How is urticaria best treated?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on November 13, 2024
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Urticaria, commonly known as hives, occurs when there is a localized swelling due to temporary increased vascular permeability of the skin and mucous membranes. It can be divided into acute urticaria and chronic urticaria. Acute urticaria often has a sudden onset. Chronic urticaria is characterized by recurrent skin lesions for more than six weeks, with episodes occurring at least twice a week, termed as chronic urticaria. The preferred treatment for acute urticaria is the use of second-generation H1 receptor antagonists with a strong sedative effect. The combination of vitamin C and calcium supplements can reduce vascular permeability and have a synergistic effect with antihistamines. For chronic urticaria, the treatment of choice is also second-generation H1 receptor antagonists. When one medication is ineffective, two to three drugs may be combined or alternated. It is also recommended to combine Chinese medicine to adjust the overall physical condition while gradually reducing the dosage of Western medicine to control the condition.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Symptoms of postpartum urticaria

Postpartum hives are mainly characterized by subjective itching symptoms on the skin. On the surface of the skin, you can see patches of varying sizes with a reddish color, some of which may also feel burning. Generally, this can occur within the first few hours and then quickly subside, but it is prone to recurrent outbreaks. Additionally, some patients may experience gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and can even cause palpitations and difficulty breathing. When hives are detected, it is advisable to go to the hospital in a timely manner, and ask professional doctors to actively carry out examinations and treatments.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Urticaria should be seen in which department?

Once urticaria occurs, it is advised to promptly consult a dermatologist, as urticaria is a type of skin disease related to allergies and belongs to the field of dermatology. Urticaria causes many symptoms, such as wheals, erythema, and papules on the skin, accompanied by severe itching. Therefore, it is essential to treat the symptoms in a timely manner. First, identify the allergen and avoid further contact with it. Moreover, use some anti-allergy medications for treatment and generally enhance your own resistance.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What is the fastest way to relieve itching from hives?

Urticaria is a type of allergic disease that generally causes large areas of hives to appear rapidly all over the body, accompanied by severe itching. A quick method to relieve itching is the topical application of calamine lotion extensively and taking oral antihistamines, such as loratadine tablets. In cases of acute flare-ups, it may be appropriate to use hormone-based medications, such as dexamethasone injection, administered intravenously or through infusion, as these act quickly. For chronic urticaria treatment, it is generally advised against the use of hormones; standard oral antihistamines should suffice. Urticaria tends to recur; therefore, it's important to maintain a controlled diet and lifestyle habits. Foods and substances to avoid include chili peppers, mutton, seafood, and alcohol.

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Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
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Is there a difference between measles and urticaria?

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 Liu Li
Pediatrics
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How long does it take for children's urticaria to heal on its own?

There are many reasons why children may develop hives, such as exposure to allergens, bacterial infection, or genetic factors. If children display symptoms of hives, parents must promptly identify the cause and treat the condition with medication based on the examination results. Normally, hives cannot heal on their own; not only are they unlikely to resolve without treatment, but they may also recur. If a child suffers from hives, it is best for parents to take them to the hospital for a detailed and comprehensive examination, and to follow the guidance of a professional doctor for safe and effective targeted treatment.