Chronic Urticaria – What is it, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!
Chronic Urticaria – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments that many are unaware of. Furthermore, Chronic Urticaria is not a single disease, but a reaction pattern that represents cutaneous degranulation of mast cells, the condition being defined as chronic if the lesions recur for more than 6 weeks.
Mast cell degranulation results in leakage of plasma into the dermis, forming characteristic hard, itchy, oedopic feathers of variable size and shape, with or without accompanying angioedema.
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In angioedema, the swelling is deeper than the papules and may affect mucosal surfaces. Erythema is usually absent in angioedema, and typical premediation sites include the eyelids, lips, and tongue.
In most patients with Chronic Urticaria , no external cause or underlying disease process can be identified. There are several theories about the pathogenesis of Chronic Urticaria , but none have been conclusively established. It is a disease that can be frustrating to treat patients and caregivers, and can have a detrimental effect on quality of life.
Causes of Chronic Urticaria : Chronic hives (also known as hives) is a rash caused by small amounts of fluid leaking from blood vessels just under the surface of the skin . In chronic Chronic Urticaria , which persists for more than six weeks, although often on and off.
If you have Chronic Urticaria ( Chronic Urticaria ), you have a rash with raised areas called welts (or papules), which are white or red. There may be smudged areas. The rash tends to come and go and can move.
In some people with chronic hives , more severe swelling may develop – for example, in the mouth or tongue or face. This related condition is called angioedema, and is discussed in a separate leaflet. It can get in the way of breathing and could be a medical emergency.
Possible Causes include:
- Allergy _
- Something touching the skin .
- Hot or cold.
- Exercise .
Sun light. - An autoimmune reaction the body over-reacting and causing damage to itself.
- stress .
- infections .
When you have Chronic Urticaria ( Chronic Urticaria ), you have a rash caused by small amounts of fluid leaking from blood vessels just under the surface of your skin.
Chronic Urticaria can be acute (ie the rash comes on suddenly and lasts for less than six weeks) or chronic (ie the rash hangs on, in and out, longer.) Treat this leaflet only with Chronic Urticaria when they are chronic.
Symptoms of Chronic Urticaria: Chronic Urticaria lesionsare transient in nature, with individual pads usually lasting less than 24 hours. Pruritus is the most common associated symptom of Chronic Urticaria .
Lesions typically can be described as follows:
- Primary lesions are erythematous swellings, papules or plaques with a pale center (papule) and surrounding erythema (flare)
- Lesions may be pale to red (depending on background skin color )
- Lesions can be localized or generalized.
- Lesions may be round, oval, annular, arcuate, serpiginous, or generalized.
Treatment for Chronic Chronic Urticaria involves trying to control your symptoms and avoiding triggers that make it worse.
If you have chronic urticaria and angioedema, you may be referred to a skin specialist (dermatologist). This is because angioedema is potentially more serious and can cause breathing difficulties. You should also be referred to a dermatologist if you only have chronic hives and symptoms continue despite treatment.
Chronic Urticaria Treatments : Most cases of Chronic Urticaria do not require treatment because the symptoms are usually mild and often get better within a few days.
If your symptoms are bothersome or persistent, antihistamines are available over the counter.
See your doctor or talk to your pharmacist if your symptoms get worse. If symptoms are very severe, your doctor may prescribe other medications, such as a short course of corticosteroid pills.
See your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if your Chronic Urticaria treatment has n’t worked after two weeks.
Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, helping to stop the itching and reduce the rash. Examples of antihistamines include:
- cetirizine
- fexofenadine
- loratadine
For most people, modern antihistamines do not cause drowsiness , although there are some exceptions. See how you react to the antihistamine before driving or operating heavy machinery. Antihistamines can also cause drowsiness if taken with alcohol. Always read the package leaflet that comes with the medicine.
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Antihistamines are not generally prescribed to pregnant women as it is not known if they are entirely safe. However, Chlorphenamine may be recommended if the benefits are believed to outweigh the risks. There is no evidence that chlorphenamine harms unborn babies.