Can papular urticaria heal itself?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on May 19, 2025
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Papular urticaria, also known as insect bite dermatitis, is an allergic skin disease caused by an allergic reaction to bites from mosquitoes, mites, worms, and even lice, fleas, ants, etc. It often occurs on exposed parts of the skin and in individuals with sensitive skin. Generally, papular urticaria can heal on its own. If left untreated, without further exposure to the irritant, and with a light diet and proper rest, it can subside within about a week. However, if there are many rashes, accompanied by erythema, vesicles, severe itching, or even secondary infections, and if the individual has a history of severe allergic reactions, it is advisable to seek timely medical attention at a standard hospital. Under the guidance of a doctor, use calamine lotion to relieve itching, or apply topical corticosteroid ointment and take antihistamines and traditional Chinese medicine orally. Additionally, at home, it is important to maintain cleanliness of clothes, mats, quilts, and plush items, and to sun them often to avoid further insect bites. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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The cause of papular urticaria

Papular urticaria, also known as insect bite dermatitis, is commonly seen in children and individuals with lower resistance and sensitive skin. It is caused by bites from insects such as mosquitoes and mites. The resulting skin reaction varies from person to person and is characterized by red patches and blisters. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it can be categorized into damp-heat type and wind-heat type. The wind-heat type usually occurs on the limbs, while the damp-heat type is more common around the waist and features larger and more numerous blisters. This condition is related to insect bites, commonly from mosquitoes, lice, fleas, mites, bedbugs, etc. After being bitten, the saliva injected into the skin may trigger an allergic reaction in the body.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can urticaria papulosa heal by itself?

Papular urticaria is a type of allergic disease, generally with mild symptoms. It manifests as red wheals with small blisters on top. Most cases do not require treatment and will subside gradually over time. It is advisable not to scratch these small blisters as breaking them can lead to infection. It is recommended to frequently expose clothes, bed sheets, and quilt covers to the sun for disinfection to eliminate mites or insects. Avoid contact with small animals and places with abundant flowers, plants, and trees. Also, avoid spicy and irritating foods and do not stay up late. Typically, conventional medications can completely cure the condition within about a week. Paying attention to diet and lifestyle habits is generally sufficient.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Papular urticaria causes and symptoms

Papular urticaria is a type of allergic reaction, which is specifically related to exposure to irritants, or bites from mosquitoes and fleas. The cause of this disease is relatively clear. Generally, the main symptom is the appearance of red wheals on the body with clear boundaries. At the center of the wheal, there may be a puncture point or small blisters. The primary symptom is itchiness, which is often severe. Repeated scratching of the small blisters can lead to rupture and infection. Therefore, it is important to treat this disease as soon as it is discovered, using oral and topical anti-allergy medications, which generally subside within about a week. It is also advisable to avoid keeping small animals at home and to frequently disinfect bedding by exposing it to sunlight. (Medicine should be used under the guidance of a doctor, based on specific circumstances.)

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How long does it take for papular urticaria to be considered chronic?

Papular urticaria is usually referred to as insect bite dermatitis, with the course of the condition generally lasting about a week; if it extends beyond a week, it is considered chronic. The occurrence of papular urticaria is associated with bites from mosquitoes, mites, fleas, etc. In terms of treatment, topical applications such as calamine lotion or corticosteroid creams can be used, including mometasone furoate gel and hydrocortisone butyrate cream. For significant itching, oral antihistamines can also be taken, such as fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution, while avoiding washing with hot water.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Precautions for Papular Urticaria

Papular urticaria is a type of allergic reaction, mostly related to direct contact with irritants, or bites from mosquitoes and fleas. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious in daily life. Do not keep small animals at home, and if you do, ensure that they are kept clean, bathed frequently, and disinfected regularly. If you live in a humid environment, often sun and disinfect your bed sheets and covers. Avoid going to places with many mosquitoes and insects like under trees or grassy areas. Try to avoid spicy and irritating foods for a long time, do not stay up late, exercise more, bathe more frequently, and avoid soaking in public baths or swimming. Do not stay too long in unclean environments. Maintaining good personal hygiene is sufficient.