What is Urticaria?

Urticaria is a skin reaction that causes raised, red, itchy rashes or wheals. These may appear anywhere on the body and often come in clusters. The rash may last for a few minutes to several hours, and in some cases, it keeps recurring for weeks or months.

Types of Urticaria

• Acute Urticaria: Lasts less than 6 weeks; usually triggered by infections, foods, or medications.
• Chronic Urticaria: Persists for more than 6 weeks; often without an obvious cause.
• Physical Urticaria: Triggered by heat, cold, pressure, sun exposure, or sweating.

What Causes Urticaria?

In urticaria, histamines and other chemicals are released by the body in response to a trigger, leading to swelling, redness, and itching.

Common Triggers Include:

• Certain foods (nuts, seafood, eggs)
• Medications (antibiotics, painkillers)
• Infections (viral or bacterial)
• Stress and emotional disturbances
• Physical factors like heat, cold, or pressure
• Autoimmune conditions (in chronic cases)

Symptoms of Urticaria

• Raised, red or skin-colored welts (hives)
• Severe itching or burning
• Swelling of the face, lips, eyelids (in angioedema)
• Symptoms that come and go rapidly
• Sometimes accompanied by fatigue or fever

In rare cases, urticaria may be associated with breathing difficulty or swelling in the throat, which is a medical emergency.

Diagnosis at Aviva Aesthetics

At Dr. Haripriya’s Aviva Aesthetics, we follow a structured diagnostic approach:

• Detailed history and symptom tracking
• Blood tests or allergy testing (if needed)
• Rule out underlying infections, thyroid issues, or autoimmune causes

Treatment Options

Urticaria treatment is customized based on severity and frequency:

First-Line Treatment

• Non-sedating antihistamines (e.g., levocetirizine, fexofenadine)

For Chronic or Resistant Cases

• Higher doses of antihistamines
• Immunomodulators (like Montelukast or Cyclosporine)
• Biologics (e.g., Omalizumab) in resistant chronic urticaria

Lifestyle Modifications

• Avoid known triggers (food, pressure, heat)
• Manage stress effectively
• Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare

Living with Urticaria

Urticaria can affect quality of life, sleep, and self-esteem. But with proper medical care, monitoring, and lifestyle support, most patients experience significant relief.

At Aviva Aesthetics, our goal is not just to treat your symptoms, but to restore your comfort, confidence, and peace of mind.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult Dr. Samba Raju at Aviva Aesthetics if:

• Your hives persist beyond a week
• You experience frequent recurrences
• Symptoms affect sleep or daily life
• You notice facial swelling or breathing issues