What is Urticaria (Hives)? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Methods

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin disease that appears suddenly on the skin and is characterized by itchy, raised and red rashes.These rashes usually disappear on their own within a few hours, but may reappear on another part of the body.This feature is the most obvious difference that distinguishes urticaria from similar rash diseases..

  • Occasionally, swelling in the lips, eyelids or throat area angioedemamay also accompany urticaria.
  • Urticaria is a common disorder that can be seen at all ages, and approximately 15-20% of the population experiences an urticaria attack at least once in their lifetime.

 

Types of Urticaria: Acute and Chronic Urticaria

Urticaria is examined in two main groups according to its duration of occurrence and course.:

  1. Acute Urticaria:Rashes last less than six weeks and are usually caused by a trigger such as an infection, food, or medication. In most cases, they resolve quickly with treatment.
  2. Chronic Urticaria:Chronic urticaria is diagnosed when rashes persist for more than six weeks and recur. Chronic urticaria is divided into two types:
    • Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria:No specific underlying cause can be identified. This type occurs in 70-90% of cases and is generally associated with autoimmune mechanisms.
    • Physical (Inducible) Urticaria:It is triggered by external factors such as cold, heat, pressure, sweating, sunlight or physical contact.

 

Causes of Urticaria

The causes of urticaria vary depending on the type of disease.While the cause of acute urticaria can usually be determined, the underlying cause of chronic urticaria is often undetermined..

  • Common Causes of Acute UrticariaFoods (eggs, milk, seafood, etc.), food additives and preservatives, medications (aspirin, NSAIDs, antibiotics), insect bites or stings, infections, and contrast agents used during radiologic imaging.
  • Possible Causes of Chronic UrticariaIn most cases, autoimmune mechanisms play a role, where immune cells mistakenly stimulate mast cells in the skin, causing the release of histamine. Sometimes, a hidden focus of infection, thyroid disease, or stress can also trigger chronic urticaria.

 

What are the symptoms of urticaria?

The most characteristic symptom of urticaria is the itchy, red, raised rash that suddenly appears on the skin.These rashes:

  • It can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
  • It can appear and move anywhere on the body.
  • It usually disappears within 24 hours, but may reoccur in different areas.
  • Swelling of the lips, eyelids or throat ( angioedema ) accompanied by shortness of breath may develop and urgent intervention may be required.

 

How is Urticaria Diagnosed?

Urticaria is usually diagnosed through clinical examination by a dermatologist.The appearance of the lesions, their duration, possible triggers and the patient's history are guiding for diagnosis.In some cases, to determine the underlying cause:

  • Blood tests,
  • Allergy tests,
  • Infection and thyroid screenings may be performed.

However, in most patients with chronic urticaria, a clear cause may not be detected..


 

How is Urticaria Treated?

The aim of treatment is to control itching and rash and avoid triggering factors..

  1. Antihistamine Drugs: It forms the basis of urticaria treatment. When used regularly, it reduces both itching and rash.
  2. Corticosteroid TreatmentCan be used for short-term use in severe attacks. Long-term use is not recommended.
  3. Advanced Therapies (Omalizumab)If there is no response to antihistamine treatment in patients with chronic urticaria, omalizumab (anti-IgE) Biological treatments such as can be applied.
  4. Avoiding Triggers: Any detected foods, drugs or physical factors should be removed from the patient.

Urticaria is a skin disease that is generally benign but can negatively affect quality of life.If you have itchy rashes that recur or persist for a long time, you should definitely consult a dermatologist..