Hives or utricaria are a red, raised, itchy skin rash that appear either due to the body’s reaction to certain allergens or for unknown reasons.
It can appear anywhere on the body including face, lips, tongue, throat or ears.
Causes :
It occurs when the body reacts with an allergen and releases histamine and other chemicals under the surface of the skin. These in turn result in inflammation and cause fluid to accumulate under the skin, thereby causing wheals.
Common triggers known to cause utricaria include:
Medications like antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs etc.
Foods like shellfish, nuts, eggs etc.
Infections
Intestinal parasites
Dust mites
Cockroach waste
Latex
Pollen, insect bites,
Scratching
Chronic illness like thyroid disease, lupus etc.
Symptoms :
Swelling or wheals appear on skin
Pink or red rash with an oval or round shape
Extremely itchy rashes with a red flare around them
Wheals occur in batches in the face or extremities
Symptoms disappear within 24 hours but a new wheal may come if there is re-exposure to the allergen
Admin_NHT Staff asked 5 years ago