Is there a difference between measles and urticaria?

Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Measles and hives are two completely different skin diseases. In terms of etiology, measles is caused by a viral infection, while hives are an allergic skin disease. Clinically, measles presents with diffuse red rash all over the body, accompanied by high fever and mucous membrane catarrhal symptoms, such as red eyes, excessive eye discharge, and so on. On the other hand, hives present with wheal-like skin lesions. Wheals refer to pale red or skin-colored raised lesions that can vary in shape and are usually quite large. They typically develop very rapidly and then subside within a few hours, with most wheals disappearing within 24 hours. Hives are also usually accompanied by severe itching.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is postpartum urticaria contagious?

Postpartum urticaria is not contagious. The occurrence of urticaria is mainly an allergic reaction to various factors such as certain foods, medications, plants, or infections. Clinically, it mainly manifests as dilation and increased permeability of small blood vessels in the skin and mucosa, resulting in skin rashes and redness. However, this condition is related to a decrease in the body's immune strength, making postpartum urticaria more likely to occur after childbirth. Postpartum urticaria has a certain hereditary nature. When postpartum urticaria occurs, one should not scratch it to prevent breaking the skin and causing secondary infections. Avoid using irritating liquids for cleansing or hot water for washing. When itching occurs, topical antipruritic agents can be applied. It is advisable to eat fresh vegetables and fruits in daily life and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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How is urticaria best treated?

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, occurs when there is a localized swelling due to temporary increased vascular permeability of the skin and mucous membranes. It can be divided into acute urticaria and chronic urticaria. Acute urticaria often has a sudden onset. Chronic urticaria is characterized by recurrent skin lesions for more than six weeks, with episodes occurring at least twice a week, termed as chronic urticaria. The preferred treatment for acute urticaria is the use of second-generation H1 receptor antagonists with a strong sedative effect. The combination of vitamin C and calcium supplements can reduce vascular permeability and have a synergistic effect with antihistamines. For chronic urticaria, the treatment of choice is also second-generation H1 receptor antagonists. When one medication is ineffective, two to three drugs may be combined or alternated. It is also recommended to combine Chinese medicine to adjust the overall physical condition while gradually reducing the dosage of Western medicine to control the condition.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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How long does it take for children's urticaria to heal on its own?

There are many reasons why children may develop hives, such as exposure to allergens, bacterial infection, or genetic factors. If children display symptoms of hives, parents must promptly identify the cause and treat the condition with medication based on the examination results. Normally, hives cannot heal on their own; not only are they unlikely to resolve without treatment, but they may also recur. If a child suffers from hives, it is best for parents to take them to the hospital for a detailed and comprehensive examination, and to follow the guidance of a professional doctor for safe and effective targeted treatment.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Symptoms of postpartum urticaria

Postpartum hives are mainly characterized by subjective itching symptoms on the skin. On the surface of the skin, you can see patches of varying sizes with a reddish color, some of which may also feel burning. Generally, this can occur within the first few hours and then quickly subside, but it is prone to recurrent outbreaks. Additionally, some patients may experience gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and can even cause palpitations and difficulty breathing. When hives are detected, it is advisable to go to the hospital in a timely manner, and ask professional doctors to actively carry out examinations and treatments.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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urticaria symptoms

Acute urticaria manifests as sudden severe itching of the skin, quickly followed by hives of various sizes. In severe cases, symptoms can include palpitations, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and other signs of anaphylactic shock. Chronic urticaria is characterized by recurrent outbreaks of hives, often lasting for several months or years.