How can chronic urticaria be treated to be completely cured?

Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

Updated on August 31, 2024

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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 27sec

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What are the symptoms of an acute outbreak of chronic urticaria?

Chronic urticaria is characterized by skin lesions that repeatedly flare up for more than six weeks, with occurrences at least twice per week, and is known as chronic urticaria. Patients with chronic urticaria generally exhibit mild systemic symptoms. The welts vary in number, frequently reoccur, and can last for months to years. In cases of chronic urticaria, when patients consume certain foods or come into contact with specific allergens, they may suddenly experience symptoms similar to those of acute urticaria; this is referred to as an acute outbreak of chronic urticaria. Patients often experience sudden skin itching, and quickly develop welts of varying sizes that are red, round, oval, or irregular in shape. These welts may be distributed individually or merge into patches. Sometimes the welts turn pale, other times they become erythematous, and gradually disappear. In severe cases, patients may experience palpitations, chest tightness, decreased blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, or gastrointestinal mucosal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If the larynx swells, it can lead to difficulty breathing or even asphyxiation.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 34sec

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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

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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 Qu Jing

Dermatology

2min 44sec

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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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 22sec

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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.)