Urticaria is one of the most common skin diseases. 15-20% of the world’s population has this skin infection at least once in their lifetime.
Red patches, itching … 15 to 20% of the world’s population has hives at least once in their lifetime. The causes of this skin condition are numerous: family history, taking certain medications such as aspirin, allergies, stress, exposure to the sun or the cold.
Chronic urticaria
Urticaria is manifested by the appearance of red patches (motile papules) on the skin. The duration of these crises does not exceed 24 hours if they are superficial. They are, on the other hand, deeper when they reach the part of the dermis and the hypodermis. This urtication called angioedema is then visible for several days. Urticaria is considered “chronic” when it lasts beyond six weeks.
How to identify a hives attack?
“The diagnosis is mainly based on questioning and clinical examination”, indicates the High Authority of Health (HAS) on its website. These interviews are done during each visit to the general practitioner. The latter inquires about the family and personal history, and the quality of life (stress, fatigue) of the patient. He also asks him if he took any medicine shortly before the seizure.
Clinical examination looks for signs of general disease (especially thyroid) and confirms physical urticaria. For example, cold urticaria is confirmed by applying an ice cube to the skin, warm urticaria by applying a tube of hot water.
You can prevent hives, including monitoring your family and personal history, and protecting your skin from the sun and cold. In case of transient attacks, a consultation with the doctor is necessary. Taking notes on the circumstances in which the seizures occurred (environment, activities, psychological state, exposure to possible allergens) can also help to target the diagnosis and thus avoid the appearance of other seizures.
Chronic urticaria requires drug treatments such as taking antihistamines over several months.
.
