What causes hives and what to do about it

What is urticaria

Urticaria, or urticaria, is an allergic reaction that causes the skin to ariseHives / American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology bright pink bulging spots. Outwardly they similarHives (Urticaria) and Swelling (Angiodema) / Cleveland Clinic on the blisters that appear with a nettle burn, and lead to about the same sensations: itching, burning and tingling. Therefore, such a name was assigned to urticaria.

With hives, the rash can be of different sizes and shapes. Most often, it appears on any one area (for example, on the fingers, arms, legs, or abdomen), but it can cover the entire body as a whole.

Where does hives come from

Medics thinkHives (Urticaria) / Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America urticaria symptom allergic reactions. She usually arisesHives/NHSwhen a certain allergen substance enters the body, and the immune system fails, throwing unreasonably large doses of histamine and other chemical compounds into the skin.

Experts from the British National Health Service list the most common factors that can trigger hives. Among these:

• Some foodstuffs. for instanceHives (Urticaria) and Swelling (Angiodema) / Cleveland Clinic, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish.
• Physical contact with an allergen. It can be latex, detergents, leaves and stems. certain plants (the same nettle).
• Inhalation of plant pollen, dusty air.
• Reaction to certain medications. Urticaria can also occur after taking non-steroidal painkillers, for example based on ibuprofen. Common provocateurs also include codeine and drugs for the treatment of hypertension.
• Reaction to insect bites.
• Infections. Urticaria can manifest itself as bacterial and viral diseases - from the common cold to a sore throat or urinary tract infections ways.
• Rapid changes in body temperature. They happen when a person suddenly goes from hot to cold or vice versa. Or maybe he trains too actively in the gym or eats too spicy food.
• Contact with uncomfortable clothing - very tight or made of "prickly" material.
• Hormonal changes. Especially ongoingHives (Urticaria) and Swelling (Angiodema) / Cleveland Clinic during pregnancy, menopause or thyroid disease.
• Autoimmune states.

How to understand that it is urticaria

Urticaria there isHives (Urticaria) and Swelling (Angiodema) / Cleveland Clinic several characteristic features:

• the spots are raised above the level of the skin, look swollen;
• rash itches;
• the spot turns white if you press your finger on its center.

What to do if you have hives

Usually nothing. In most cases, urticaria goes away on its own in 1-2 days and does not requireHives/National Library of Medicine (USA) treatment.

To quickly remove puffiness, can be acceptedHives (Urticaria) and Swelling (Angiodema) / Cleveland Clinic an antihistamine or apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the spots, which will reduce itching at the same time. Doctors also recommend applying a cold compress to the affected area, such as a napkin soaked in water, taking a cool bath or shower, and wearing loose, breathable clothing.

When to see a doctor

Sometimes home remedies don't help. See a therapist if observedHives/NHS the following symptoms:

• there are more and more spots, and they cover more and more new parts of the body;
• urticaria arose against the background of fever and general malaise;
• spots do not disappear, although two days have passed since their appearance;
• in addition to a visible rash, there are seals under the skin - this may be angioedema;
• hives becomesHives (Urticaria) and Swelling (Angiodema) / Cleveland Clinic chronic, and spots appear regularly - once a week or more often;
• the rash is very itchy, and it gives you great discomfort;
• you are worried about hives that your child has.

When to call an ambulance

In rare cases, urticaria leadsHives/National Library of Medicine (USA) to serious complications. Quincke's edema provoked by her able to spreadHives (Urticaria) and Swelling (Angiodema) / Cleveland Clinic on the throat or lungs, which can cause a person to suffocate.

This complication is called anaphylaxis. Sometimes it develops very quickly, so the count goes literally for minutes. You should immediately call an ambulance if, against the background of urticaria:

• there was a pressing feeling in the chest or throat;
• swelling has affected the face, lips, tongue - this may be manifested by tingling or a feeling of fullness;
• it became difficult to breathe, wheezing appeared during breathing;
• had problems with speech due to clumsy language.

If timely medical care is provided, anaphylaxis recedes. According to American statistics, death fixedP. J. Turner, E. Jerschow, T. Umasunthar, R. Lin, D. E. Campbell, R. J. boyle. Fatal Anaphylaxis: Mortality Rate and Risk Factors / The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology only in 1% of cases.

How is hives treated

When it comes to anaphylactic shock, the only treatment option is an urgent injection of adrenaline (epinephrine). This substance relaxes smooth muscles and allows you to quickly relieve swelling and spasm of the airways.

In the event that there are no complications, but the urticaria does not go away or the spots are too itchy, the doctor may prescribe medications:

• Prescription antihistamines. They are more effective than their over-the-counter counterparts.
• Oral steroid medications. They are prescribed in the event that antihistamines do not work.
• Allergy vaccinations. Needed by people with chronic urticaria. Injections are usually done once a month - the injected drug suppresses the production of antibodies that cause an unreasonably active sensitization reaction.

In addition, the doctor will suggest taking allergen tests. This is to try to determine which substance is causing the urticaria.

What to do to prevent hives

The allergen can not always be detected. It happens that urticaria occurs for an unknown reason. In that case, her calledHives / Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America idiopathic. Therefore, it is impossible to guarantee 100% that a person will never again encounter this skin reaction. But there isHives (Urticaria) and Swelling (Angiodema) / Cleveland Clinic ways to reduce risks:

• Eliminate potentially allergenic foods from your diet. For example, peanuts, hazelnuts, milk. If you don’t have the strength to refuse, eat a little bit and carefully monitor your well-being after eating.
• Try to walk less during the period of active flowering of trees and grasses.
• Keep the air clean in the room where you spend most of the day. Ventilate more often and do wet cleaning.
• Use detergents and soaps without fragrances and dyes.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Wear loose clothing made from soft materials.

Ekaterina Komissarova