Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is an allergic reaction that causes red, cloud-like bumps or welts on the skin. These welts are itchy and often come with swelling and pain. These can remain on the skin for up to 6 weeks. Though the root cause of urticaria is still unclear, it can be triggered by an allergic environment in the body, like weather conditions, medication, or certain food allergies.
In this blog, Dr. Nivedita Dadu, the Best Skin Doctor In Delhi for urticaria treatment, discusses the various causes, symptoms, and treatments. Keep reading to find out more.
Types of Urticaria
Urticaria can be divided into two types, which are:
- Acute Urticaria: The symptoms of acute urticaria go away within 6 weeks
- Chronic Urticaria: In this type, the symptoms may persist for over 6 weeks and come and go over time.
What Are The Causes of Urticaria
Anyone with allergies to weather conditions, certain foods, or medications is often at risk of developing urticaria. People with other skin allergies, such as hay fever, etc., often get hives.
When the body has an allergic reaction to something, it releases a chemical called histamine. This chemical causes swelling, itching, and hives-like symptoms. These causes can also be divided according to the types of urticaria:
1.The causes of acute urticaria include:
- Food allergy — Nut/dairy/poultry/shellfish allergy
- Allergic reaction to dust, pollen, or other chemical
- Infection
- Insect bites
- Stress
- Physical factors like weather, change in water, or certain exercises
- Side effects of some medicines
2. The cause of chronic urticaria is an autoimmune reaction, a condition where the body attacks its tissues. The conditions that can trigger this include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Warm climate
- Wearing tight clothes
- Side effects of medications like some anti-inflammatory or painkiller drugs
- Some foods additives like salicylates are often found in tomatoes, tea, orange juice, etc.
Read More...
One of the common skin problems is known as Melasma.
It is a condition that results in dark, discolored patches on one’s skin.It is also known as Chloasma (Mask of pregnancy) when it is occurred in women known to be pregnant.
It is more common in women compared to men.What are the symptoms?In a condition like Melasma, patches of discoloration start to appear on your skin.
Usually it can also affect those parts of your skin which are often exposed to the heat of sun.Melasma can be noticed on:CheeksForeheadChinNose bridgeForearmsNeck Such a discoloration of skin does not lead to any real illness or disease but can be a cause for self-consciousness for many people.How do dermatologists diagnose melasma?Best Dermatologist in Delhi Dr. Jyoti Sharma can diagnose most patients by looking at their skin.
To see how deeply the melasma penetrates the skin, your dermatologist may look at your skin under a device called a Wood’s light.Sometimes melasma can look like another skin condition.
This procedure is called a skin biopsy.
