Urticaria

What is urticaria?

“Urticaria” is the medical term for hives. Hives are raised areas of the skin that itch intensely and are red with a pale center. Hives are a very common condition. About 20 percent of people have hives at some time during their lives.

Urticaria develop when there is a reaction that activates immune cells in the skin called mast cells. When activated, these cells release natural chemicals. One important chemical is histamine, which causes itching, redness and swelling of the skin. In most cases, hives appear suddenly and disappear within several hours.

What is the cause for development of urticaria?

There are several causes which could be internal or external.

External causes include infections, drugs, food ( sea food, pea nuts), physical causes like( pressure, sunlight, hot or cold temperatures)

Internal causes, where body itself produces allergic cells secreting histamine

What test is available with us for chronic urticaria?

ASST: autologous serum skin test
Persons own blood is drawn, processed and injected back into the forearm.

How is urticaria managed?

Urticaria is treated with a combination of avoiding things that cause or worsen the hives, plus the use of medications.

Antihistamines are the most effective agents, as they oppose the effects of histamine leaked by mast cells.

Oral steroids are sometimes used to temporarily treat severe cases of urticaria.

Topical therapies for hives, including creams and lotions which aim to numb nerve endings and reduce itching.
For autoimmune urticaria, autologous serum therapy is done.