Chronic urticaria is afraid of heat or cold?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 22sec home-news-image

Chronic urticaria has persisted for two years and has not improved for a long time. What should I do?

Chronic urticaria, which has persisted for two years, requires a treatment approach combining Chinese and Western medicines. It is necessary to use some anti-allergic medications which can be selected under a doctor's guidance, such as Ketotifen Fumarate Tablets, Desloratadine Dispersible Tablets, Olopatadine Hydrochloride Tablets, and Chlorcyclizine Hydrochloride Tablets. Additionally, combining Chinese traditional medicine or patented Chinese medicine such as Cicada Itch-Relief Capsules and Moisture-Nourishing Itch-Relief Capsules can be beneficial. Urticaria is a type of chronic skin, an allergic skin disease, characterized by complex causes and stubborn conditions, often resulting in poor treatment outcomes and frequent relapses. Chronic urticaria mainly presents with erythema and wheals, accompanied by itching. It is important to avoid contact with allergens when experiencing chronic urticaria. Dietary restrictions, especially avoiding high-protein foods and pungent items, are also crucial. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 2sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 34sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

Can acute urticaria turn into chronic urticaria?

Acute urticaria generally heals quickly if treated properly after onset. If the treatment is delayed or improper, and the disease is not completely cured within a month and a half, it automatically enters a chronic phase. Treatment in the chronic phase is more troublesome, requiring long-term medication. Therefore, once this condition is detected, it is crucial to seek formal treatment, avoid spicy and irritating foods, enhance exercise, strengthen immunity, and avoid buying and using medications arbitrarily, as this could complicate treatment if it becomes chronic. For severe cases of acute urticaria, if feasible, patients can also go to the dermatology department of a regular hospital for infusion therapy, which can speed up recovery. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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.