Urticaria (Hives)
Urticaria, commonly known as “hives”, is a disease that occurs in widespread, shifting, itchy swellings on the body.
Urticaria that lasts less than 6 weeks is called acute, and urticaria that lasts longer is called chronic.
Urticaria, commonly known as “hives”, is a disease that occurs in widespread, shifting, itchy swellings on the body. Sometimes the swellings can affect the respiratory tract, causing shortness of breath, affecting thin-skinned areas, causing swelling in the lips and eyelids, and rarely, affecting the gastrointestinal tract, causing abdominal pain.
Urticaria is divided into two types, acute and chronic urticaria, depending on the duration of symptoms. Urticaria that lasts less than 6 weeks is called acute, and urticaria that lasts longer is called chronic urticaria. Acute urticaria is usually seen on a psychological stress background, mostly due to drug groups such as painkillers – muscle relaxants – antibiotics or due to an infection in the body, and rarely due to allergic reactions to certain foods.
What can cause urticaria?
In addition, some physical stimuli can also cause urticaria. For example, pressure urticaria can appear as painful swelling on the soles of the feet after walking for a long time, or as tingling, itching, redness or pain in the palms of the hands due to carrying a plastic bag for a long time.
How to treat urticaria?
How to Prevent Hives (Urticaria)?
To prevent urticaria (hives) , it is important to avoid trigger factors. Here are some measures that can help prevent urticaria attacks:
- Avoid Allergens: Allergic reactions to food, medicine, pollen, dust or chemicals can trigger urticaria.
- Control Stress: Stress can trigger urticaria attacks, so relaxation techniques and regular sleep are important.
- Avoid Skin Irritation: Extreme heat, cold, tight clothing and harsh chemicals can irritate the skin and increase urticaria.
- Regular Nutrition and Water Consumption: A healthy and balanced diet can help strengthen the immune system.
- Antihistamine Use: Regular use of antihistamine medication on doctor’s advice can help prevent attacks.
- Keep Chronic Diseases Under Control: Infections, thyroid diseases or autoimmune diseases can trigger urticaria, therefore, underlying health problems should be checked.
