What is Hives (Urticaria)?

Hives (Urticaria): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Urticaria is a skin condition that causes itchy welts or hives, typically starting as small patches but gradually growing and transforming into larger welts. It is a type of allergic reaction of the skin to the allergen that disturbs the immune system. Allergens are harmless proteins, but sensitive people tend to have an allergic reaction to them.   

According to research, about 20% of the population will get hives at least once in their lifetime, and approximately 1 to 3% suffer from chronic hives. Thus, knowing the symptoms and causes of urticaria is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Read ahead to learn more about hives or urticaria disease.

What are the Types of Urticaria?

Urticaria disease, commonly referred to as hives, is categorized into 2 subtypes based on the duration of the disease:

1. Acute Urticaria: It refers to the allergic reaction (hives) that usually doesn’t last more than six weeks.  
2. Chronic Urticaria: It can last over six weeks and recur at least twice a week. Allergies, infections, and autoimmune disorders can trigger chronic hives. It is also known as chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Apart from these 2 types, there is another type of urticaria infection, known as physical urticaria or inducible urticaria. As the name suggests, these hives are triggered as the person is exposed to heat, cold, or sun.

 Some individuals may also have allergies to vibrations, physical activity, or perspiration. Physical hives can spontaneously appear within an hour of exposure to these allergic circumstances.

What are the Causes of Urticaria?  

When the allergens react with your immune system, they release a chemical called histamine into the bloodstream that causes hives. The exact cause of chronic hives is yet to be discovered. However, these are some commonly identified causes of hives:

• Excessive heat or cold
• Sunlight exposure
• Vibrations caused by jogging or using lawn mowers
• Wearing tight clothes can exert excessive pressure on the skin
• Other health conditions include thyroid, infections, allergies, and cancer
   

What are the Symptoms of Urticaria?

The symptoms of hives vary depending on the patient’s condition and the underlying cause that triggered the reaction. Here are the signs and symptoms of hives:

• Huge batches of welts (weals) anywhere on the body
• The weals' colour can vary from red to purple or even skin-colored, depending on the patient's skin tone.
• The welts on the body can differ in size, shape, and frequency of occurrence.
• Intense itching
• Swelling around the eyes, cheeks, or lips (angioedema)
• Flares that are activated by exposure to heat, physical activity, and stress.

If someone experiences chronic hives, the symptoms last for an extended period of time. They will come and go for around a year.

What are the Treatment Options for Urticaria?

There are various treatment options for hives, ranging from home treatments to epinephrine for severe allergic reactions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the treatment options available for hives:

1. Medications

Antihistamine medicines block the histamine effect in the bloodstream. They can ease allergic reactions and reduce itching. Depending on your severity, the doctor will prescribe daily allergy medicines or antihistamines that react quickly, such as Diphenhydramine.  

2. Allergy Shots

For chronic hives that cause intense itching, the doctor may prescribe injections to stop the allergic reactions. These injections are given to people suffering from severe allergies to provide immediate relief.  

3. Oral Steroids

Sometimes, if the reaction is intense, it may not respond to antihistamine medicines. In that case, corticosteroids, taken orally, can help ease the symptoms of hives.

4. Home Treatments

• Placing a cold compress on the irritated area can reduce pain and itching.
• A cold shower can also help ease the pain if the whole body is affected.
• Over-the-counter medicines like hydrocortisone or antihistamine ointments can help reduce swelling and itchiness.

5. Epinephrine

Severe allergic reactions can result in a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. It can cause swelling on your face, mouth, or throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting, and low blood pressure. In this situation, only an immediate epinephrine injection can save the life by opening the swollen airways.

Hives don’t cause any serious complications and can even go away on their own. However, if they cause severe reactions, seek immediate medical attention. Effective and timely treatment can help cure chronic hives.