Chronic rash , also known as urticaria , is characterized by red or white spots of varying sizes that appear and disappear . Although it usually recovers within a few weeks or less, it is a serious and long-term problem for some people . Chronic rash is defined as a rash that lasts longer than six weeks or persists.
The rash mainly manifests as an allergic reaction of the skin . Urticaria can occur anywhere on the body. Urticaria can sometimes be caused by food allergies such as shells, nuts, strawberries, various dietary supplements, and sometimes even medications (eg penicillin ).
If it occurs frequently, urticaria can also be an aesthetic problem .
Urticaria can sometimes occur after infection or occur at the site of an insect bite . In some people, urticaria occurs almost every time they are scratched on the skin . In others, it may occur after exposure to cold or sun . In most cases it is very difficult to detect what triggers urticaria unless the condition manifests only under certain conditions.
No matter what causes urticaria, stress exacerbates it. In the mildest cases, the urticaria will disappear in a few hours
Causes of Urticaria (Hives)
In most cases, the cause of the chronic description cannot be identified . It is sometimes associated with autoimmune disorders , such as thyroid disease or lupus. Although the underlying cause of urticaria cannot usually be identified, treatment of the symptoms is usually successful. Antihistamines provide the best relief.
In some situations, diseases such as lupus or thyroid disorders can also lead to urticaria.
Some of the following causes can cause urticaria :
- certain painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium,
- insect bite,
- deodorant,
- condoms,
- parasite,
- contact with fungal spores,
- skin combing,
- heat or cold,
- contact with nettles ,
- jellyfish burn,
- exposure to stress,
- Sunlight,
- exercising,
- certain materials and fabrics,
- groceries,
- alcohol,
- additives,
- pressure on the skin.
Women have twice as often problems with urticaria . Urticaria is particularly common in children and young people. A particular problem is the occurrence of urticaria in pregnancy . This often happens precisely because a woman’s immunity is significantly weaker, especially if the woman is exposed to additional stress .
Symptoms of urticaria (hives)
Urticaria appears in the form of small round rings or large spots and may change shape . It usually causes itching , and a single stain lasts from 30 minutes to 36 hours .
After the stain disappears, new ones usually occur. Urticaria occurs in batches , most commonly on the face and limbs. Slightly less than half of the patients also have angioedema , large scars or swelling on the skin that can occur around the eyes and lips, the area of the hands, feet, genitals or within the throat.
Swelling in the throat can interfere with breathing and require immediate treatment. Angioedema itches less than urticaria, but can cause pain or burning . Symptoms can come and go without an obvious trigger. In some people, certain conditions, such as heat, exertion or stress, can exacerbate symptoms.
Scientific journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy describes urticaria as one of the most common painful dermatoallergic diseases. It is particularly important for early dermatological diagnosis and the identification of the causative agent, and many patients often have a significant psychosomatic tendency, especially when it comes to chronic urticaria.
Urticaria in children (hives)
Urticaria in children is a common occurrence. Scientists believe that such an allergic reaction is linked to respiratory infections or allergies to certain foods.
Just like adults, urticaria in children can affect the digestive , respiratory and cardiovascular systems . Difficulties accompanying urticaria are shortness of breath , diarrhea , asthma , itching, etc. In children, chronic urticaria indicates an allergy . It would be best if you had your child tested for allergies.
The potential invention of allergens could also end the problems. Urticaria in children should not be a cause for fear . It is one of the most common diagnoses in dermatology . In addition, infant skin is significantly more sensitive than adult skin.
Because urticaria is common during childhood, it is very rare in infants as opposed to older children. However, the European Journal of Pediatrics reports the case of a mother who used nipple skin care products while breast-feeding, causing an allergic reaction. Although the rash disappeared very quickly without treatment, scientists strongly emphasize that breast-feeding women should always consult their physicians before using skin care products.
Treatment of urticaria (hives)
Finding an effective treatment for chronic rash can be a real challenge. In cases where a trigger is identified as a reaction to a particular food, drug, or physical stimulus, treatment involves avoiding the trigger. Treatment is performed depending on the severity of the urticaria , depending on how often it occurs and at what intervals.
If the cause is a certain medical condition, the rash is improved by treating the cause itself. Symptoms have been successfully treated with OTC drugs or prescription drugs. Your doctor will recommend the best medicine or combination of medicines that will reduce your symptoms.
Urticaria therapy is generally symptomatic which means that the main task is to relieve the symptoms . Depending on your or your child’s condition, your doctor will prescribe antihistamines and corticosteroids to help relieve your symptoms.
If the cause of urticaria is known, it would be best if you could avoid contact with the allergen . However, if there is a specific disease that causes the hives, the primary disease should be treated .
It is very important to follow the advice of a doctor when it comes to urticaria. Do not try to heal naturally unless you are sure what the cause is. It is just some natural medicine remedies that can cause you to have an urticaria attack again. You can possibly drink chamomile or valerian tea, but leave the other experiments for another time.
Urticaria is not a harmless condition, indeed it may precede conditions such as anaphylactic shock . Prior to any independent form of therapy, seek first consultation with a physician or specialist.