What are the symptoms of hives?
THE’urticaria is defined by a set of symptoms that affect the skin, explains Dr Pascale Mathelier Fusade, dermatologist-allergist. They appear in the form of red patches in relief, well demarcated and migrating (they move rapidly throughout the day on the arms, legs, torso and face), itching and more or less swelling on the hands, feet and face.
The starting point is the hyperactivity of certain cells, the mast cells, which react by releasing histamine in the skin, which is responsible itches, plaques and swelling. A surge ofurticaria lasts from a few hours to three, four days, most often.
How do you get hives?
Most of the time we think wrongly that it is an allergy. However, you should know that 95% of urticaria are not allergic (no release of IgE or immunoglobulin antibodies), even if there is a edema, especially on the face. The causes can be multiple: cold, heat, friction, pressure can trigger urticaria, which is then called physical urticaria. But urticaria can also develop following an ENT inflammation, a state of fatigue, when takingaspirin or an anti-inflammatory, without it being an allergy, explains the dermatologist. From thyroid problems or certain autoimmune skin diseases can also be contributing factors.
In fact, the longer a hives lasts, the less likely it is to be allergic, notes the doctor. You can therefore have symptoms of urticaria for two, three, or even five days without it being worrying.
Can hives be serious?
Urticaria worries a lot, not only because it is spectacular, but also by its duration and especially because of the swelling of the face (lips, eye, tongue …), which it can cause. The seriousness is only real for urticaria of allergic origin, when the allergen has been introduced into the body within the hour preceding.
When allergic, this condition usually only lasts a few hours and needs to be taken care of quickly. THE’allergic origin is usually identified by questioning. It occurs as a result of absorption of food(Strawberry, shrimp, raw fish …) or a medicine or after a wasp or bee sting.
How to calm the itching of hives?
During the consultation, we prescribed antihistamines, between one and two tablets per day, which are very effective and provide relief in a few hours. The antihistamines over-the-counter also work very well. The plaques and itching go away quickly. These drugs have few side effects, can be taken for a long time (in chronic urticaria) and are also suitable for children and pregnant women.
What is the treatment for urticaria?
You must not have the reflex to immediately take cortisone, continues the doctor. However, this is what some patients do when there is edema. Because, corticosteroidsare only active after a minimum of four hours. They are therefore not medicines to be taken in an emergency.
The antihistamines act faster. This also applies in case of edema. In addition, in the event of prolonged use of cortisone, addiction can set in quickly. The body then calls for corticosteroids. If he does not have one, he is at risk of producing hives again. Creating a situation which is then difficult to get rid of. On the other hand, in the event of proven allergic urticaria, the patient must have theadrenaline, the only drug capable of quickly controlling an allergy.
How long does hives last?
Acute hives lasts three or four days, which is the most common. It can also be chronic and last for at least six weeks. The average duration of chronic urticaria is two to three years. It remains rare and fortunately affects only 0.5 to 1% of the population. Antihistamines are then prescribed at the minimum effective dose to “contain” the hives for as long as needed. The urticaria gradually becomes less active: the symptoms subside, then disappear spontaneously.
What is chronic urticaria?
This inflammatory skin condition manifests as raised red patches. It is not of allergic origin and can be triggered by a viral infection, certain medications, cold, pressure on the skin …urticaria can occur every day, or persist 2-3 days a week for more than 6 weeks. It usually comes on suddenly and goes away after a few months or years. The French Society of Dermatology estimates that 40% of these chronic forms persist after 1 year, 30% after 2 years and 20% after 10 years. Unlike acute hives, which can be serious in case of allergy, they are almost always benign.
Can stress cause hives?
Yes, by releasing neurotransmitters that attach to mast cells, which in turn releases histamine, stress promotes the onset of urticaria. In addition, we know that it worsens the symptoms. The relaxation techniques (sport, sophrology, yoga…) are recommended to limit recurrence and reduce symptoms. If you have already had hives, it is also better to treat them quickly. ENT infections (colds …), dental abscess, avoid certain medications such asaspirin and the anti-inflammatory and … the tired ! The manifestations of urticaria will be much less important.
Are there any families with hives?
Yes, there is undoubtedly family land. In particular, it is known that urticaria is more common in adults and atopic children, who suffer from asthma, hay fever oreczema.
Read also :
- Urticaria: how to relieve it faster?
- Urticaria: it is sometimes allergic
- Treat minor skin ailments with calendula
