Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. It shows up as red, itchy, and sometimes raised patches on the skin. These patches can appear suddenly and disappear within hours or days. Although hives are usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes signal an allergic reaction or another underlying health issue.

What Is Urticaria?

Urticaria is a type of skin reaction that occurs when the body releases histamine and other chemicals into the skin. This reaction causes blood vessels to leak, leading to swelling and redness (Zuberbier et al., 2018). Hives can vary in size from small spots to large  blotches  and often change shape, move around, or disappear and reappear over short periods.

There are two main types of urticaria: acute and chronic. Acute urticaria lasts less than six weeks and is often triggered by allergies or infections. Chronic urticaria lasts longer than six weeks and may not have an obvious cause (Maurer et al., 2013).

Common Causes

The causes of hives can differ from person to person. In acute cases, common triggers include:

  • Food allergies (e.g., nuts, shellfish, eggs)
  • Medications (e.g., antibiotics, aspirin)
  • Insect stings or bites
  • Infections, such as colds or urinary tract infections
  • Environmental factors, like pollen, pet dander, or latex

In contrast, chronic hives often occur without a clear reason. Some research suggests autoimmune conditions or internal diseases could be involved. Stress, heat, pressure on the skin, or exercise may also trigger or worsen chronic urticaria (Schaefer, 2017).

Signs and Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of urticaria is the appearance of itchy, red or skin-colored welts. These welts can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, and ears. They may last for a few hours or recur frequently over days or weeks.

Other signs can include:

  • A burning or stinging sensation
  • Swelling, especially around the eyes, cheeks, or lips (also called angioedema)
  • Discomfort or embarrassment due to visible skin changes

In rare cases, hives can be part of a more serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency. Signs of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the throat (Simons et al., 2015).

Diagnosis

There is no single test to diagnose urticaria. Instead, doctors usually rely on a detailed medical history and physical examination. They may ask about recent foods, medications, or insect stings. In chronic cases, doctors may order blood tests or allergy tests to rule out other conditions or triggers.

Keeping a symptom diary can also help identify possible causes. This might include noting foods eaten, emotional stress, or exposure to certain environments before hives appear.

Treatment and Management

The main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and avoid triggers. In many cases, hives go away on their own. However, for more persistent or severe symptoms, treatments may include:

  • Antihistamines: These are the first line of treatment. They block the effects of histamine and reduce itching and swelling.
  • Corticosteroids: For severe flare-ups, short-term use of oral steroids may be prescribed.
  • Omalizumab: This injectable medication is used for chronic cases that don’t respond to antihistamines (Zuberbier et al., 2018).
  • Lifestyle changes: Avoiding known triggers, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and reducing stress can help manage symptoms.

In some cases, simple home remedies like cool compresses and oatmeal baths may also bring relief.

Living With Urticaria

Living with chronic hives can be frustrating, especially when a cause is not found. It can affect a person’s quality of life, sleep, and even emotional well-being. Support from healthcare providers, loved ones, and sometimes mental health professionals can make a big difference. Thankfully, with the right treatment and self-care, most people can control their symptoms and live comfortably.

Urticaria is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. Whether triggered by an allergy or an unknown cause, it can cause discomfort but is usually manageable. Understanding the type of urticaria, identifying possible triggers, and working with healthcare professionals are key steps in controlling the condition. With proper care, most people can keep hives under control and lead healthy lives.

References

  1. Maurer, M., Weller, K., Bindslev-Jensen, C., Giménez-Arnau, A., Bousquet, P. J., Bousquet, J., … & Zuberbier, T. (2013). Unmet clinical needs in chronic spontaneous urticaria. A GA²LEN task force report. Allergy, 66(3), 317–330. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2010.02496.x
  2. Schaefer, P. (2017). Urticaria: Evaluation and treatment. American Family Physician, 96(11), 717–724.
  3. Simons, F. E. R., Ardusso, L. R. F., Bilo, M. B., El-Gamal, Y. M., Ledford, D. K., Ring, J., … & Sheikh, A. (2015). 2015 update of the evidence base: World Allergy Organization anaphylaxis guidelines. World Allergy Organization Journal, 8(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40413-015-0080-1
  4. Zuberbier, T., Aberer, W., Asero, R., Bindslev-Jensen, C., Brzoza, Z., Canonica, G. W., … & Maurer, M. (2018). The EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria. Allergy, 73(7), 1393–1414. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.13397

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR