What can cause hives. What causes hives

Urticaria is a disease of a dermatological nature, accompanied by symptoms in the form of a nettle type of rash. It occurs on the mucous surface of a person and is due to the genesis of an allergic plan. Consider what is urticaria photo symptoms and treatment in adults.

Clinically, there are several factors that accompany the disease. These signs are dependent on the type of disease.

Acute course of the disease

The acute form of the disease manifests itself due to the fact that the body has a response to the antigens of substances - irritants. Symptoms occur by the appearance of itchy blisters, as if raised above the surface of the skin. The sizes and outlines of such phenomena can be any, and a brilliance is formed in the center. Formations can be combined into several groups, forming large lesions.

This can lead to worsening symptoms in the form of fever, urticaria and intestinal disorders. A photo shows that the trunk, limbs and buttocks act as a characteristic localization of this form of the disease.

Allergic inflammation may occur in the palate, oral mucosa and labium. You can also see what does it look like rash. The duration is several days.

The disease is provoked by the fact that the process is significantly influenced by a chronic infection based on the ENT organs. Also, an infection in the uterine appendages, caries, problems with the liver and gastrointestinal tract can become a provocation factor. Video shows the main manifestations of the disease in different bodily areas, so it will not be difficult to determine first signs on their own.

Clinically, the course of this disease occurs in attacks, there are small focal areas of the rash that can occur on different surfaces of the skin.

What are the symptoms characteristic of the chronic form:

• asthenia and increased weakness of the body;
• a noticeable increase in body temperature;
• the occurrence of headache and joint pain;
• the formation of acute itching and burning in the zones;
• neurotic and mental disorders.

If you conduct blood tests, you can notice a decrease in platelets, as well as a quantitative increase in the normative value of eosinophils.

As the main provocateurs appearance diseases are numerous causes and phenomena.

• Impact of mechanical and physical injuries;
• regularly uncontrolled intake of chemicals;
• abuse of means of the pharmacological industry;
• the use of food products that have an allergic effect;
• the presence of internal pathological phenomena and processes;
• existing problems with the stomach, nervous system and liver;
• vegetative disorders and other phenomena.

Based on the main factor occurrence disease is the process of multiplication of chemical compounds that increase the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and the expansion of skin capillaries. This phenomenon provokes seizures and puffiness on the dermis, during which bubble type rashes appear, which are shown on a photo. Also formed allergy to irritants, which can have any location and dimensional characteristics.

Types of urticaria in adults

First of all, within the framework of the classification, it is mentioned acute and chronic form of the disease. In the first case, the manifestation occurs suddenly, and the process proceeds quickly, in the second, the duration is increased, and the symptoms are not so acute. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, other forms and varieties of the rash may appear.

• . It can be observed in the larynx, while the tongue, tonsils swell, the process leads to suffocation. There are bouts of itching, burning and insomnia. The rash penetrates into large skin areas.

• Sunny urticaria is a phenomenon that occurs when a sick person comes into contact with ultraviolet rays. Itchy blisters, sores, and ulcerative lesions can occur here.

• Reflex cold urticaria - most often the disease makes itself felt in the winter season, when low temperatures occur in outdoor conditions and within the premises.

• thermal urticaria can occur against the background of frequent stay in the bath or in the bath.

• Contact the form of the disease most often manifests itself in the case of mechanical effects on the condition of the skin. For example, if strong pressure is exerted by clothing.

• Dermographic urticaria is also often found in adults as part of the impact on the body of irritating factors.

• Aquagenic urticaria is formed during the interaction of the body with water conditions.

• Idiopathic the form of the disease manifests itself less frequently and occurs in the course of various causes and factors.

• Also often found persistent papular chronic a form represented by alternating periods of remissions and exacerbations,

• and physical hives.

The photo above shows the features of the manifestation of each type of disease.

How to treat hives in an adult list of drugs

The first stage in any form of the disease is a trip to a specialist. After a detailed acquaintance with the general situation, a good doctor will be able to prescribe the required tests and establish a picture based on them. To eliminate the symptoms and causes, various treatments aimed at suppressing the general symptoms and primary sources of the disease. Widely used antihistamine formulations, corticosteroids, topical agents, immune therapeutic interventions, scheme actions of all methods - elimination of the source of the process on the skin.

The use of tablets to eliminate urticaria

This is antihistamines funds related to the second and third generation.

This drug contributes to the effective suppression of the symptoms of swelling and mucous membranes under the influence of allergens. Fights acute forms of the disease and swelling.

Effectively suppresses the symptoms of itching and inflammation, 30 minutes after ingestion suppresses allergic manifestations and cough, as well as other accompanying phenomena.

The remedy is aimed at calming the body and stabilizing the work of the nervous system. Suppresses the feeling of headache and nausea, and also fights other symptoms of urticaria.

The action of the drug is directed against the occurrence of allergies. It helps to remove itching and burning and can relieve the manifestations of urticaria and Quincke's edema.

In combination with these drugs, sedatives can be used. facilities: MAGNE B6, SEDAMIN. In severe forms, natural-based drugs can be used.

Creams and lotions for disease

The use of tablets is long, so you have to resort to local treatment, using ointments and creams. They will help answer the question how to heal fast and remove ugly skin redness. The most popular means:

• ELOKOM;
• ADVANTAN;
• SODERM;
• FLUCINAR.

All groups of drugs are applied through a thin layer, and the presence of a small amount of hormones in the composition enhances the effect of the application.

Folk methods widely used to achieve these goals, the following recipes apply.

• Infusion with string, chamomile, nettle, with its help you need to wipe the affected areas.
• Natural preparations that soothe the skin are the juices of watermelon, celery, cucumber, melon.
• If it is necessary to eliminate the most visible manifestations, it is necessary to drink chamomile infusion inside.
• If necessary, removing the rash will help baths of conifers, eucalyptus, mint, lemon balm.

All ways of treatment simple and harmless, but require medical advice.

An important role is played nutrition, especially in the presence of an acute form of the disease. Mandatory menu must contain products.

• Porridges cooked in pure water;
• soups from cereals and vegetable crops in olive oil;
• baked apples;
• a large amount of kefir, yogurt and compote.

There are numerous recipes of these dishes, since the rules for eating are similar to a regular diet for weight loss.

Have you observed hives photo symptoms and treatment in adults? Leave your opinion or feedback for everyone on the forum!

Urticaria is one of the most common diseases treated by an allergist. In general, the term urticaria refers to a number of specific diseases characterized by a different nature of occurrence, but manifested in the same way.

What is the cause of occurrence, what are the first signs in adults and what is prescribed as a treatment, we will consider further in the article and show how the rashes look in the photo in different forms.

What is hives?

Urticaria is a heterogeneous disease in terms of causative factors, the main clinical manifestation of which is a skin rash in the form of widespread or limited blisters that disappear spontaneously or under the influence of appropriate treatment.

As a rule, urticaria is more a symptom than an independent disease. For example, it can be a skin manifestation of allergic shock, bronchial asthma, some autoimmune disease. Very rarely, urticaria is an independent allergic reaction, without accompanying symptoms.

The incidence of urticaria in the population is quite high, which, accordingly, defines it as a common disease. Moreover, at least once in a lifetime, about 10 to 35% of the population faced its manifestation. The most unfavorable course of the course is chronic urticaria, the duration of which is over 5-7 weeks.

Kinds

Depending on the prevalence in the body, the disease is divided into options:

• localized - on a certain limited area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe body;
• generalized (spread of rash elements throughout the body), which is a life-threatening condition, especially when localized in the area of ​​​​organs of vital importance.

Types of urticaria depending on the duration of the disease:

• Acute urticaria. In the case when the urticaria lasts up to 6 weeks, it is considered acute. The duration of the course of the disease is determined from the appearance of the first rash until the disappearance of the latter.
• Chronic form. If urticaria lasts more than 6 weeks, it is considered chronic. Associated with autointoxication and occur in diseases of the digestive system, liver. Foci of chronic infection in the tonsils and gallbladder, caries and various can also sensitize the body and cause a chronic form.
• Chronic recurrent urticaria- can proceed for several decades with periods of partial or complete remission (weakening). It is often accompanied by Quincke's edema. Severe itching causes patients to comb the skin to the blood.

Acute form, with the development of Quincke's edema. This type of urticaria is accompanied by swelling of the subcutaneous fat and mucous membranes. Such edema in the larynx is especially dangerous., as they can cause asphyxia (suffocation). Quincke's edema is accompanied by blurred vision, severe itching and the appearance of white-pink blisters.

Demographic

Dermographic urticaria (dermographism) is a type of urticaria in which blisters similar to scars appear on the patient's skin, resulting from mechanical action. The characteristic feature of this disorder is the abrupt onset and rapid disappearance of symptoms. It is not uncommon for patients with dermographism to self-heal.

solar urticaria

With hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, solar urticaria appears, in people with sensitive skin in the spring and summer, blisters appear on open areas of the skin after solar exposure. Solar urticaria mostly affects women with fair skin and blond hair.

cold form

Cold urticaria develops a few minutes after contact with such influencing factors as cold water or excessively cold air, icy wind. Manifestations of symptoms are reduced to the appearance of itching, burning, erythema (severe reddening of the skin), as well as a blister and / and swelling. Predominantly the concentration of these manifestations is similar to the previous case with solar urticaria.

Medicinal

Pathology caused by medications can develop immediately, a few minutes after taking the medication, and may only appear after a few weeks, when the drug is stopped. Most often, the dosage form is provoked by:

• aspirin;
• other NSAIDs;
• steroids, etc.

contact urticaria

Occurs due to an allergy to any material. For example, with an allergy to wool, this type of disease develops if a person wears woolen clothes. Blisters and itching appear where the allergen is in contact with the skin.

Causes

The progression of the external signs of urticaria is explained by an increase in local vascular permeability, due to which edema develops in a short time. An important factor in the possibility of this pathology is a hereditary predisposition to allergies.

Urticaria is a polyetiological disease with a variable onset of the course, and it is sometimes not possible to say which allergen caused its occurrence in each specific case. They can become:

• various physical factors (temperature, humidity, pressure);
• direct contact with the allergen or its entry into the body;
• various endogenous factors (pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract, bacterial infection, diseases of internal organs, disorders of the endocrine system, metabolic processes or neurohumoral regulation).

Among all chronic forms of urticaria, idiopathic (with an unknown cause) occurs on average in 75-80%, in 15% - caused by a physical factor, in 5% - due to other factors, including allergic ones.

Various diseases can serve as a trigger, often these are:

The main signs of urticaria are: the sudden onset of a specific rash and the itching that accompanies it. Rashes are small areas of redness of the skin (erythema), which quickly transform into blisters.

In addition to severe itching, burning, depending on the extent of the lesion, a person may experience:

• headache,
• nausea,
• drowsiness,
• weakness.

Possible fever - urticaria. Blisters and symptoms may disappear without a trace after a few hours, or the condition is characterized by a stable or undulating course for several days or even months. Usually, after disappearance, no traces remain on the skin.

A rash with urticaria can be localized on any part of the skin - on the scalp, on the body, on the arms and legs, including the areas of the palms and soles of the feet.

On the face and neck, the density of mast cells is very high, so usually the number of elements here is greater than in other parts of the body. Often they also occur on the mucous membranes, especially on the lips, soft palate and in the larynx.

Symptoms of acute urticaria:

• sudden appearance of rashes without clear boundaries;
• fever, malaise, chills;
• painful itching;
• sudden cessation after a few hours or days (with a favorable course).

Features of the rash in chronic urticaria:

• chronic urticaria is not characterized by such a profuse rash as in the acute form of the disease;
• blisters rise above the surface of the skin, have a flat shape and well-defined edges;
• visually, the elements of the rash are similar to insect bite marks, and their diameter can vary from a millimeter to several centimeters;
• initially, the blisters are pink or red, but become lighter over time;
• rashes on the skin are itchy and can form large continuous formations;
• a rash appears spontaneously, for no apparent reason;
• in some cases, the occurrence of blisters is preceded by factors such as climate change, various colds, stress.

What does urticaria look like: photo

The appearance of blisters on the skin with hives

danger symptoms

It is often one of the manifestations, and is also often combined with Quincke's edema. In this regard, if the following symptoms appear, urgent medical attention should be provided:

• Decreased blood pressure;
• Respiratory failure (appearance of hoarseness, hoarseness, lack of air);
• Swelling of the tongue, neck;
• Acute pain in the abdomen;
• Loss of consciousness.

Complications

Quincke's edema causes the most severe consequences. In some cases, the tongue, larynx swell rapidly, and there is a threat of suffocation. Body scratching can cause:

• joining a fungal or bacterial infection;
• pyoderma (purulent skin lesions);
• folliculitis;
• furunculosis.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis usually begins with a careful history taking. The doctor specifies:

• when and under what circumstances the rash appeared;
• how long did the seizure last?
• what foods and medicines were used;
• whether the vaccination was done.

Urticaria can be difficult to distinguish from toxicoderma or insect bites.

Often, doctors prescribe tests focused on provoking the onset of an allergic reaction.

The most effective way to treat hives is to identify and eliminate the allergen. But if there is no way to establish an allergen or urticaria is episodic, then local therapy and taking antihistamines help to quickly eliminate symptoms. It is important to follow a hypoallergenic diet during the treatment period, do not use perfumes and contact with aggressive substances so as not to provoke a new attack of urticaria.

Special points in treatment:

• The initial choice of medication primarily depends on the severity.
• In most cases, the treatment of chronic urticaria requires a long time (from several weeks to months).
• It is worth remembering that the disease often stops spontaneously in 50% of cases.
• Treatment of existing chronic foci of infection should be carried out, normal intestinal microflora should be restored.

Etiotropic treatment involves the elimination of the provoking factor. It is important to exclude possible contact with allergens of any nature. It is necessary to adjust the diet, to carry out a thorough cleaning of the premises. If the urticaria was caused by taking certain medications, then their use becomes unacceptable for life.

The following medications are used as systemic therapy in adult patients:

1. Antihistamine medicines. These include dipheningidramine, loratadine and other drugs.
2. Systemic glucocorticosteroid drugs in the case of a generalized form of pathology (dexamethasone, prednisolone).
3. Means for desensitization. These include: cocarboxylase, unitiol, calcium chloride.
4. Adrenaline hydrochloride in case of acute edema and life-threatening patient.

Second and third generation antihistamines.

With severe swelling, difficulty breathing, blisters, immediately call an ambulance. Before the arrival of the medical team:

• stop contact with the allergen;
• unfasten all tight clothing;
• open a window or window;
• give the victim any antihistamine medication;
• any sorbents that you can find in the first-aid kit are recommended - activated or white coal, Enterosgel;
• drip your nose with vasoconstrictor drops;
• give a person mineral water;
• if you are allergic to an insect bite, apply a cold compress to the affected area.

Diet

A diet for urticaria is an integral part of the treatment, since this disease belongs to a heterogeneous group of dermatoses, which in most cases develop as allergic reactions to various provoking factors.

The diet should be based on the following principles:

• Eliminate food agents known to you that provoke allergic reactions and foods that cause you to cross-react (for example, all red vegetables, berries and fruits);
• avoid dietary excess protein in the diet;
• do not include in the menu unknown to you, as well as genetically modified products;
• eat simple food containing a minimum of ingredients, exclude complex dishes, including various seasonings and sauces;
• use only fresh products, avoid long-term storage products (canned food, preservation);
• give preference to homemade dishes, do not include semi-finished products in the diet;
• try to diversify the menu optimally, as a product that is often eaten can have a sensitizing effect;
• limit the intake of salt and simple carbohydrates, as well as fried, spicy and salty foods;
• completely eliminate the use of alcoholic beverages.

When prescribing a diet for acute urticaria, it is recommended to include the following foods in the diet:

• cereals, with the exception of semolina;
• dairy products (without any additives);
• mild cheese;
• lean meat (beef, rabbit, turkey);
• cabbage of all kinds (except red cabbage), zucchini, pumpkin, fresh green peas and green beans, dill and parsley;
• apples (with green or yellow skin), pears, yellow cherries, white currants and gooseberries;
• butter, refined vegetable oil;
• grain bread or loaves.

As the clinical manifestations subside, various vegetables and fruits are introduced into the diet in small doses: at first, having a green or yellow color, and after a few days, in the absence of rashes, representatives of these families are orange (pumpkin) and red.

Doctors recommend keeping a food diary. In it, the patient needs to record what he ate and when, and most importantly, urticaria did not appear. Thus, it is possible to accurately establish the allergen product and determine as correctly as possible which foods should be excluded from the diet after hives.

Folk remedies

Before using any folk remedy for hives, you need to consult a specialist.

1. As a sedative and tonic apply tincture of hawthorn and valerian. To do this, the ingredients are mixed in equal proportions and taken at bedtime in the amount of 30 drops, washed down with a mixture of water.
2. Good decongestant and diuretic action has celery root. It is rubbed on a grater, the mass is squeezed through gauze, the resulting juice is taken one tablespoon three times a day before meals.
3. Yarrow infusion(1 tablespoon per 200 g of boiling water, let it brew for 45 minutes) drink a third of a glass three times a day before meals. A decoction of the herb is prepared in the same proportion as the infusion, boil for 10 minutes. Take according to the same scheme as the infusion.
4. Small pieces (10-15g) of licorice root take twice a day before meals.
5. Prepare an infusion of mint leaves and take it three times a day for 50 g. The infusion has a slight calming effect and has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract.

When the first symptoms of hives appear, immediately contact a dermatologist or allergist. In case of untimely assistance, complications are possible. Take care of yourself and your health!

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

What is hives?

As a rule, urticaria is more a symptom than an independent disease. For example, it can be a skin manifestation of allergic shock, bronchial asthma, some kind of autoimmune disease. Very rarely, urticaria is an independent allergic reaction, without accompanying symptoms.
According to statistics, every third inhabitant of the planet suffered at least one episode of urticaria, more than 15 percent of people suffered this episode twice. The peak incidence occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, and it is predominantly female who suffers from this disease.

Causes of hives

Conditions in which the balance of hormones changes include:

• taking oral contraceptives.

There are the following causes of chronic urticaria:

• infectious diseases;
• immune system disorders;
• Food;
• physical factors;
• dermatitis;

infections

Immune system disorders ( autoimmune urticaria)

Food ( allergic urticaria)

Physical factors ( sun, cold)

There are the following physical factors that can cause hives:

• The sun. In some patients ( most often women) due to exposure to sunlight, blisters characteristic of this pathology appear on the skin. The rash appears on those parts of the body that are not covered by clothing ( shoulders, face). Solar urticaria develops a few minutes after exposure to sunlight.
• Cold. In this case, cold water or air can provoke hives. In some people, symptoms of the disease appear when eating too cold food. Blisters with cold urticaria do not appear on chilled areas of the skin, but around them.
• Water. The reaction of the body to contact with water, as a result of which an itchy rash appears on the skin, is called aquagenic urticaria. In some cases, the rash is absent or almost invisible, and only itching is present as a symptom.
• Vibrations. In this case, the rash appears as a result of vibration exposure. Vibration urticaria most often affects people whose work involves the use of certain equipment ( e.g. a jackhammer).
• Allergens. Dust, plant pollen, animal dander, and other traditional allergens that come into contact with the skin cause a rash. Symptoms of contact urticaria disappear after contact with the allergen is interrupted.
• A sharp increase in body temperature. Body temperature may change due to excessive emotional or physical exertion, eating too hot and / or spicy food, visiting a steam room. Experts call this type of disease cholinergic urticaria. This form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of small blisters of a pale shade, which are located on the upper body.
• mechanical irritation. Most often, skin is irritated by tight clothing, a too tight belt, and digging buttons. For the onset of symptoms, as a rule, long-term exposure to a mechanical factor is necessary. This disease is called dermographic urticaria. Blisters in this disease have a linear shape and appear on the skin not together with itching, but after a while.

Urticaria and dermatitis

Urticaria and diabetes

Against the background of reduced immunity and low resistance ( sustainability) of the skin often develop dermatitis, rarely urticaria. A favorite place for rashes in diabetes is the feet, ankles, palms. This is explained by the fact that these parts of the body are the most distal, that is, located on the periphery. In them, blood circulation is the worst, which is the basis for the development of a rash. A manifestation of urticaria in diabetes mellitus, as in other diseases, is a small, blistering rash.

Urticaria and hepatitis

Urticaria and gastritis

Urticaria and herpes

Urticaria and leukemia

What does urticaria look like on the face, arms, legs, back and other parts of the body?

Symptoms of acute urticaria in adults

Rash with hives

A feature of urticaria in adults is that it quickly and suddenly appears and also quickly disappears.

Itching with hives

Quincke's edema and other manifestations of urticaria

With the aggravation of the severity of the disease, a giant urticaria can develop, which is called Quincke's edema. This condition is characterized by severe edema, which involves not only the skin, but also the subcutaneous tissue with mucous tissues. Quincke's edema ( also called angioedema) refers to one of the most dangerous manifestations of urticaria, since in the absence of timely medical intervention it can cause death.

The first sign that indicates angioedema is the rapid swelling of the skin, due to which the part of the affected body part increases in size. The shade of the skin remains natural, and the itching is replaced by pain and severe burning. Quincke's edema most often develops in the area of ​​the cheeks, lips, mouth, genitals and other places rich in subcutaneous tissue. The most dangerous is edema, which affects the mucous tissues of the respiratory tract, as this creates an obstacle to normal breathing.

There are the following signs of Quincke's edema of the respiratory tract:

• hoarse voice;
• wheezing labored breathing;
• bluish skin tone in the area of ​​the lips and nose;
• bouts of severe coughing, which resembles barking;
• the skin on the face turns red and then quickly becomes pale.

Is hives contagious?

Is it possible to swim with hives?

There are the following rules of water procedures for urticaria:

• The water temperature should not exceed 35 degrees. Higher temperature water increases the permeability of blood vessels, as a result of which, after a bath or shower, the rash may increase in size.
• Do not use hard washcloths, detergents with abrasive particles, or any other devices that can injure the skin. The best option are soft sponges made of foam rubber.
• During water procedures, you should not use products that are bright in color and / or have a pronounced aroma, as they contain fragrances and other chemicals that irritate the skin. It is best to use special hypoallergenic products for hives.
• The duration of any water procedure should not exceed 15 minutes. In acute urticaria, the bathing time should be reduced to 5 minutes.
• After hygiene procedures, you should blot moisture from the skin with a soft natural towel, and then apply a healing ointment or other external agent that the patient uses.
• If there are manifestations of a secondary bacterial infection on the skin ( abscesses) bathing is prohibited. The patient in this case should take a quick shower, trying not to affect the area with abscesses.

How long does hives last?

In adult patients, the acute form of urticaria, as a rule, has a longer course, and skin changes can persist for up to one and a half months. The fact is that in adults it is quite difficult to identify the cause of the pathology and therefore there are difficulties in eliminating the factor that provokes the disease.
If the symptoms of the disease do not go away after a month and a half, the disease is defined as chronic, which can last from several months to 5 ( and sometimes more) years. The duration of the chronic form depends on the state of the patient's immune function, the lifestyle he leads, and other general factors.

Complications and consequences of urticaria

There are the following consequences that urticaria can lead to:

• Quincke's edema. The most dangerous consequence of this pathology is angioedema, which affects the larynx, since in this case there is an obstacle to the respiratory process. In the absence of timely medical assistance, edema can be fatal.
• bacterial infection. A common consequence of hives is a bacterial infection that develops on the skin affected by the rash. Most often, this complication develops in acute forms of the disease, when pronounced large blisters appear on the patient's body. Due to the addition of a bacterial process, abscesses and boils appear on the patient's skin, which can be painful.
• Depression. Emotional disorders are observed in approximately 15 percent of adult patients who suffer from chronic urticaria. The cause of depression is poor sleep, as the patient is prevented from getting enough sleep by severe nighttime itching. In addition, blisters are a cosmetic defect, which negatively affects the patient's self-esteem and entails emotional experiences.

Urticaria in children

As a rule, acute urticaria occurs in children with atopy ( predisposition to allergic reactions). Studies have shown that one in five children who are hospitalized with acute urticaria also suffer from atopic dermatitis. More than half of hospitalized children have other allergic reactions.

Symptoms of hives in children

Features of skin changes in urticaria
Skin rashes in children with urticaria occur suddenly and are not accompanied by any preliminary symptoms. Blisters appear on the child's body, rising above the skin, which can be a pronounced pink or red hue. Most often, the elements of the rash appear in the skin folds or areas where the skin comes into contact with clothing. Also, blisters can appear on the buttocks, on the inside of the elbows and knees, and on other parts of the body. With weak pressure, a dense white nodule appears in the center of the blister. A characteristic feature of the rash with urticaria is severe itching, due to which the child begins to scratch the skin. This leads to the fact that the blisters begin to increase in size, and red crusts form on their surface.

There are the following distinctive signs of a rash with urticaria in children:

• a rash on the skin appears suddenly and also disappears abruptly;
• on a specific area of ​​the body, blisters last no more than 2 hours ( in rare cases up to 2 days), after which they may appear elsewhere;
• with strong scratching, the elements of the rash can merge, forming large continuous blisters;
• swellings have an irregular shape, but their edges are clearly defined;
• after the rash disappears, there is no scarring, pigmentation or any other marks left on the skin.

Urticaria in the chest

Causes of hives in infants
In most cases, the appearance of a rash characteristic of urticaria in children is associated with exposure to a food allergen, which is the food included in the diet of a child or a nursing mother. A common concomitant factor is various infectious diseases, which occur in about 60 percent of infants suffering from urticaria. There are other reasons that can provoke this disease in children under the age of one year.

There are the following causes of urticaria in infants:

• physical factors (warm or cold, dry air, synthetic fabrics, diaper friction);
• chemical substances (cosmetics and care products for children's skin, washing powders and rinses for clothes);
• medicines (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, vitamins);
• air components (dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, fluff);
• insect bites (mosquitoes, bedbugs, bees).

In addition to skin changes and itching, hives in infants may be accompanied by other signs. In children, appetite deteriorates, the skin becomes dry, diarrhea or vomiting may develop. Due to itching, the child becomes restless and tearful, does not sleep well, looks apathetic and lethargic.

Treatment of urticaria in infants
Urticaria in infants rarely becomes chronic and usually disappears after 2 to 3 days. Treatment of this pathology involves the elimination of the factor that initiates the appearance of a rash. Means can also be prescribed to reduce itching and strengthen the general condition of the child.

Therapy for urticaria in infants includes the following provisions:

• Allergen elimination. If any food product is a provocateur of the disease, it must be excluded from the diet of the child and mother ( if she is breastfeeding). You should also remove foods that can cause cross-allergies. If the cause of urticaria is a non-food allergen, the child must be provided with conditions that will prevent contact with this substance / factor.
• Body cleansing. Sometimes, in cases where hives are the result of a food allergy, a cleansing enema is given to the child. This is necessary in order to speed up the process of removing the provocateur of the disease from the body.
• The use of medicines. With urticaria, non-hormonal ointments are shown that reduce itching, soften and nourish children's skin. With profuse rashes that are characteristic of a severe form of the disease, antihistamines may be prescribed ( usually taken at bedtime to ensure a comfortable night's rest for the child). Some children are shown taking sorbents and / or drugs intended to normalize bowel function.
• Dieting. A special diet is indicated for all children with urticaria ( and mothers if their child is breastfed) regardless of which factor is the cause of the disease. The diet reduces the amount of histamine released in the body, resulting in less symptoms of the disease.

Types of urticaria

Types of hives include:

• solar urticaria;
• cold urticaria;
• aquatic urticaria;
• food urticaria;
• dermographic urticaria;
• urticaria on the background of stress;
• cholinergic urticaria.

solar urticaria

Symptoms of solar urticaria
Signs of urticaria appear after a person prone to this disease has been exposed to sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes. Less prolonged exposure generally does not cause a rash. The longer the patient has been under the sun, the more pronounced the symptoms. The blisters characteristic of solar urticaria are small in size and, most often, do not exceed a few millimeters in diameter. In rare cases, when the patient has been under the sun for a long time, individual elements of the rash can increase up to 1 - 2 centimeters.

Solar urticaria blisters are pink in color and have a red line around the edges. As with other forms of this disease, the rash is accompanied by severe itching. These elements appear on the skin a few minutes after exposure to the sun and disappear after a few hours, after cessation of contact with the sun's rays. The localization zone of the rash is those parts of the body that are not protected by clothing. Also, skin symptoms of solar urticaria can appear on those areas of the skin that are covered with thin fabrics such as chiffon.
In addition to the rash, this pathology may be accompanied by other symptoms that do not develop so often.

There are the following symptoms of solar urticaria:

• temperature increase;
• feeling short of breath;
• nausea, vomiting;
• general malaise.

External factors include various chemical components that are present in the composition of cosmetic, therapeutic and caring products that are applied to the skin. These can be deodorants against sweat, creams with a moisturizing or nourishing effect, products for problem skin. Some types of perfume products can also cause solar urticaria ( especially those containing lavender, vanilla or sandalwood essential oil). The difference between a rash that occurs due to external factors is its clear outline.

The internal causes of solar urticaria include toxic substances that are formed in the body due to dysfunction of certain organs. This pathology can be caused by diseases of organs such as the kidneys, liver, thyroid gland. Drugs are another category of internal causes of solar urticaria.

There are the following medications that can cause solar urticaria:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• tetracycline antibiotics;
• oral contraceptives;

Cold urticaria

Symptoms of cold urticaria
The key symptom of cold urticaria is an itchy rash. Depending on the time of appearance of skin changes, there are immediate and delayed forms of cold urticaria. With immediate urticaria, the rash appears almost immediately after exposure to cold. With a delayed type of illness, blisters appear 9 to 10 hours after the action of the cold factor.

The size of the formations can be different - from small flat bubbles to solid spots covering large areas of the skin. As with other forms of urticaria, skin changes are accompanied by severe itching. Elements of a rash appear on those areas of the skin that are in contact with a cold stimulus ( cheeks, hands, neck). In addition, blisters can occur under the knees, on the inside of the thighs, on the calves. If large areas of the skin have been exposed to cold or contact with cold has been prolonged, other symptoms may appear in addition to the rash.

Causes of cold urticaria
Modern medicine currently does not have specific facts regarding the causes that provoke cold urticaria. One of the most common versions is the assumption that the disease develops due to a hereditary anomaly in the structure of the proteins of the human body. Due to a defect, under the influence of cold, the protein forms a certain structure, which the immune system begins to perceive as a foreign body. Due to the response of the immune system, cold urticaria develops.

Aquagenic urticaria

Causes of Aquagenic Urticaria
The cause of aquagenic urticaria is various forms of moisture that get on the skin or mucous membranes of a person. It should be noted that it is not water that provokes the pathological reaction, but the chemical compounds present in it. Rashes may appear after contact with tap or sea water, rain, snow. There are cases when the cause of aquagenic urticaria was the patient's own sweat. The provocateur of the disease can be either a separate type of liquid or any form of water, which significantly reduces the patient's quality of life. At the moment, experts identify several factors that may be the cause of an inadequate reaction of the body to water.

There are the following causes of aquagenic urticaria:

• weakened immune system most often due to the use of drugs that suppress immune function);
• diseases of the liver and / or kidneys of a chronic type;
• deficiency in the body of immunoglobulin class E.

food urticaria

Symptoms of food urticaria
In children, food urticaria is manifested by bright red blisters of small size, which are very itchy. Food urticaria more often than all other forms of this disease is accompanied by Quincke's edema, which in most cases develops in adult patients. As a rule, the patient's lips, larynx, cheeks swell.
A common manifestation of food urticaria is gastrointestinal dysfunction, which is equally common in both children and adults. Patients complain of discomfort in the abdomen ( sometimes severe pain), diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea may occur.

Causes of food urticaria
In modern medical practice, there are a number of food products that belong to the group of obligate ( traditional) allergens, that is, those products that most often provoke food urticaria. The patient may have an allergic reaction to one particular food or to several different foods.

There are the following traditional food allergens:

• whole cow's milk;
• chicken eggs;
• honey and bee products;
• nuts;
• citrus;
• berries, fruits, red vegetables ( strawberries, apples, tomatoes, bell peppers).

Dermographic urticaria

Symptoms of dermographic urticaria
The main sign of dermographism is linear blisters that appear after any mechanical impact has been exerted on the patient's skin. Wardrobe elements most often act as an irritant ( tight collar of a shirt, buckle of a tightly tightened belt). Depending on the time of occurrence of blisters, there are immediate and delayed dermographism. In the first type of hives, the blisters appear immediately after pressure has been applied to the skin. In delayed dermographism, skin symptoms only occur after prolonged skin irritation.

The blisters that occur with dermographic urticaria are light in color, and the color of the skin around them can vary from pink to dark red. There is also a form of dermographism that appears exclusively as white lines on the skin, with no signs of redness. Linear blisters swell and therefore rise significantly above the surface of the skin.

An invariable symptom for all forms of dermographic urticaria is severe itching, which increases with the onset of night. In most cases, with an increase in body temperature or the environment, itching and other symptoms of dermographic urticaria appear more intensely. Deterioration of the general condition and symptoms from other organs with this dermographism are extremely rare.

Causes of dermographic urticaria
At the moment, there are no specific factors that can be indicated as the causes of dermographic urticaria. At the same time, experts note that there are a number of circumstances that increase the likelihood of developing this pathology.

There are the following factors contributing to dermographism:

• heredity;
• thyroid pathology;
• ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract;
• emotional and/or physical exhaustion.

Urticaria due to stress

Symptoms of neurogenic urticaria
Psychogenic urticaria is characterized by large blisters that merge with each other, covering large areas of the body. Separate elements of the rash have an oval or rounded shape, but when they are combined, the formations acquire even polygonal outlines. The color of the blisters can vary from white to pink, and in some cases the blisters can be bicolor ( white in the center and pink around the edges). An obligatory symptom of neurogenic urticaria is intense itching.

In some cases, some time after the onset of the rash, patients develop angioedema, which most often affects the larynx or the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. With swelling of the larynx, the patient is disturbed by pain in the throat, it is difficult for him to breathe, speak and swallow food. If the edema spreads to the organs of the digestive tract, the patient experiences the urge to vomit, nausea, pain in the navel and lateral parts of the abdomen. There may also be stool disorders in the form of diarrhea.

Causes of psychogenic urticaria
When a person is in a state of stress, the body begins to distort the perception of impulses that the nervous system produces. Under the influence of irritating factors, the blood vessels expand, and the permeability of their walls increases, and a lot of fluid begins to flow into the tissues. All this leads to the formation of blisters on the skin, which are accompanied by severe itching.
Most often, neurogenic urticaria is diagnosed in women and adolescent patients.

People who are prone to this pathology have some common character traits. So, such patients are characterized by irritability and irascibility, emotional instability and often are in a state of nervous exhaustion. The appearance of symptoms of psychogenic urticaria is facilitated by such external factors as excessive physical or mental stress, conflicts in the family or at work, intrapersonal problems ( especially for teenagers). The high-risk group includes people who have impaired functionality of the digestive tract, genital organs, and the cardiovascular system.
In the treatment of neurogenic urticaria, the elimination of factors that act as provocateurs of stress plays an important role. In the absence of competent medical care, this disease becomes chronic ( most common in adult patients).

Cholinergic urticaria

The development of this urticaria is based on the increased sensitivity of the body to acetylcholine ( hence the name urticaria - cholinergic). Acetylcholine is the main mediator of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is involved in neuromuscular transmission. A sharp release of a large amount of acetylcholine into the blood leads to the appearance of itchy spots and vesicles on the skin, which is a manifestation of cholinergic urticaria. Synonymous with chronic urticaria is the term pruritic dermatosis.

Cases where increased production of acetylcholine is observed include:

• stress;
• emotional load ( fright, fear);
• prolonged stay in the sauna, steam room or in the sun.

Manifestations of cholinergic urticaria
The main symptom of this type of urticaria is a skin rash. As a rule, it is represented by small itchy vesicles that appear 5 to 10 minutes after exposure to a traumatic factor. The rash first appears on the neck, upper chest, and arms. The duration of the rash is very variable - it can last only a few minutes and quickly disappear. But it can also last for several hours. Sometimes the rash may not appear at all or be so small that the patient may not notice it. In this case, the main symptom is severe itching that appears after taking a hot shower or after visiting the sauna.

Cholinergic urticaria is typical for people with a predisposition to allergies. It also often accompanies diseases such as gastritis, hepatitis and other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. In these diseases, there is an increased sensitivity to acetylcholine, which determines the pathogenesis ( formation mechanism) urticaria.

Chronic ( idiopathic) urticaria

Depending on the regularity of the rash, there are permanent and recurrent forms of chronic urticaria. With a constant type of disease, blisters practically do not disappear from the skin, while recurrent ones are characterized by periods of remission ( the time when the rash completely disappears).

Symptoms of chronic urticaria

There are the following features of the rash in chronic urticaria:

• chronic urticaria is not characterized by such a profuse rash as in the acute form of the disease;
• blisters rise above the surface of the skin, have a flat shape and well-defined edges;
• visually, the elements of the rash are similar to insect bite marks, and their diameter can vary from a millimeter to several centimeters;
• initially, the blisters are pink or red, but become lighter over time;
• rashes on the skin are itchy and can form large continuous formations;
• a rash appears spontaneously, for no apparent reason;
• in some cases, the occurrence of blisters is preceded by factors such as climate change, various colds, stress.

Urticaria during pregnancy, after childbirth and during lactation

Symptoms of hives during pregnancy or after childbirth

Many women are interested in whether urticaria during childbearing presents any danger to the fetus. This pathology does not pose a direct threat to the child. Violations of the nervous system can negatively affect the development of the embryo ( nervousness, irritability) that accompany urticaria.

Treatment of urticaria during pregnancy and after childbirth

Manifestations of this disease can be observed both in adults and in children of various ages. They are expressed by the appearance of local swelling of the dermis and varying degrees of blisters. The clinical picture of this disease is complemented by severe itching and skin irritation. There are many causes of this disease, so cases of seeking medical help are not uncommon. To protect yourself from its unpleasant effects, you should study in detail: what is urticaria, photos, symptoms and treatment of this disease.

Knowing all the information about this problem will help not to panic when you find its symptoms. You can also find out how to act in such a situation, so as not to aggravate their condition.

Urticaria: photos, symptoms and treatment

The reaction of the skin and the state of health when a disease is detected depends on the individual characteristics of the human body and its sensitivity to the action of various allergens. Treatment of symptoms is also individual. It all depends on the nature of the impact of the disease and the age of the patient.

It is very important to know well what urticaria looks like. Its signs in the form of skin lesions can be found on all parts of the body. In most cases, urticaria is localized on the hands, a photo of such manifestations is posted below.

As you can see, inflammation of the skin is quite serious and cannot be invisible. One of the most unpleasant consequences of the disease is considered to be when urticaria appears on the face, the photo of which causes horror, especially among the female half of the population. After all, such signs cannot be hidden with cosmetics, which, in fact, is strictly forbidden to do.

What causes hives

So, let's consider in detail what urticaria is, what causes the disease. This disease often manifests itself as a result of allergies to various antibiotics, for example, penicillins, streptomycin, tetracyclines, as well as to anti-inflammatory drugs: aspirin, indomethacin. It can appear two weeks after the start of a course of treatment with penicillin.

There are also other reasons that indicate what causes hives:

Substances that come into contact with the skin for a long time. For example, latex gloves, household chemicals.

Food. Many of them can cause the release of histamine, which will lead to the manifestation of allergic symptoms. Most often these are fish dishes, seafood, nuts, eggs, cow's milk.

Insect bites, which provoke the occurrence of signs of acute urticaria. Their poison leads to the appearance of rashes that can persist on the skin for a long time. Therefore, one should be wary of bees, wasps and hornets.

Various diseases can serve as a trigger, often these are:

Physical causes, the most common of them:

• Frost action
• Sun rays
• Water
• Pressure
• Vibration
• Rubbing

Unexplained reasons. It is believed that in 30-40% of the established facts of the occurrence of permanent signs of the disease, the specific cause of the disease cannot be found. Therefore, experts traditionally diagnose such patients with autoimmune urticaria. That is, they believe that the body produces antibodies to its own receptors and molecules, which leads to the appearance of the disease.

Important!

All these causes lead to characteristic skin formations, and the state of health can also deteriorate significantly.

Signs of hives

Many are interested in how urticaria manifests itself in adults and children, whether the symptoms differ depending on age. Experts say that everyone has a disease runs almost the same. The only difference is that children often have an acute form of the disease. The main symptom for all is the same: sudden rash and blisters. They are often painful. Also note redness, itching, burning.

Bubbles, the appearance of which is characteristic of this disease, are dense, their color can be either white or pink. The shape is oval, ring-shaped or irregular, but with clearly defined edges. Such bubbles disappear as quickly as they appear. They are on the body for no longer than a day.

It happens that as a sign of illness, it may appear simple redness of the skin. It often comes in the form of rash or clustered blisters spread over a large area of ​​the body. After their treatment, no scars and scars remain.

How the urticaria looks like can be judged by its name. After all, she received it because of the strong similarity of her signs of skin lesions with irritation after a nettle burn, the appearance of which many have seen on her body more than once.

Additional symptoms that worsen a person's condition can be:

• Increase in body temperature(nettle fever)
• Difficulties in breathing(occurs with the development of edema of the lungs or nasal passages)
• Vomiting, diarrhea(with damage to the gastrointestinal tract)
• Soreness in the joints
• General weakness
• Migraine
• A sharp drop in blood pressure
• Quincke's edema - the most dangerous manifestation of the disease

Important!

All these signs require immediate medical attention. Qualified doctors will tell you how to get rid of hives.

Urticaria: treatment, drugs or how to recover quickly

To find out - how to cure urticaria once and for all, it is enough for the patient undergo a thorough examination. It will help the specialist to make a carefully verified diagnosis, which will allow you to quickly carry out the necessary therapy and develop recommendations, the observance of which allow the patient to never experience the disease again and don't worry about your health.

The main goal in the treatment of this disease is allergen elimination which might have caused it to appear. Further therapy depends on the form of the disease. When it is acute (it appeared for the first time and instantly), it is not difficult to treat it if immediately after the onset of symptoms, an immediate visit to the doctor followed. The result of treatment, in this case, will become noticeable already in the first two days. In the case of a chronic course of the disease, when the symptoms of urticaria appeared in the patient repeatedly over a long period of time, the treatment will be long and may take more than two weeks.

If the manifestations are minor, appeared for the first time, then ingestion of activated charcoal may help. They are able to eliminate traces of the allergen from the body and stop the process of its intoxication. In this case, antibiotics are usually not required.

How severe is the form that the urticaria has taken, how to treat it, the doctor decides immediately after examining blood, feces, urine tests and the results of other necessary studies, such as X-ray.

Methods often used for treatment are:

• Medical
• Using folk remedies
• With the appointment of a diet and rules of conduct carefully designed for each individual case

Important!

Any of these methods is effective if it is chosen correctly, and the combination of all the above methods gives the maximum effect.

Medicines for hives

Drug treatment involves the use of various drugs. So to eliminate acute symptoms use:

In addition, other means are often used for treatment:

Important!

Even if the signs seem insignificant to you, you should not self-medicate and choose drugs for yourself. Even the doctor selects them on the basis of various studies to prevent the occurrence of side effects.

Is hives contagious

Noticing the extensive signs of this disease in the open areas of the body of sick people, many are interested in the question: "Is urticaria contagious or not?" Knowledge of the occurrence of the main types of the disease helps to answer it negatively:

Also, knowing the mechanism of development of this disease helps to eliminate doubts about whether urticaria is transmitted from person to person. From its study, the conclusion follows that this is an allergic reaction that appears under the influence of various provocateurs on the skin, nasal passages, digestive system, and blood. In response to their action, a large amount of histamine is released, which, acting, increases vascular permeability. This causes redness of the skin, the appearance of their swelling, rashes.

Disputes about whether urticaria is dangerous or not, whether it is contagious to others, have been going on for a long time. This all happens because there is a form of the disease that develops under the influence of an infectious agent. In this case, signs of hives can appear much faster than the symptoms of infection. Dangerous infections can be: SARS, hepatitis. The fact that rubella will be the result of an infectious disease is not necessary. The rash characteristic of the disease will appear only as a result of the individual tendency of the body to react to a particular agent. There is a negligible chance that this feature will develop in a person who has some kind of infection. From this it follows that it is impossible to get infected with urticaria.

Urticaria on the face

The appearance of signs of this disease on the most exposed part of the body is very disturbing for patients. They often have serious complexes about their appearance. In addition, discomfort caused by severe itching and burning of the face, its swelling, the appearance of blisters. Treatment of formations that appeared on the surface of the face passes without complications. They are pass quickly leaving no trace behind.

An allergic reaction of the type of urticaria is characterized by the fact that:

• Appears after a short period of time after interacting with a provocateur
• Rashes occur unexpectedly, while the patient is in good health
• The nature of the rash is always allergic, associated with itching.

Such a disease can occur in an acute form, which can last up to two months. The chronic course of the disease is characterized by a duration of several months. If the patient did not seek therapy, she may not leave it for several years. Pathology on the surface of the face can appear at any age.

The main features that allow distinguish urticaria on the face from other diseases are: itching, tingling, blistering rash, insomnia, headaches, irritability. They also note: high fever, weakness, malaise. The disease, the signs of which are localized on the surface of the face, is dangerous for the development of Quincke's edema. Its features are: hoarse cough, hoarseness of voice, swelling of the tongue (tonsils, lips, palate), pale skin.

Important!

To eliminate urticaria on the face, the same methods and means are used as for other parts of the body.

Urticaria on hands

Often appears due to frequent hand contact with irritants, as well as due to other numerous causes characteristic of this disease. According to statistics, the acute form of this disease is more often observed in young people, and in most cases, older women are affected by the chronic form.

The symptoms that appear on the hands are the same as on other parts of the body. They are completely not contagious but need urgent treatment, which will prevent further combing, because it can provoke an additional infection. How to cure hives on the hands the doctor decides, based on the diagnosed causes and examination of the depth of the skin lesion.

Often to eliminate such a disease antiallergic drugs are prescribed, medicinal ointments with lavender and kalanchoe. A therapeutic diet may be prescribed, tea with herbs, which can have an anti-inflammatory effect, is recommended for use.

Urticaria on the legs

In the event that the spots on this part of the body itch strongly, then usually such manifestations disappear very quickly. Their appearance can be caused by shaving or epilation. Short-term symptoms also include contact of the skin of the legs with chemical irritants, poisonous plants.

A rash with urticaria, the description of which coincides with the main signs of this disease, may vary in appearance depending on the time of onset and concomitant symptoms. Such additional inconveniences can be: sneezing, coughing, fever. To find out the cause of the rash on the legs, skin tests and other studies should be performed to help identify the allergen.

Urticaria emergency care

It happens that severe manifestations of this disease can provoke the patient's condition is severe. An ambulance should be called immediately. In such cases, doctors often have to take the necessary measures directly at the call site in order to prevent irreversible consequences.

If urticaria suddenly appears in severe form, emergency care should consist of clear actions:

• Immediate exclusion of the resumption of interaction with the stimulus, if it is set
• If the urticaria develops against the background of an insect bite, a tourniquet is applied. Tighten it should be slightly higher than the bite
• Mezaton or Adrenaline is administered intramuscularly or intravenously, Norepinephrine is also suitable
• When the pressure normalizes, antihistamines are administered.
• Symptomatic treatment is carried out

Important!

If everything is done correctly, then the signs of the disease will immediately begin to recede: the patient turns pale, the itching and rash disappear. When this does not happen, the patient is hospitalized.

Urticaria, treatment with folk remedies

Elimination of the disease using traditional medicine maybe. Oddly enough, nettle is considered to be the raw material for the effective treatment of this disease.

The skin deformations that urticaria causes, how to treat them at home using folk remedies, has long been known to those who have already encountered such a disease.

Drink with a string. It is brewed just like tea, pouring boiling water and waiting for 20 minutes. They should replace all the usual daily drinks.

A tincture that is very easy to make from nettles. You need a tablespoon of dried flowers of this plant to pour 200 ml. boiling water. Then you should cover the dish with the drug with a cloth, leave for 30 minutes, and then strain. It should be drunk in half a glass several times a day (4-5).

Lotions with nettle. To make the desired composition for them, you need to put 30 gr. leaves of the plant, pour two glasses of water and wait for the boil. Then reduce the heat, wait 3 minutes, remove the dishes and leave to cool for 60 minutes. Next, strain everything. Such gadgets can apply several times a day.

Mint infusion. It is valued for its remarkable calming properties, as well as for its beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive tract. To make it, you need to brew mint leaves with boiling water and drink sip several times a day.

How to treat urticaria at home can be suggested by numerous tips from folk practice. Recipes of the most common, great for local therapy:

• Ointment for hives on the skin(it is able to quickly eliminate the signs of the disease. To prepare it, finely chop the head of garlic and pour two cups of boiling water into it. Then you need to boil everything until half of the liquid has evaporated. Next, the solution must be removed from the heat, add a glass of oil to it ( vegetable or olive) and a small amount of beeswax, mix. Apply this ointment to clean, affected skin several times a day. Store it in the refrigerator)
• Soothing irritated skin paste(you need to mix 3 tablespoons of soda, a large spoonful of water and the same amount of vegetable oil. All ingredients are mixed and applied to irritated areas repeatedly, all day)

Important!

Choose your home remedies carefully. Give preference to those that do not contain substances that aggravate the disease. Before using them, you need to consult a doctor.

Diet for allergies urticaria

The doctor should select products for compiling a list that is suitable for treatment. From this list follows exclude those that are established as allergens that caused the disease.

Little by little you can eat butter, lamb, bananas, carrots, onions, garlic. For recurrent illness, the popular diet #5 is recommended, which restricts fat, salt, and fluid intake.

Popular dishes allowed for this disease

Potato soup.

To prepare it, you need to take: 3 peeled potatoes, 2 leeks, 2 large tablespoons of olive oil, a little salt, water. Pour the oil into a saucepan, then put the finely chopped white part of the onion. It should be simmered over low heat until transparent. Then add potatoes cut into squares to it and continue stewing for another 5 minutes. Then you need to add 500 ml to the pan. boiling water, salt and cook for 15 minutes. When the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork, the contents of the pan should be chopped with a blender. Immediately before eating, you can sprinkle the soup with herbs.

Macaroni with apple or cheese sauce.

Durum wheat pasta should be cooked in the same way as usual. For cheese sauce, a large spoonful of butter and twice as much cream are heated in a suitable bowl. To them should be added two large spoons of mild grated cheese and mix everything until a homogeneous consistency. To prepare apple sauce, two apples should be freed from the skin and seeds, cut into pieces and poured with water. Then they must be put on fire, and when they soften, grind into gruel. There you need to put sugar and a little cinnamon to taste, put it back on the fire and cook a little, stirring constantly.

Patients should follow the diet at least four weeks. Only after the signs have completely disappeared, are they allowed to consistently, in small portions, add food to the menu from products that were previously under a strict ban. The only exceptions are those that can cause a relapse of the disease. It is also advised to keep special records in which all foods eaten and the skin reaction to them will be recorded.

Remember!

The main thing in following a diet is not only the use of products from the list and the exclusion of provocateurs from the diet, but also proper preparation. Food should be cooked mainly by steaming and baking.

Is it possible to swim with hives

Due to the fact that this disease is characterized by allergic manifestations, it is believed that bathing can provoke adverse reactions on the skin. But, despite this, to the question: is it possible to wash with urticaria, doctors answer in the affirmative. This is also due to the fact that completely abandoning water procedures for the duration of the illness, infection of the rash can occur. It can lead to serious complications and suppuration.

People suffering from this disease hygiene procedures should be carried out regularly by washing. The only condition is to follow the rules.

• Warm water should be used for washing, within 37 degrees(this will help prevent itching from getting worse and further progression of the rash. During the entire flare phase, contact with both hot and cool water should be avoided)
• You should take a bath once a week, and you can use the shower daily.(water action time should be limited to 20 minutes)
• Means used for hygiene should not provoke allergic manifestations(The best solution in this situation is the use of special body products, designed taking into account all the characteristics of the disease. They are hypoallergenic, have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect)
• The impact of washcloths and scrubbing agents must be abandoned
• After the procedure, it is necessary to dry the skin well by blotting with a clean towel.(The use of rubbing is strictly prohibited!)
• After a shower, a nourishing, softening cream should be applied to the skin.

Experts also note good effect of sea water on the skin of the patient. It helps in relieving itching and irritation, the disappearance of the rash. But before you go swimming in the sea, you should consult with your doctor. He will give the necessary recommendations based on the diagnosed type of urticaria. Also, exposure to sea water is often prohibited during an exacerbation.

Patients often ask: Is it possible to go to the bath with hives?» The answer to this question depends on the factors that caused the disease. In the event that the disease was provoked by drugs or physical factors, it is allowed to visit the bathhouse. For other types, such visits should be canceled for a while. For water procedures in the bath, it is recommended to use various infusions that have antipruritic and antiallergic properties, for example, using nettle, chamomile.

The collected information fully answers the question: What is hives and how is it treated? After studying it, you should carefully monitor your health and detect signs of the disease in time and seek help from a doctor.

Urticaria is a heterogeneous disease in terms of causal factors, the main clinical manifestation of which is a skin rash in the form of widespread or limited blisters that disappear spontaneously or under the influence of appropriate treatment.

Pathology occurs on average in 20% of the population, in 25% of which it is chronic. Among children, the disease is less common than in adults, and in women more often than men. The maximum frequency of cases falls on 20 - 40 years of age. What are the causes of hives?

Classification and etiopathogenesis

The mechanisms of development of various forms are very complex and still not well understood.

How long does the illness last? In most clinical classifications, in accordance with the duration of the pathological process, the following types of urticaria are distinguished:

1. Acute, which can last from a few minutes to 6 weeks. It occurs much more frequently and is diagnosed on average in 75% of all cases of urticaria.
2. Chronic. Its duration is more than 6 weeks. The chronic form with relapses occurs in 25%. This form of the disease in the natural course can last, basically, up to 10 years (in 20% of patients).

Among children under 2 years of age, as a rule, only its acute form develops, after 2 years and up to 12 years - acute and chronic forms, but with a predominance of the first, after 12 years, urticaria with a chronic course is more common. Chronic urticaria is most typical for people 20 - 40 years of age.

A regularity was noted - if the chronic process lasts for 3 months, then half of these people then get sick for at least 3 years, and with a preliminary duration of more than six months, 40% of patients suffer from its symptoms for another 10 years.

Remission in chronic urticaria can occur spontaneously, regardless of how this pathology is treated. In half of the patients, it occurs within the first half of the year from the onset of the disease, in 20% - within 3 years, in another 20% - 5 years, and in 2% - 25 years. In addition, at least 1 relapse develops in every 2nd patient suffering from a chronic course with spontaneous remission.

In addition, depending on the prevalence in the body, the disease is divided into options:

• localized - on a certain limited area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe body;
• (spread of elements of the rash throughout the body), which is a life-threatening condition, especially when localized in the area of ​​​​organs of vital importance.

According to the cause and mechanism of formation of the reaction, the following forms of urticaria are distinguished:

• allergic, caused by various immunological (cytotoxic, reaginic, immunocomplex) mechanisms of hypersensitivity (hypersensitivity);
• non-allergic.

Causes

The causes of hives are numerous. The most frequent of them are:

1. Inhalation allergens, for example, household and industrial aerosols, epidermal antigens, plant pollen.
2. Foods that promote the release of histamine contained in the body, or contain histamine themselves. These are eggs, cow's milk, pineapple, citrus fruits, honey, confectionery products with food additives in the form of salicylates and dyes, smoked products, many spices and mustard, fish products and seafood, tomatoes, legumes, eggplant, cheeses, extractives, alcoholic beverages. and others. In addition, the acute form of urticaria in persons suffering from hay fever can develop as a result of the use of those foods that contain antigens that cross with plant pollen. So, if there is a tendency to allergic reactions to pollen produced during tree flowering, urticaria may develop after eating nuts, berries and / or stone fruits, etc., sensitization to birch pollen can cause urticaria after eating carrots or apples, especially red ones. .
3. Viruses, bacteria and fungi.
4. External, internal and injectable drugs. Urticaria is very common after antibiotics, sulfonamides, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs (salicylates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), after taking anticonvulsants, vitamins, especially B vitamins and ascorbic acid, the use of antiseptics, iodine-containing drugs, including radiopaque agents , drugs used for arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease and heart failure (captopril, enalapril, hinapril, prestarium, enam, etc.), insulin, blood and its protein substitutes, dental implants, etc. Very rarely, but all- there is a reaction even to antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids.
5. Physical impact factors - pressure, friction, cold or elevated ambient temperature, vibration, sunlight, heavy physical exertion, bathing.
6. Poison wasps, bees, hornets, mosquitoes, bug bites, fleas and even grasshoppers.
7. Neuro-psychic load under the influence of psychogenic factors.
8. Tumor processes, thyroiditis, dysfunction of the thyroid gland and other endocrine organs, autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue, diseases of the digestive tract, etc.

The causes of acute and chronic forms of the disease are different:

Among all chronic forms of urticaria (with an unknown cause), it occurs on average in 75-80%, in 15% - caused by a physical factor, in 5% - due to other factors, including allergic ones.

Development mechanisms

Under the influence of one or more causative factors, both immunological and non-immunological in nature, skin mast cells are activated with the destruction of their granules (degranulation), as a result of which mediators (biologically active substances) are released from them. They cause in the skin symptoms characteristic of acute local inflammatory processes.

In this case, the main biologically active substances are histamine and prostaglandins. Under the influence of histamine, local expansion of small vessels of the skin occurs with an increase in their permeability. As a result, there is limited redness of the skin (erythematous spot) and swelling of the hypodermal or submucosal layer with the formation of a blister or papule. In addition to hyperemia and edema, these mediators cause itching, sometimes significant.

Prostaglandin D 2 and histamine are also activators of C-fibers secreting neuropeptides. The latter cause additional vasodilation and degranulation processes in mast cells, which determines the duration (more than 12 hours) of rashes.

Most often, acute urticaria is associated with allergic, that is, with immunological activation reactions of mast cells, on the membrane surface of which there are highly specific receptors for antibodies of immunoglobulin “E” (IgE), as well as receptors for cytokines, receptors C3A, C5A, etc.

Allergic reactions are mediated mainly by the participation of immunoglobulin "E". Characteristic of urticaria, regardless of the cause, are increased permeability of microcirculatory vessels and the development of acute edema in the tissues located around these vessels, with various manifestations of an allergic reaction.

In cases of the chronic form of the disease, immunological mechanisms are not excluded, for example, in the presence of an autoimmune pathology (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatism, etc.). At the same time, in a chronic process, mast cells are more often activated by non-specific (non-immunological) stimuli (emotional stress, the influence of alcoholic beverages, the premenstrual period, physical factors, etc.).

Rash with hives

In the last 10 years, the concept of the autoimmune nature of the chronic course of the pathological process has prevailed, according to which autoimmune urticaria is caused by the presence of autoantibodies to IgE receptors with high affinity and antibodies directed against IgE. This mechanism occurs in 30-50% of patients suffering from chronic urticaria.

Autoantibodies bind to the IgE receptor, resulting in the activation of basophils or mast cells, which leads to histamine-like reactions with corresponding symptoms. This principle formed the basis of a relatively new theory, according to which in some patients the chronic form is an autoimmune disease.

Other mediators, such as bradykinin, prostaglandins, neuropeptides, leukotrienes, and platelet activating factor, may also be involved in maintaining the chronic course. Mast cells in remission are restored to normal.

Is hives contagious and can you get rid of it?

Based on the description of the causes and mechanisms of the development of pathology, it becomes clear that it has nothing to do with infectious diseases.

What does urticaria look like and is it dangerous?

Clinical picture

The acute form is characterized by fairly typical manifestations. The onset of the disease is sudden. The main symptoms of urticaria are rashes, accompanied by severe itching and a burning sensation, sometimes a feeling of "bursting". In the chronic course of the disease, itching can occur at certain times of the day without the appearance of morphological elements.

As a rule, the morphological element is a rounded blister (rarely a papule), protruding above the skin surface and having clearly demarcated contours. It resembles an insect bite or a stinging nettle and is a limited swelling of the dermal papillary layer, which is a few millimeters in diameter, but elements with a diameter of several centimeters can often be. With the dermographic variant of the pathology, the blister takes the form of a traumatic physical object (tourniquet, spatula).

The elements have a pale pink or red color, in the peripheral sections hyperemia is more pronounced. When pressed, they become pale in color, no pressure marks remain.

A rash with urticaria can be localized on any part of the skin - on the scalp, on the body, on the arms and legs, including the areas of the palms and soles of the feet. On the face and neck, the density of mast cells is very high, so usually the number of elements here is greater than in other parts of the body. Often they also occur on the mucous membranes, especially on the lips, soft palate and in the larynx.

The duration of the episode is determined from the moment the first element appears and the last element disappears. In most cases, the duration of the existence of blisters does not exceed 24 hours, during which they quickly appear, increase in size, and can merge with each other, acquiring a bizarre shape.

A small blister can thus turn into a giant element with an area of ​​up to several tens of centimeters. Their merging with each other is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition - general weakness, joint pain, headache, chills (“nettle fever”) appear, body temperature rises to 38 ° and above.

Urticaria symptoms

Then, also, for 1 day, the color intensity and clarity of the boundaries of the rashes decreases, after which they disappear without a trace - without the formation of secondary elements (pigmentation and peeling).

Against the background of the listed symptoms, acute urticaria may be accompanied by cramping abdominal pain, intermittent pain in small joints, as well as in the elbow and knee joints (arthralgia), petechial hemorrhages and nosebleeds. Very rarely, and mostly in children, symptoms of meningism may develop.

Histologically, a classic wheal is an edema of the middle and upper dermis, as well as dilated venules and lymphatic vessels located in the upper dermis. In addition, an infiltrate around small vessels is determined in the skin, which consists of mast cells, blood cells (neutrophils and eosinophils) and T-lymphocytes.

In the case of edema spreading to the deep dermal layers, subcutaneous tissue and mucous membranes with similar histological changes (described above), the disease can occur in the form of a "giant urticaria", or acute limited angioedema angioedema.

angioedema angioedema

It accompanies 50% of cases of chronic urticaria, can occur alone or be combined with localized manifestations of the acute form.

Quincke's edema is characterized by an asymmetric location of pronounced painless edema on the face (in the area of ​​the cheeks, lips, eyelids, auricle), which leads to its disfigurement, or on the external genitalia. The skin in the affected area becomes white or (rarely) pinkish in color. Angioedema disappears after a few hours or, at most, after three days.

In clinical practice, hereditary angioedema is especially distinguished due to a quantitative or functional deficiency of the C 1 inhibitor, which is a serum protein synthesized in the liver. With its deficiency, plasmin is activated, which is the starting factor for the development of edema. Pathology is hereditary. Edema is localized, as a rule, in the mucous membrane of the larynx and is provoked by psycho-emotional stress or microtrauma. Men are most often affected. The principles of treatment for this condition differ from those of other forms of therapy.

Quincke's edema

Why is urticaria dangerous?

The consequences of urticaria, as a rule, do not pose a danger to health and life. If a slight limited swelling of the mucous membranes develops, swelling of the tongue, conjunctivitis and rhinitis, cough, swallowing disorder, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are possible. Edema of the mucous membrane of the larynx, especially in children under 1.5 - 2 years old, is dangerous for the development of stenosis of the larynx and respiratory failure in the form of suffocation.

At the same time, emergency care for urticaria and its nature are not determined by the causes that caused the reaction of the body, although they must be taken into account, but by the localization, severity and prevalence of edema and urticarial (blistering) rashes.

25% of cases of Quincke's edema develop on the neck in the larynx, resulting in a sudden swelling of the subcutaneous fat, muscles and fascia of the neck. This is manifested by hoarseness of voice, difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath, rapid intermittent breathing, barking cough, cyanosis of the face against the background of its pallor, anxious and excited state of the patient.

If the degree of damage is mild to moderate, this condition (without medical assistance) can last from 1 hour to a day. But, at the same time, after a decrease in the severity of symptoms, soreness in the throat, hoarseness and coughing, shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion (even minor ones), persist for some time, and scattered dry rales are auscultated over the lungs. If the edema spreads to the trachea and bronchial tree, a bronchospastic syndrome may develop with a fatal outcome.

With the localization of edema in the area of ​​the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, nausea, vomiting appear, abdominal pain is possible, which at first is local and then diffuse. Against this background, false symptoms of intestinal obstruction or peritonitis may develop, while elements of rashes are present in only 30% of patients. This is the reason for the significant difficulty in diagnosis and in some cases - the reason for useless surgical intervention.

The development of Quincke's edema in the head area may be the reason for the involvement of the meninges in the process, especially in children, with the development of convulsive syndrome and meningeal symptoms.

Rarely, morphological elements can be papules or urticarial rash (papular urticaria) is transformed into them. Papules are usually found in women and children with a persistent chronic course and can persist for months. They are localized mainly on the limbs at the fold, have sizes up to 6 mm and are richly red in color with a brownish tinge.

Papular elements rise above the skin surface and have a domed or flat shape. They are characterized by greater density and resistance than blisters, as well as the absence of a tendency to group and merge. The rash is accompanied by severe, sometimes unbearable itching. After the resolution of the elements, pigmentation and peeling often remain, and sometimes scars formed as a result of a purulent infection during scratching.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnostics consists of several conditionally sequential stages.

I stage

It consists in a careful collection of an anamnesis of the disease and finding out if the patient has concomitant somatic pathology. Maximum attention is paid to questions about the presence of a tendency to allergic reactions.

At the same time, the duration of the disease itself, the nature of the elements, their localization and prevalence, the frequency of occurrence and the duration of evolution, the dependence of the appearance on the season and time of day, the appearance of angioedema and subjective sensations in the area of ​​​​rashes are necessarily specified. It is very important to establish the presence of predisposition to allergies of family members and a possible connection with a certain causative factor.

II stage

Includes an external examination of the patient, which determines the nature of the rash and / or angioedema, localization, the presence of pigmentation or peeling in the area of ​​the rash. It is necessary to assess the general condition of the patient and conduct a preliminary diagnosis of possible somatic diseases (in the absence of anamnesis data on their presence), which may be the cause of urticaria or its provoking factors. In addition, at this stage, the nature of skin dermographism is also determined, but after a 2-day break in taking antihistamines or a week (at least) - immunosuppressants.

Stage III

Evaluation of the clinical activity of the disease in accordance with a specially designed 3-level point scale, which takes into account the number of blisters and the degree of itching intensity.

IV stage

Conducting a scream test with non-infectious allergens (skin pricking at the sites of application of various pollen, food, epidermal, household and contact allergens) and intra-skin tests with infectious (mycotic and bacterial) allergens. Tests are also carried out to diagnose other forms of the disease:

• Duncan test (cold using ice cubes);
• skin thermal - by means of a water compress with a temperature of 25 °;
• tourniquet test;
• mechanical, or stroke test with a spatula;
• testing with suspension or application of the load;
• bicycle ergometric test - to determine the reaction to the general physical load;
• phototesting.

Stage V

Includes laboratory diagnostic and instrumental studies. A detailed examination is determined by the need to identify diseases that provoke urticaria, especially chronic, or pathologies in which it is a symptom, for example, diseases of the digestive system, helminthiases, hepatitis, malignant neoplasms, lymphoma, systemic autoimmune connective tissue pathology, etc.

Therefore, the main laboratory and instrumental studies are clinical and biochemical (glucose, total protein, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, liver tests) blood tests, clinical urinalysis, RW, examination for hepatitis B, C and HIV infection, determination of total IgE in blood serum by enzyme immunoassay, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, ECG, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, chest fluorography and, if indicated, radiography of the paranasal sinuses.

Further examination is carried out depending on the results of the preliminary examination. For example, consultations of specialists of a narrow profile (otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist, etc.) are prescribed, if it is assumed that there is an autoimmune form of urticaria - intradermal tests using autologous serum, if thyroiditis is suspected - determining the content of antibodies to thyroid tissue in the blood, etc. d.

Treatment of urticaria and prevention of recurrence

Treatment of patients with an acute course or relapse of the disease is aimed at the most rapid complete relief of all clinical manifestations, especially in cases of development of symptoms that threaten the patient's life. In addition, the goal of treatment is to achieve a state of the longest possible clinical remission in the chronic form.

Urticaria treatment at home and diet

Perhaps in cases of mild disease. In the absence of the effect of outpatient treatment, with moderate and severe course, as well as with angioedema in the vital areas (tongue, larynx), intestines, with abdominal syndrome, dehydration, in combination with anaphylactic reactions and in any conditions that pose a threat to life the patient is treated in a hospital, preferably an allergological one, and sometimes even in the intensive care unit. The duration of treatment in the allergology department is on average about 20 days.

Non-drug therapy provides for frequent wet cleaning and ventilation of the living space, exclusion of contact (if possible) with known or suspected causal and provoking factors, which are often detergents and other household chemicals, epidermis and pet hair, food.

What can you eat?

Nutrition should exclude foods containing histamine or contributing to its release in the body (citrus fruits, nuts, alcoholic beverages, extractives, etc.). In some cases, 2 - 3-day fasting is necessary, followed by a gradual transition to a hypoallergenic diet. A diet for hives is, as a rule, table number 7.

At the same time, it is recommended to use the so-called elimination therapy (to remove allergens from the body, etc.), which, in addition to nutrition, includes the use of diuretics, laxatives, and enterosorbents (Polysorb). On an outpatient basis, dysbacteriosis is also treated, chronic sources of infection in the body are sanitized, and, if indicated, specific immunotherapy.

Medical therapy

The choice of the volume of specific drug therapy is determined by the severity of the patient's condition. In all cases, the basic drugs for urticaria are first and second generation antihistamines. The first generation (classic) drugs mainly include Clemastine, or Tavegil, and Chloropyramine, or Suprastin in tablets for oral administration or in solution for intramuscular and intravenous, more often drip, administration.

However, the classic first generation antihistamines have a number of side effects in the form of drowsiness, slowing down of the reflex reaction, general depression of the central nervous system, dizziness, impaired coordination, blurred vision and double vision, dry mucous membranes and many others.

In this regard, the drugs of choice are second-generation antihistamines. Most of them are devoid of many side effects and can be used in high dosages. These include Loratadine, Fexofenadine, Cetirizine and Levocetirizine, Desloratadine, Ebastin.