Dr. MUDoç. Dr. Mehmet Ünal
TRENDE

Urticaria

Urticaria (Hives)

Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by sudden, itchy, red, and swollen lesions. These lesions usually disappear within a few hours and may reappear on different parts of the body. Urticaria can develop due to allergic reactions, infections, stress, or physical triggers. Although it can significantly affect quality of life, proper diagnosis and treatment can effectively control it.

Types And Features Of Urticaria

Urticaria is classified according to its duration and cause:

Acute Urticaria

  • Duration: Less than 6 weeks
  • Causes: Allergic reactions, infections, medications
  • Symptoms: Sudden onset, severe itching
  • Prognosis: Generally good, self-limiting
  • Treatment: Antihistamines, avoidance of triggers

Chronic Urticaria

  • Duration: More than 6 weeks
  • Causes: Autoimmune diseases, chronic infections
  • Symptoms: Recurrent attacks, impacts quality of life
  • Prognosis: Long-term treatment may be needed
  • Treatment: Comprehensive approach, immunomodulators

Physical Urticaria

  • Dermographic Urticaria: Appears when skin is scratched
  • Cold Urticaria: Triggered by cold exposure
  • Heat Urticaria: Triggered by heat exposure
  • Solar Urticaria: Triggered by sunlight
  • Vibratory Urticaria: Triggered by vibrations

Cholinergic Urticaria

  • Cause: Sweating, hot baths, exercise
  • Symptoms: Small, itchy papules
  • Location: Trunk, neck, face
  • Duration: 30-60 minutes
  • Treatment: Antihistamines, avoidance of triggers

Causes And Triggers Of Urticaria

Urticaria can develop due to many factors:

Allergic Causes

  • Food Allergies: Nuts, seafood, eggs, milk
  • Drug Allergies: Antibiotics, painkillers, aspirin
  • Insect Bites: Bees, wasps, mosquitoes
  • Latex Allergy: Gloves, balloons, medical materials

Infections

  • Viral Infections: Upper respiratory infections
  • Bacterial Infections: Dental abscess, sinusitis
  • Parasitic Infections: Intestinal parasites
  • Fungal Infections: Candida, dermatophytes

Physical Factors

  • Pressure: Tight clothes, bag straps
  • Temperature: Cold, heat, sunlight
  • Vibration: Electric tools, driving
  • Water: Contact with water (aquagenic urticaria)

Systemic Diseases

  • Autoimmune Diseases: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis
  • Thyroid Diseases: Hashimoto, Graves
  • Cancer: Lymphoma, leukemia
  • Endocrine Disorders: Diabetes, adrenal insufficiency