Popularly known as ‘hives’, urticaria is a skin disease that is associated with itching and blistering. In the most severe cases, blisters can reach other organs (especially the lips, trachea and eyelids). It is a fairly common disease that affects 20-30% of the population. Popularly known as "hives", urticaria is a skin disease that is associated with itching and blistering. In the most severe cases, blisters can reach other organs (especially the lips, trachea and eyelids). It is a fairly common disease that affects 20-30% of the population. Urticaria (hives) can cause skin lesions anywhere on the body that usually disappear within 24 hours. New blisters may form near the healed lesions. There are two types of urticaria: the acute form and the chronic form. In the acute form, the disease clears up in less than six weeks. But in the chronic form, it can last more than six weeks and have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life.
There are various possible causes of urticaria (rash), but the most common are allergic factors, especially to medicines (mainly antibiotics, painkillers and epilepsy drugs) and food (shellfish, fish, milk, nuts, peanuts, potatoes, beans, celery, parsley, carrots, spices, rice, bananas, apples and oranges). In addition, hives can be triggered by food additives, respiratory allergens (such as plant and tree pollens), insect stings (such as bees) or implants (such as false teeth and dentures). Hives are most common in people who have a tendency to allergies. This is because they are more sensitive than other people to the substances described above and show a more acute reaction to them.
Urticaria could also be related to environmental changes or changes in body temperature. In more susceptible people, it may develop after consuming something cold, such as ice cream. It can also form as a result of sweating after exercise. It could also be associated with the use of vibrating devices. Alongside exercise, it could be associated with the consumption of nuts, shellfish or wheat.
Urticaria (hives) could appear optionally related to allergic factors. It can be triggered by points of infection in the body (dental or urinary tract infections), radiocontrast medications used in radiological investigations, anaesthetics used in surgery, and stress.
The cause of urticaria in the majority of cases lasting more than six weeks may never be determined. The condition with persistent itching, has a negative impact on the daily life of the sufferer. Patients with urticaria should be examined very carefully. In case the patient is not properly evaluated and the symptoms worsen, one could fall into life-threatening conditions. Swelling of the lips and trachea may restrict breathing and emergency intervention may be needed.
That is why, this condition requires a very thorough examination with detailed information about the patient's daily routine, work routine, habits and any other illnesses or conditions they might have. Blood tests and allergy tests may be needed to establish the cause. Treatment of mild cases is easy. However, the longer-lasting form of the disease can be challenging for both the patient and the