What is hives (urticaria)?

The condition colloquially known as hives, or urticaria in medical terms, is a disturbing skin reaction that occurs in the form of red, raised, itchy rashes that also cause redness on the skin. Hives that appear on a particular part of the body can sometimes spread to the whole body. Although it usually appears quickly and disappears very soon, it is also true that it can sometimes last for weeks.

Urticaria is usually caused by an allergic reaction or a skin reaction to irritation. Usually, the symptoms of urticaria begin to disappear after a while after the allergy-causing agent has disappeared. Therefore, we can say that urticaria is generally a harmless condition. However, in some cases, the body may react due to another underlying health problem. Since such cases may require urgent medical intervention, it is best to go to a health institution.

What are the symptoms of hives (urticaria)?

It is important to know the symptoms of hives to avoid confusion with other allergic reactions or skin problems. For example, urticaria wheals may appear in clusters and move around. To avoid confusing these and other symptoms with other conditions, let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of urticaria.

Common symptoms of hives can be listed as follows:

Red, pink, or flesh-colored raised, itchy sores
Swelling that may disappear in one area and reappear in another area
Itching or burning sensation on the skin
Wounds that change in size and shape over time
Swelling of the lips, eyelids, or throat (a rarer symptom and known as angioedema)

The symptoms listed above are common symptoms of urticaria. However, if these symptoms are accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or dizziness, this may be a sign of another serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). In such cases, you should seek medical attention immediately.

What causes urticaria?

Hives can be caused by many different things, ranging from allergic reactions to physical triggers. In many cases, especially when the condition becomes chronic, the exact cause of hives may not be fully understood. However, understanding the common triggers that can cause hives can help reduce the frequency and severity of the condition.

Here are some of the most common causes of hives:

Allergic reactions: These can occur to foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish, and eggs), medicines (e.g., antibiotics and aspirin), insect bites, or latex.
Environmental factors: It can be caused by exposure to pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.
Physical triggers: Cold weather, sunlight, or sweat can also trigger urticaria.
Stress and emotional distress: These can cause symptoms or worsen existing symptoms.
Infections: Especially viral infections can cause urticaria, especially in children.
Autoimmune conditions: Urticaria symptoms can occur when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues.

In some cases, urticaria can also occur without a clear cause, a condition known as idiopathic urticaria.

What is the difference between acute and chronic hives?

The main difference between acute and chronic hives is how long the symptoms persist. While both types of urticaria can have similarities, the length of time they last and the underlying causes tend to differ.

Hives that last less than six weeks are acute hives. An allergic reaction, an infection, or irritating environmental factors usually trigger this type of hives. Once the trigger factor is removed or treatment is given, it will clear up fairly quickly.
Chronic hives occur without a clear trigger and can last for six weeks or more. In many cases, chronic hives can be associated with autoimmune diseases, prolonged stress, or hormonal changes. This type of hives can be more difficult to manage than acute urticaria and may require long-term treatment and observation.

How long does urticaria usually last, and when should you be concerned?

Depending on the type of rash, the trigger, and the person’s behavior to avoid triggers, the duration of the rash can vary. In general, urticaria tends to disappear within one or a few days. However, new ones may appear in place of the disappeared hives and prolong the duration of the urticaria.

Acute urticaria usually resolves within a few hours to a few days and usually does not require treatment beyond over-the-counter medications.
Chronic urticaria, on the other hand, can persist for weeks, months, or even years, often without a clear trigger.

You may need to seek medical attention from a health care provider if

The urticaria lasts for more than a few days or recurs frequently
If the itching or swelling is severe or painful
Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness (anaphylaxis requiring urgent intervention may occur)

A rapid assessment at a health facility can help identify the underlying causes and the condition can be managed with appropriate treatment options.

Can urticaria be treated at home?

Non-chronic, mild to moderate cases of urticaria can be controlled and treated at home with easily accessible medications. In this process, personal care, cleanliness, and avoiding external factors that can trigger hives are important.

Let’s take a look at what you can do to treat urticaria at home:

Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine can help block the release of histamine and relieve itching and swelling.
Cold compresses: Applying a cold cloth or ice pack to the affected area of the rash can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
Loose clothing: Wearing soft, breathable fabrics during this time prevents further irritation of the affected areas.
Avoiding known triggers: If you suspect a particular food, medication, or environmental factor, avoid exposure to it and monitor for any changes in the healing process.
Stress management: Practices that can relieve stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise, can help reduce flare-ups.

However, if all these measures do not work, if you do not see an improvement in your symptoms, or if you have chronic hives, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and specific treatment options.