What is urticaria?

Also known as hives, urticaria is a common condition characterised by itchy, slightly raised wheals that are redder or whiter than surrounding skin.

Hives can appear on any part of the body. They may be as small as a pin head or large. Sometimes they will be individual wheals, or several will blend together. They are classified as acute or chronic.

Acute urticaria last less than 6 weeks. Hives usually show up within a few minutes to 24 hours after  exposure to an allergen.

Chronic urticaria last longer than 6 weeks. This is less common than acute urticaria.

Regardless of the cause (be it immune or other), hives are the result of the release from mast cells of histamine & other compounds which causes fluid to leak from small blood vessels into surrounding tissue, the epidermis, leading to swelling.

What are the causes of urticaria?

Allergies are a common cause of urticaria, however in many cases the underlying cause isn't found. Some causes of urticaria include;

• Allergy (foods such as nuts & shellfish, pollen, exposure to animals, bee stings etc.)

• Medications (such as aspirin, penicillin, NSAIDS etc.)

• Insect bites (papular urticaria)

• Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)

• Chemical

• Stress

• Autoimmune

• Heat or cold

• Sun (solar urticaria)

• Exercise (Cholinergic urticaria)

• Pressure (from tight fitting clothing)

• Water (aquagenic urticaria)

• Vibrations

• Idiopathic (unknown)

Treatment of urticaria:

Always see your doctor if you suspect you have urticaria & before you commence treatment.

In many cases, hives will often go away on their own. Finding the cause, so that appropriate treatment (or avoidance) is helpful, although as has already been stated, is not always possible.

If an allergy is suspected, a diary of foods that you have eaten or other exposures such as medications is a good starting point.

Obviously avoiding the trigger is the best course of action. If the trigger is not known, or avoidance is not possible, the following may be recommended.

• Antihistamine tablets - This is the main treatment of urticaria.

• Corticosterioids - These may be prescribed in severe cases of urticaria to relieve swelling & itching.

• Anti itch creams & solutions such as calamine lotion may be of help.

• A spoonful of bicarbonate of soda added to bath water may be helpful in relieving symptoms.

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctors visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only & should not be used for  the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. 

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.