Is there a difference between measles and urticaria?

Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Measles and hives are two completely different skin diseases. In terms of etiology, measles is caused by a viral infection, while hives are an allergic skin disease. Clinically, measles presents with diffuse red rash all over the body, accompanied by high fever and mucous membrane catarrhal symptoms, such as red eyes, excessive eye discharge, and so on. On the other hand, hives present with wheal-like skin lesions. Wheals refer to pale red or skin-colored raised lesions that can vary in shape and are usually quite large. They typically develop very rapidly and then subside within a few hours, with most wheals disappearing within 24 hours. Hives are also usually accompanied by severe itching.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Urticaria is not contagious.

Urticaria is a hypersensitive skin disease related to the immune system, often occurring in patients with allergic constitutions. Urticaria is not contagious, so there is no need to worry about that. The causes of urticaria are mainly related to food, food additives, viral or bacterial infections, medications, and environmental factors such as climate and pollen. Therefore, if urticaria occurs, it is crucial to promptly identify the allergen and actively avoid triggers to prevent its occurrence. If urticaria does occur, it is essential to seek medical advice promptly.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of urticaria in children

The symptoms of urticaria in children generally include the appearance of erythema and patches of varying sizes on the skin. Some patches may be bright red and then look more obvious. Systemic symptoms can occur, and some children may experience nausea, vomiting, etc. At this time, it may be considered to be caused by allergic factors, and it is necessary to come to the hospital as soon as possible to ascertain the cause in the child. Avoid contact with allergens and then conduct anti-allergy treatment according to the child's condition. If the child's skin scratch test is positive, it can confirm that the child has urticaria. Generally, urticaria subsides quite quickly, and it is considered a specific type of disease.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Do children with urticaria feel itchy?

Children's urticaria generally causes itching. It occurs when children come into contact with foods, medications, or other allergenic substances, leading to scattered or widespread red rashes. The rash may appear as wheals or might be maculopapular or urticarial in nature, generally accompanied by rashes and itching. If a child develops urticaria, topical medications can be applied, providing relief from itching and allergic reactions.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Measles and Urticaria Distinction

Measles and hives have significant differences. Firstly, hives are an allergic disease and are not contagious, whereas measles is a viral infectious disease that can be spread through contact. Secondly, the treatment for hives mainly involves antiallergics, while the treatment for measles mainly includes symptomatic and antiviral therapies. However, regardless of whether it is measles or hives, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly after onset.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is artificial urticaria contagious?

Artificial urticaria is a disease caused by allergies, and it is one of the more difficult types of urticaria to treat. This disease is not contagious and will not spread through contact with others. Once diagnosed with this disease, formal treatment is necessary, and one can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital for oral antiallergic medication treatment. If the condition persists for a long time and the treatment effects are unsatisfactory, it might be helpful to check for allergens to ascertain what triggers the allergy. Common allergens often include diet, living environment, dust mites, or pollen. Therefore, during and after treatment, it is advisable to enhance physical exercise to boost immunity, avoid keeping pets, stay away from places with dense vegetation, and refrain from consuming spicy and stimulating foods.