CrimeaPRESS reports:
Allergic urticaria is a skin rash that resembles blisters or spots similar to nettle marks. These spots can be red, itchy, and appear on different parts of the body. Here are the main things to know:
Reasons
Hives develop as a reaction to allergens such as:
- Foods (eg nuts, seafood, eggs).
- Medicines (eg, antibiotics, aspirin).
- Animals, pollen, dust and other allergens.
- Physical factors: cold, heat, pressure, vibration.
- Insect bites.
Symptoms
- Red or pale spots that rise above the skin.
- Itching, sometimes severe.
- Blisters may migrate across the body, disappear, and appear in other places.
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids and other parts of the body (angioedema).
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and anamnesis. It is important to identify the possible allergen. Sometimes skin tests or blood tests are prescribed to detect allergies.
Treatment
- Antihistamines: These help reduce itching and rashes.
- Allergen avoidance: If the allergen is known, it is important to avoid contact with it.
- Corticosteroids: may be prescribed for severe hives.
- Epinephrine (adrenaline): In case of a severe anaphylactic reaction, immediate administration of epinephrine may be required.
Prevention
- avoidance of known allergens.
- Wearing a bracelet or other identification indicating your allergy if you are prone to severe reactions.
- keeping a food or contact diary to identify possible triggers.
If you or someone close to you experiences symptoms of hives, especially if they are accompanied by difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, it is important to seek immediate medical attention as this may be a sign of anaphylaxis, which requires emergency treatment.
Treatment of allergic urticaria — the complexity of treatment
Treatment of allergic urticaria can vary in complexity depending on the severity of symptoms, frequency of relapses and individual response to therapy. Let’s look at the main aspects:
Acute urticaria
Acute urticaria usually lasts from a few hours to a few days (but not more than 6 weeks). It is often treatable and disappears without residual effects. Treatment usually includes:
- Antihistamines: These are the mainstay of treatment and are effective in relieving itching and reducing rashes in most cases.
- Avoiding triggers: If the allergen is known, avoiding it can make treatment much easier.
Treatment of acute urticaria is usually not difficult, and the condition improves quickly with proper therapy.
Chronic urticaria
Chronic urticaria lasts longer than 6 weeks and can be more difficult to treat. Key challenges include:
- Finding the Cause: Unlike the acute form, chronic urticaria can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune reactions, chronic infections, or stress. Identifying a specific trigger can be challenging.
- multi-stage therapy: often a comprehensive approach is required, including various groups of drugs (antihistamines, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, etc.).
- Treatment resistance: In some patients, symptoms may not respond to standard antihistamines, requiring the use of more powerful agents.
Treating chronic urticaria can take time and require regular visits to your doctor to adjust your treatment.
Anaphylaxis and severe forms
In rare cases, urticaria may be accompanied by anaphylactic reactions, which require immediate administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) and hospitalization. Treatment of such conditions requires a clear and rapid response, as well as a plan for dealing with recurrent episodes.
Psycho-emotional impact
Chronic urticaria can cause significant stress, anxiety, and a decrease in quality of life, which also complicates treatment. In some cases, the help of a psychologist or psychotherapist may be needed.
Experts emphasize: treatment of allergic urticaria can be simple and effective, especially in cases of acute forms. However, chronic and severe forms of urticaria may require more complex and long-term treatment involving various specialists. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and maintain an active dialogue with him to achieve the best results.
Allergic urticaria — adults or children?
Allergic urticaria can occur in both children and adults, but there are some differences in the frequency and causes of its occurrence depending on age.
In children
- Frequency: Urticaria is quite common in children, especially at a younger age. Acute urticaria is more common in children than in adults.
- Causes: In children, urticaria is often caused by food allergens (e.g. milk, eggs, nuts) or viral infections. It can also be a reaction to insect bites or vaccinations.
- Prognosis: In children, acute urticaria usually goes away on its own or responds well to treatment, and only in rare cases does it become chronic.
In adults
- Frequency: Although urticaria can occur at any age, the chronic form is more common in adults, especially in women aged 30-50 years.
- Causes: In adults, urticaria is more often associated with medications, chronic diseases (e.g., autoimmune disorders, infections), and physical factors (temperature, pressure on the skin). Often the cause remains unclear, especially in the case of the chronic form.
- Prognosis: Chronic urticaria in adults can last for months or even years and requires a more comprehensive approach to treatment.
Acute urticaria is more common in children and in most cases has a favorable prognosis. In adults, the chronic form is more likely to develop, which makes treatment more difficult.
Self-medication is not a solution!
Self-medication for allergic urticaria is really not recommended, and here’s why:
Risk of misdiagnosis
Skin rashes can be caused by a variety of reasons, including infections, autoimmune diseases, drug reactions, and other allergies. Without an accurate diagnosis, the severity and cause of the condition can be misjudged.
Ineffectiveness of incorrect treatment
Many people may try to treat hives at home with over-the-counter antihistamines. While this may temporarily relieve symptoms, the cause of hives remains unknown. In chronic or recurring cases, self-medication may be ineffective or even harmful.
Risk of complications
Allergic urticaria may be a precursor to a more serious allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis. xia that requires immediate medical attention. Self-medication in such cases can lead to a dangerous delay in receiving the necessary treatment.
Negative impact on health
Using the wrong medications or exceeding the recommended doses may cause side effects or worsen the condition. Some people may try home remedies or alternative treatments that may not only be ineffective but may also cause harm.
The need for an individual approach
Hives can have various causes, and treatment should be tailored to the specific situation. Your doctor can perform allergy tests, suggest the right treatment plan, and help you avoid triggers.
Self-medication for allergic urticaria is not a safe or effective method. It is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This is especially important if symptoms recur, worsen, or are accompanied by other signs such as difficulty breathing or swelling.
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