Everything to Know About Urticaria in Gilbert, Arizona

Most Americans suffer from urticaria, also known as hives. Hives are an outbreak of pale red bumps and welts on the skin, which appear suddenly and cause a swelling known as angioedema. It is caused by allergic reactions, chemicals in some foods, and some medications. Get to know the triggers, prevention, and best treatment for hives in Gilbert from a specialized team of experts.

Hive triggers

The following are some of the causes of urticaria.

Medications such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Food such as shellfish, nuts, food additives, and wheat products

Viral infections such as influenza, hepatitis B, glandular fever

Bacterial infections such as urinary tract infection, strep throat, and intestinal parasites

Extreme changes in temperature

Pet dander from cats, dogs, horses, and dust mites

Latex, pollen, plant poison, and insect bites and stings

Scratching, exercises, water on the skin, sun exposure, and chronic illness such as lupus

Chemicals and blood transfusion

Types of urticaria

Acute urticaria

Acute hives last for an hour or six weeks. They are caused by diseases, insect bites, food such as milk and eggs, medication such as aspirin, and infections.

Chronic hives

This urticaria lasts more than six weeks. They affect muscles, the gastrointestinal tract, and lungs and are triggered by thyroid disease, infection, and cancer.

Physical urticaria

They are caused by skin stimulants such as heat, cold, exercise, sweating, vibration, sun exposure, and pressure. It occurs where the skin has been stimulated and appears within an hour.

Dermatographism

It occurs when the skin is firmly stroked and scratched.

Infection induced hives

They are triggered by viral and bacterial infections such as UTI, strep throat, hepatitis, colds, and mononucleosis.

Symptoms

The following signs accompany the various types of hives:

Dizziness

Throat and face swellings

Difficulties in breathing

Chest tightness

Wheezing

Management of hives

Hives often disappear after some time, therefore a team of experts at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD recommend the following prevention methods to avoid future reoccurrence.

Apply cool press to the affected area

Work and sleep in a cool room

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes

Avoiding the diagnosed known triggers

Take a bath with an anti-itch solution

Avoid skin-irritating products such as some lotions, moisturizers, and soaps.

Avoid scratching, alcohol consumption, stress, and some medications

Diagnosis

Your allergist asks you about your medical and family history, substances exposed at home and workplace, food diary, exposure to pets, animals, and some medications.

Your allergist then conducts a blood test, urine test, and skin test to identify hive triggers.

Treatment

Hives are treated as follows.

An antihistamine such as cetirizine reduces rashes, scratching, and blocks histamine effects.

Antibiotics like dapsone to reduce inflammation

Epinephrine auto-injector for emergency purposes

A biological drug such as Xolair for treating chronic hives

Corticosteroids such as prednisone to alleviate hive symptoms

Consult your urticaria specialist today

Hives can cause irritations on the body. Although they are not contagious, it can be difficult for you to enjoy outdoor events such as public swimming and some sporting activities. Book an appointment with a team of experts at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD in Gilbert, Arizona, get a proper diagnosis, understand the cause of your hives, get comprehensive treatment, and prevent future outbreaks.