Urticaria (Hives) in Adults – Skinology Clinic

Posted 2023-05-24 09:31:52

The skin condition urticaria, sometimes called hives, is characterized by raised, itchy welts that can arise quickly and go away in hours or days. All ages of people can get hives, but adults are more likely to get them than children. However, the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments for adult urticaria are essential for them to learn.

Therefore, this blog is written by taking insights from Dr. Nivedita Dadu, a renowned dermatologist known for providing the best Urticaria Treatment In Delhi. Based on collected references, this blog will cover how to manage hives and their symptoms more skillfully and how to enhance people’s quality of life by being aware of the disorder, its causes, and treatment options.

Understanding Urticaria

Red or skin-colored welts, commonly called wheals or hives that emerge out of the blue, are a defining feature of urticaria. Intense itching or burning sensations are frequently present along with these welts, which can vary in size and shape. Hives typically occur suddenly and go away in a few days or weeks. Some people, nevertheless, may develop chronic cases that linger for six weeks or longer.

Causes and Triggers of Urticaria

Causes of Urticaria include below mention factors:-

Hives can result from allergic reactions to allergens such as particular foods, medicines, insect bites or stings, pollen, or latex.
Physical Triggers: Certain physical stressors, such as pressure on the skin (dermatographism), exposure to cold or heat, excessive perspiration, or sun exposure, can cause hives.
Viral or bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, the common cold, or urinary tract infections, can occasionally cause urticaria.
Urticaria may be a symptom of autoimmune disorders, where the immune system unintentionally harms healthy tissues, including the skin, such as lupus or thyroid illness.
Stress and emotional factors: Extreme emotional states like anxiety or stress may also cause or aggravate hives.

Treatment Options for Urticaria

Antihistamines: The primary treatment for urticaria involves the use of antihistamine medications. Antihistamines help to block the effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines can relieve itching and reduce hives’ severity.
Avoidance of Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as specific foods, medications, or environmental factors, can help prevent hives from occurring or minimize their frequency.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication– In severe cases of acute urticaria, short oral anti-Inflammatory medication may reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response.
Immune Modulators: For chronic urticaria that does not respond to conventional treatments, immune-modulating medications like omalizumab may be recommended to reduce the frequency and severity of hives.
Lifestyle Modifications: Managing stress, practicing relaxation techniques, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the occurrence and severity of hives.

Seeking Medical Attention

While most cases of urticaria can be managed at home with over-the-counter treatments, it is crucial to seek medical attention if:

Hives are accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Hives last for more than a few days and significantly affect daily life.
Hives are recurrent or chronic, causing distress or impacting overall well-being.