Urticaria is also known as hives. It is a pathological skin reaction characterized by itching, welts, or redness. While acute urticaria usually lasts only a few days, the chronic form can persist for weeks to years.
Here you’ll find all the information you need, as well as experienced hives specialists.
In medicine, the term “hives” or “urticaria” is used when welts cover an area of the skin. The hives are caused by fluid buildup in the upper layers of the skin; the skin itself is red, swollen, and itchy. About one in four people will develop hives at some point in their lives. The condition usually clears up within a few weeks.
Causes of hives
- allergic reactions
- drug intolerance
- Environmental stimuli, such as cold
Human skin consists of different types of cells, one of which is the mast cell. Mast cells are so-called inflammatory cells and contain the neurotransmitter histamine. Normally, they support the immune system by fighting foreign substances. Histamine causes blood vessels to dilate and their walls to become more permeable. This results in localized accumulations of fluid (wheals) in the upper layers of the skin.
If this process occurs in deeper layers of the skin, doctors refer to it as angioedema. The skin’s nerve cells react to histamine by causing itching. A layperson cannot determine whether the symptoms require treatment. Therefore, you should always have a doctor examine you.
Wheals in Hives
The symptoms of hives
The medical term for the condition—urticaria—derives from the Latin word *urtica*, meaning stinging nettle; the hives do indeed resemble the appearance of skin after contact with the stinging hairs of this plant.
The skin changes associated with hives can vary greatly. Sometimes, individual, tiny hives appear that resemble mosquito bites; in other cases, larger hives merge and cover entire areas of the body. In most cases, a wheal subsides on its own after about 24 hours. This does not mean that the condition has gone away. It is possible for new wheals to form in a different location. Hives can migrate across different areas of the body. Angioedema is a form of hives. This swelling penetrates deeper layers of the skin and covers larger areas. Those affected report that the affected skin areas hardly itch; instead, they hurt and burn. Angioedema primarily occurs in the following areas:
- Palms
- Soles of the feet
- Eyelids
- Lips
- Throat and pharynx
Forms of the disease: as diverse as the clinical picture
- acute spontaneous hives
- chronic spontaneous hives
- inducible urticaria
- chronic intolerance urticaria
- physical urticaria, for example caused by stress, pressure, scratching, cold, or light
- cholinergic urticaria: a reaction to a rapid rise in body temperature caused by exertion, hot baths, or psychological stress
- aquagenic urticaria caused by contact with water
- contact urticaria upon contact with certain materials, such as copper
Chronic intolerance urticaria develops when the body reacts to ingredients in certain medications or foods.
Treatment of hives: Management and recovery
Acute, spontaneous forms of hives resolve on their own after a few weeks. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to treat the hives and itching. The medication is available as a gel, ointment, or tablet. If an acute infection triggered the hives, they usually subside on their own as well—no later than three weeks after the infection. You should still discuss possible causes and treatments with your doctor.
In cases of chronic spontaneous hives, your doctor will treat the underlying causes. A chronic infection, such as sinusitis, is treated with antibiotics. Sometimes surgery is necessary. Once the infection clears up, the hives will also subside. This can take up to three weeks.
In cases of inducible hives, the doctor works with the patient to identify the triggers. For example, if a person reacts to copper, they must avoid contact with it as much as possible. Such problems often occur with ear jewelry.
In the case of intolerance-induced urticaria, the patient must avoid certain foods or medications. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac) can trigger or worsen hives. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you already suffer from this skin condition. If your doctor is aware of your symptoms, they can switch you to a safe alternative. If you feel that antihistamine therapy isn’t working for you, contact your doctor immediately. For some people, the dose isn’t high enough to provide noticeable relief. Only a consultation with your doctor can resolve this issue. Under no circumstances should you adjust the dosage on your own. Even an antihistamine can cause side effects. Your primary care physician does not administer high-dose antihistamine treatments themselves. Instead, they refer the patient to a hospital.
Specialists in Urticaria
Urticaria is a skin condition, so you should consult a dermatologist if you experience the symptoms mentioned above. Dermatologists treat all conditions affecting the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails. Allergic skin conditions and sexually transmitted diseases also fall within the field of dermatology.
To become a dermatologist, a physician must complete a 60-month residency in the field of skin and sexually transmitted diseases after successfully completing medical school. At Leading Medicine Guide, you’ll find experienced specialists in urticaria.
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