Difference between acute and chronic urticaria

Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

2min 44sec

Treatment methods for chronic urticaria

Urticaria with a duration of more than six weeks without healing, occurring more than twice a week, is called chronic urticaria. Chronic urticaria, due to repeated occurrences and severity, affects the quality of life and therefore requires active treatment. Urticaria, commonly known as hives, and in traditional Chinese medicine called "addiction rash," is caused by the dilation and increased permeability of small blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes, resulting in a localized edematous response characterized by erythematous wheals and itching. The onset of urticaria is rapid, and it fades quickly without leaving a trace, coming and going like a shadow. Urticaria is caused by factors that lead to vascular dilation, increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, increased gland secretion, and localized or systemic allergic symptoms in the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and digestive tract. Therefore, the treatment principles for chronic urticaria are: first, to actively seek out and eliminate the cause. Some cases of urticaria are caused by certain foods, such as beef, lamb, seafood, tropical fruits, etc. Others are drug-induced. Some may relate to airborne dust mites, pollen, etc. External factors like temperature and sunlight may also trigger outbreaks. By analyzing the timing and locations of urticaria occurrences or worsenings, one can investigate potential causes. Second, if the cause is unknown and no triggering factors have been identified, symptomatic treatment should be started, primarily using oral antihistamines and topical calamine lotion to relieve itching. Third, in cases of acute onset with symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, it is advisable to immediately seek medical attention at a hospital. Fourth, recurrent urticaria, aside from external triggers, is related to the body's own immune strength. At this point, it is recommended to seek treatment at an established traditional Chinese medicine hospital for herbal regulation, and to gradually reduce antihistamine medication, which can be an effective approach.

Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

57sec

Methods for Curing Chronic Urticaria

Chronic urticaria is relatively difficult to cure completely. Clinically, antihistamine drugs are usually chosen for treatment. Options include fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets, olopatadine hydrochloride tablets, or levocetirizine dihydrochloride tablets. If conventional medications do not effectively control chronic urticaria, low-dose hormone therapy or immunosuppressants may also be considered. Additionally, since chronic urticaria is somewhat related to a decrease in body immunity, it is necessary to use drugs that enhance the immune system alongside treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and therapies tailored to individual conditions can also be used. Furthermore, acupuncture, cupping, and acupoint injection are treatment methods that can be effective for managing chronic urticaria.

Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 2sec

How can chronic urticaria be treated to be completely cured?

Chronic urticaria is relatively difficult to cure completely. It can be managed effectively through standardized medication and lifestyle adjustments to reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Chronic urticaria is usually related to a decrease in the body's immunity; certain allergens can also trigger it. Therefore, treatment of chronic urticaria should include medications that enhance immune function combined with antihistamines. Commonly used thymopeptides can strengthen immunity, and antihistamines such as chlorcyclizine hydrochloride tablets, olopatadine hydrochloride tablets, or loratadine tablets may be chosen. It is also important to avoid inhaling, touching, or ingesting substances that trigger urticaria. Additionally, avoiding staying up late, maintaining a regular schedule, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and engaging in appropriate exercise to enhance the body's immunity are recommended.

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

28sec

Difference between acute and chronic urticaria

Acute and chronic urticaria can be distinguished by their symptoms. Acute urticaria has a sudden onset with the rapid appearance of wheals, often accompanied by severe itching, and generally subsides within several days to weeks. If outbreaks occur more than twice a week and persist for more than six weeks, it then progresses to chronic urticaria, which is protracted but with milder symptoms, triggering acute episodes under allergenic factors.

Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 34sec

Chronic urticaria is afraid of heat or cold?

Urticaria, commonly known as wheals or hives, is referred to as 'Yinzhen' in Chinese medicine. It results from temporary increased vascular permeability in the skin and mucous membranes that causes localized edema. Chronic urticaria is defined as recurrent skin lesions for more than six weeks, with outbreaks occurring at least twice a week. Symptoms of chronic urticaria are generally mild overall, with varying frequency and intensity of hives that can persist for months or even years. Most cases of chronic urticaria are associated with infections or systemic diseases. Most patients with chronic urticaria are heat-sensitive; their itching worsens with heat exposure and the wheals are bright red. However, there is a special type of chronic urticaria known as cold-induced urticaria. This type is rare and has familial ties, usually associated with autosomal dominant inheritance. Another more common type is acquired cold-induced urticaria, which manifests after exposure to cold air, water, or objects. The exposed or contacted areas develop wheals. In severe cases, symptoms can include localized numbness, chest tightness, palpitations, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even fainting or shock. Consuming cold beverages might also cause swelling in the mouth or throat.

Difference between acute and chronic urticaria

Trending Health Topics

Get the latest health & wellness news daily right to your inbox.

Other Voices

Treatment methods for chronic urticaria

Methods for Curing Chronic Urticaria

How can chronic urticaria be treated to be completely cured?

Difference between acute and chronic urticaria

Chronic urticaria is afraid of heat or cold?