get a related condition called angioedema.