Urticaria is a common disorder, characterized by formation of weals on the skin. The disease is also known as nettle rash as the rash or urticaria resembles the sting of a nettle. The disease may be acute, chronic or recurrent. It is considered to be an allergic reaction like hay fever and asthma.

Causes and symptoms

Raised red and white patches appear on the skin. They are accompanied by burning, intense itching and stinging. Rubbing and scratching usually aggravate the condition. The outbreak of urticaria is sudden and the disease may affect any part or the entire body. The eruptions may be as small as pin heads or as large as a rupee. The eruption may fade in a few minutes or an hour in one place, but may appear in another.

Other symptoms which accompany hives are fever, digestive disturbances and prostration. The disorder lasts from a day or two to a week. Recovery is rapid and complete, though recurring attacks may take place at varying intervals.

There are several causes of urticaria. It may result from digestive disorders like mechanical irritation in the digestive tract or toxemia. It may be caused by drugs like aspirin, penicillin, quinine, and ipecac and so on. Certain foods often cause urticaria in susceptible individuals. These include mushrooms, fish, meat, egg plant, egg, chocolates, cheese, milk products etc.

The bites of bedbugs, wasps, bees, mosquitoes, flies and certain kinds of caterpillars cause the disease. It may also result from emotional excitement. Sudden exposure to cold when the body is hot; after exercise is also one of the causative factors of urticaria.

Diet and other measures

A salt-free diet is recommended. Sour substances like curd should be avoided. All bitter substances and vegetables like drumsticks and bitter gourd are helpful. Onions and garlic should be included in the diet.

Foods that trigger hives should be avoided.

Treatment

The commonly prescribed class of medications are antihistamines. The antihistamines that are used to treat hives are diphenhydramine and loratadine.

Some Practitioners try a short course of cortisone (steroids) to clear the hives completely. Then the patient can maintain the effect with the much safer antihistamines, since steroids have significant side effects when used for a long term.

Herbal pack for angioedema

• Aller – G – Care – 2 capsules twice daily

• Curcumin – 1 capsule twice daily

• Neem – 2 capsules twice daily