Urticaria : A Common Yet Remarkable Skin Condition

     Urticaria is an itchy rash on the skin, commonly found across all genders and age groups, particularly between the ages of 20 and 40 years. When affected by urticaria, the symptoms typically appear as raised, red hives that are intensely itchy, without any scaling, and can occur anywhere on the body. In most cases, the rash will resolve within 24 hours, gradually fading before reappearing, coming and going.

In some instances, the symptoms may become severe, causing abdominal pain, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, or even leading to life-threatening conditions.

Types of Urticaria

Urticaria is divided into two types based on the duration and causes:

1.  Acute Urticaria

     Urticaria that appears and resolves quickly, usually disappearing on its own within 2 weeks, or in chronic cases, continuing for no longer than 6 weeks.

2.  Chronic Urticaria

     Patients with chronic urticaria experience recurring hives that persist for more than 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria is typically not life-threatening, but it can cause significant discomfort or inconvenience, affecting daily life or sleep.

Symptoms of Urticaria

     The rash appears as raised, red, swollen patches with clear boundaries, typically round or with jagged edges. The affected area is itchy, and additional symptoms may include chest tightness, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, vomiting, and a burning sensation on the skin.

Causes of Urticaria

     Urticaria can result from various triggers. When the body reacts to allergens, it releases histamine and other substances into the bloodstream, causing the blood vessels to expand, allowing plasma or blood to seep into the skin, leading to the formation of red, raised hives. The causes of acute and chronic urticaria differ:

1.  Acute Urticaria

     50% of cases are triggered by food allergies, medication reactions, insect stings, or an infection. The remaining 50% have unknown causes.

2.  Chronic Urticaria

     Most cases are due to the skin's immune system being hypersensitive to triggers such as friction, scratching, pressure, heat, cold, exercise, sunlight, stress, lack of sleep, or insufficient rest. Additionally, 10-20% are linked to infections such as dental caries, sinusitis, gastritis, parasitic infections, and autoimmune diseases like thyroiditis.

What to Do When You Have Urticaria

• Avoid known triggers of urticaria if they are identified or treat the underlying cause.
• Use antihistamines or non-drowsy allergy medications to avoid side effects.
• Keep the skin from becoming too dry; use unscented creams or lotions to reduce skin sensitivity.
• Apply cool lotions to the affected area to alleviate itching.
• Avoid scratching the skin, as this may lead to inflammation.

When to See a Doctor

     You should see a doctor immediately if the urticaria does not resolve within 24 hours. Seek medical attention immediately if the symptoms worsen. If you experience joint pain, fatigue, unexplained fever, or pain at the rash site, contact a doctor. In severe cases of acute urticaria, such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, or swelling of the face, eyes, or lips.

It is crucial to seek medical help promptly, as these symptoms may lead to life-threatening complications like airway swelling. If the condition causes significant anxiety, affecting mental health and daily functioning, seek professional help.