Urticaria (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' [[User: Mohammed Sbeih|Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D.]] [mailto:msbeih@wikidoc.org] | {{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' [[User: Mohammed Sbeih|Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D.]] [mailto:msbeih@wikidoc.org] | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Hives are raised, often itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine. | Hives are raised, often itchy, red welts on the surface of the [[skin]]. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine. | ||
==What are the symptoms?== | ==What are the symptoms?== | ||
*Itching. | *Itching. | ||
*Swelling of the surface of the skin into red- or skin-colored welts (called | *Swelling of the surface of the skin into red- or skin-colored welts (called [[wheal]]s) with clearly defined edges. | ||
The hives may get bigger, spread, and join together to form larger areas of flat, raised skin. | The hives may get bigger, spread, and join together to form larger areas of flat, raised skin. | ||
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==What are the causes?== | ==What are the causes?== | ||
When you have an allergic reaction to a substance, your body releases histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. This causes itching, swelling, and other symptoms. Hives are a common reaction, especially in people with other allergies such as hay fever. | When you have an allergic reaction to a substance, your body releases histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. This causes [[itching]], [[swelling]], and other symptoms. Hives are a common reaction, especially in people with other allergies such as [[hay fever]]. | ||
When swelling or welts occur around the face, especially the lips and eyes, it is called angioedema. Swelling from angioedema can also occur around your | When swelling or welts occur around the face, especially the lips and eyes, it is called angioedema. Swelling from angioedema can also occur around your [[hand]]s, [[feet]], and [[throat]]. | ||
Many substances can trigger hives, including: | Many substances can trigger hives, including: | ||
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If you have a history of an allergy, then the diagnosis is even more obvious. | If you have a history of an allergy, then the diagnosis is even more obvious. | ||
Occasionally, skin or blood tests are done to confirm that you had an allergic reaction and to test for the substance that caused the allergic response. A skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. | Occasionally, skin or blood tests are done to confirm that you had an allergic reaction and to test for the substance that caused the allergic response. A [[skin biopsy]] can confirm the diagnosis. | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have: | Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have: | ||
*Fainting | *[[Fainting]] | ||
*Shortness of breath | *[[Shortness of breath]] | ||
*Tightness in your throat | *Tightness in your [[throat]] | ||
*Tongue or face swelling | *Tongue or face [[swelling]] | ||
*Wheezing | *[[Wheezing]] | ||
Call your health care provider if the hives are severe, uncomfortable, and do not respond to self-care measures. | Call your health care provider if the hives are severe, uncomfortable, and do not respond to self-care measures. | ||
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*Avoid hot baths or showers. | *Avoid hot baths or showers. | ||
*Avoid irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing. | *Avoid irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing. | ||
*Take antihistamines. Diphenhydramine is considered most effective, but make some people tired. Other options include loratodine or ceterizine. | *Take [[antihistamines]]. [[Diphenhydramine]] is considered most effective, but make some people tired. Other options include loratodine or ceterizine. | ||
If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. Hives in the throat can block your airway, making it difficult to breathe. | If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine ([[adrenaline]]) or steroids. Hives in the throat can block your airway, making it difficult to breathe. | ||
==Where to find medical care for Urticaria?== | ==Where to find medical care for Urticaria?== | ||
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==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
*Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening, whole-body allergic reaction that causes breathing difficulty). | *[[Anaphylaxis]] (a life-threatening, whole-body allergic reaction that causes breathing difficulty). | ||
*Swelling in the throat can lead to life-threatening airway blockage. | *[[Swelling]] in the throat can lead to life-threatening airway blockage. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
Revision as of 18:54, 19 February 2013
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Urticaria |
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Urticaria On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D. [2]
Overview
Hives are raised, often itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.
What are the symptoms?
- Itching.
- Swelling of the surface of the skin into red- or skin-colored welts (called wheals) with clearly defined edges.
The hives may get bigger, spread, and join together to form larger areas of flat, raised skin.
They can also change shape, disappear, and reappear within minutes or hours. A true hive comes and goes. When you press the center of one, it turns white. This is called blanching.
What are the causes?
When you have an allergic reaction to a substance, your body releases histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. This causes itching, swelling, and other symptoms. Hives are a common reaction, especially in people with other allergies such as hay fever.
When swelling or welts occur around the face, especially the lips and eyes, it is called angioedema. Swelling from angioedema can also occur around your hands, feet, and throat.
Many substances can trigger hives, including:
- Animal dander (especially cats).
- Insect bites.
- Medications.
- Pollen.
- Shellfish, fish, nuts, eggs, milk, and other foods.
Hives may also develop as a result of:
- Emotional stress.
- Extreme cold or sun exposure.
- Excessive perspiration.
- Illness (including lupus, other autoimmune diseases, and leukemia.
- Infections such as mononucleosis.
Diagnosis
Your doctor can tell if you have hives by looking at your skin.
If you have a history of an allergy, then the diagnosis is even more obvious.
Occasionally, skin or blood tests are done to confirm that you had an allergic reaction and to test for the substance that caused the allergic response. A skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have:
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in your throat
- Tongue or face swelling
- Wheezing
Call your health care provider if the hives are severe, uncomfortable, and do not respond to self-care measures.
Treatment options
Treatment may not be needed if the hives are mild. They may disappear on their own. To reduce itching and swelling:
- Avoid hot baths or showers.
- Avoid irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing.
- Take antihistamines. Diphenhydramine is considered most effective, but make some people tired. Other options include loratodine or ceterizine.
If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. Hives in the throat can block your airway, making it difficult to breathe.
Where to find medical care for Urticaria?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Urticaria
Prevention
- Avoid exposure to substances that give you allergic reactions.
- Don't wear tight-fitting clothing and avoid hot baths or showers just after an episode of hives. These can both cause the hives to return.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Hives may be uncomfortable, but they generally are harmless and disappear on their own. In most cases, the exact cause of hives cannot be identified.
Possible complications
- Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening, whole-body allergic reaction that causes breathing difficulty).
- Swelling in the throat can lead to life-threatening airway blockage.