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Urticaria
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- This is a reaction in the skin involving small, red swellings called wheals.
- Hives occur when the body's immune system reacts to an outside stimulus, such as an allergen, in an inappropriate manner, releasing IgE antibodies that trigger a "complement cascade" of histamine. The histamine results in the red lesions of hives that we see.
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- Red circular hives/wheals-red, raised welts. Sometimes the welts will "melt into each other," giving the appearance of areas with large raised red swelling
- Itching is usually severe, but occasionally absent.
- Swelling of tongue, lips, eyelids, palms, soles, and genitals in more severe attacks. Breathing problems may also occur.
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- Food, e.g., shellfish, nuts,
strawberries
- Environmental, e.g., feathers,
animal hairs, and cosmetics
- Medications, e.g., penicillin,
aspirin
- Medications -- nonallergic form, e.g., Atropine, Pilocarpine, Morphine
- Insect/bug bites and stings
- Heat
- Cold
- Skin pressure
- Infections such as Hepatitis B
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- Epinephrine 1:1000 injection for severe reactions (especially if associated breathing problems or more severe reactions such as swollen lips and tongue occur)
- Antihistamines, e.g., hydroxyzine, Zyrtec
- Oral prednisone is sometimes helpful.
- Doxepin (an older antidepressant) helps in chronic cases
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- Seek immediate medical
attention. This condition can be life threatening if
it is not treated immediately.
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