What is the pathophysiology of hives?
Pathophysiology of Urticaria Urticaria results from the release of histamine, bradykinin, kallikrein, and other vasoactive substances from mast cells and basophils in the superficial dermis, resulting in intradermal edema caused by capillary and venous vasodilation and occasionally caused by leukocyte infiltration.
Which is the best medicine for urticaria?
Treatments for urticaria Antihistamines like Benadryl and Claritin are often effective in relieving the symptoms of urticaria. Taking this type of medication at the first sign of hives can help lessen the severity of the outbreak. You can also use anti-itch lotions to help.
How is acute urticaria diagnosed?
Acute urticaria do not need extensive diagnostic procedures. Urticaria activity score is a useful tool for evaluation of urticaria. Complete blood count, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein are important investigations for diagnosis of infections in urticaria.
Do hives affect the epidermis?
Urticaria appears as raised, well-circumscribed areas of erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) involving the dermis and epidermis that are very pruritic (itchy), as shown in the image below.
Is urticaria the same as hives?
Hives, also known as urticaria, are reddened, itchy welts that may be triggered by exposure to certain foods, medications or other substances. Hives (urticaria) are red, itchy welts that result from a skin reaction.
What is the difference between eczema and urticaria?
Urticaria (hives) are red, itchy, raised areas of the skin that can range in size and appear anywhere on your body. Angioedema is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin that often occurs with hives. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a scaly, itchy rash that often affects the face, elbows and knees.
Is urticaria an immediate reaction?
Contact urticaria is an immediate but transient localised swelling and redness that occurs on the skin after direct contact with an offending substance. Contact urticaria should be distinguished from contact dermatitis where a dermatitis reaction develops hours to days after contact with the offending agent.
Which medications are used to treat chronic urticaria?
The following are common medicines used to treat urticaria: Antihistamines decrease mild symptoms such as itching or a rash. Steroids decrease redness, pain, and swelling. Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
What is the prognosis of chronic urticaria?
Prognosis. The prognosis in chronic urticaria depends on the comorbid disease causing the urticaria and the patient’s response to therapy. Several diseases associated with chronic urticaria can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality (eg, malignancies, systemic lupus erythematosus).
What type of cancer causes urticaria?
Several cases of malignant tumors have been reported in association with urticaria, including leukemias and lymphomas, myeloma, testicular cancer, ovarian carcinoma, lung cancer, colon cancer, and thyroid carcinoma.
What is given for urticaria acute onset?
Treatment for acute urticaria includes non-sedating antihistamines taken regularly for several weeks. Antihistamines, such as cetirizine or fexofenadine, help by blocking the effects of histamines and reducing the rash and stopping the itching.