12/09/2020
Urticaria is a common skin condition . Many studies suggest that one in five of general population may develop some form of urticaria in their life time. General population perceives this problem as skin allergy and try various methods of treatment.
So , I want to discuss some basic features of urticaria ( hives) so that you can easily detect the condition.
1. It appears as short lived red itchy skin condition , stays for few minutes to hours and then again it reappears. Generally it's a benign disease but some alarming sign when patients need immediate medical attention are
a swelling of lips , eyelids
b. Difficulty in breathing
c . Pain abdomen.
2. We divide it as acute ( less than 6 weeks duration) and chronic ( long lasting , more than 6 weeks) . This classification is important as in acute cases most commonly it's due to infection and it resolves within few weeks. But chronic urticaria is difficult to manage and lasts long . About 50% case takes more than 6 months rest 50% case may take 3 to 5 years or may be 10 years to resolve.
3. As chronic urticaria is long lasting patient tries too many medications and may develop serious side effects. In practice I have seen many patients taking inj dexona or tricort to treat chronic urticaria which is very harmful. So , you should avoid this kind of treatment.
3. Some common triggers of urticaria
a. Infection like soar throat.
b.Medicine like painkiller , aspirin , antibiotics
c.food like cheese , sea foods,eggs, tomatoes, pineapples , processed meat .etc. Even food additives are also culprits sometimes.
d. Stress.
e.Menstrual cycle related.
4. So if you develop rash like this you have to consult dermatologist . Treatment is safe but it can long in case of chronic urticaria. For treatment most preferred treatment is antihistamines( like levocetirizine , fexofenadine etc ). Patient should take the drug as long as the symptoms persist. Some basic test are also done to rule out other diseases.
5. It affects the quality of life as chronic urticaria is long lasting but with adequate treatment it can be controlled.
# URTICARIA UPDATE.
