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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Urticaria is not contagious.

Urticaria is a hypersensitive skin disease related to the immune system, often occurring in patients with allergic constitutions. Urticaria is not contagious, so there is no need to worry about that. The causes of urticaria are mainly related to food, food additives, viral or bacterial infections, medications, and environmental factors such as climate and pollen. Therefore, if urticaria occurs, it is crucial to promptly identify the allergen and actively avoid triggers to prevent its occurrence. If urticaria does occur, it is essential to seek medical advice promptly.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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How to Distinguish Between Papular Urticaria and Urticaria

Papular urticaria, also known as insect bite dermatitis, is a different disease from urticaria. Urticaria, also known as wheals, is called yinzhen in traditional Chinese medicine, and it is a localized edema of the skin and mucous membranes due to temporary increased vascular permeability. For most patients with urticaria, the exact cause cannot be identified. Common causes include foods, such as animal proteins and certain food additives that induce urticaria. Urticaria can also be triggered by certain infections as allergens, as well as by certain medications such as penicillin, serum products, various vaccines, sulfonamides, etc. Additionally, common inhalants such as pollen, animal dander, dust, fungal spores, dust mites, and volatile chemicals can also trigger urticaria. Papular urticaria is characterized by a small blister in the center of a reddish area, often resulting from bites or stings of various insects like mosquitoes, mites, bees, etc., or from irritation by toxic sap on the skin. Improvement can be seen once removed from the allergenic environment.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How is urticaria caused?

There are many causes of hives, and the most common is related to genetics. If one of the parents has an allergic constitution, then the likelihood of allergies in their offspring significantly increases. Environmental factors also play a role in the occurrence of hives. For example, environments with a lot of dust or dust mites can trigger allergic reactions. Additionally, a humid living environment can promote the growth of fungi, which can also cause hives. The occurrence of hives is also related to food. Individuals who are allergic to proteins might experience hives when consuming high-protein foods like fish, shrimp, crabs, milk, and eggs. Furthermore, viral infections, bacterial infections, and parasite infections can also trigger hives.

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Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
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Can urticaria be contagious?

Urticaria is not contagious. Urticaria, also known as wheals or commonly referred to as hives, is caused by temporary increased vascular permeability in the skin and mucous membranes due to allergic factors, resulting in localized edema. Wheals generally subside quite quickly, typically within 24 hours. The causes of wheals, which are essentially urticaria, may include the food we eat, airborne inhalants, and skin contact with substances such as pollen, dust mites, mold mites, as well as animal dander, fur, etc. Additionally, some cases may be related to infections, and some people may have a lethal factor due to suspicious medications. Moreover, the occurrence of urticaria can also be related to other factors such as cold, heat, ultraviolet light, and mechanical stresses such as friction or pressure. Furthermore, other factors including psychological and endocrine factors can also lead to the occurrence of urticaria.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What is the fastest way to relieve itching from hives?

Urticaria is a type of allergic disease that generally causes large areas of hives to appear rapidly all over the body, accompanied by severe itching. A quick method to relieve itching is the topical application of calamine lotion extensively and taking oral antihistamines, such as loratadine tablets. In cases of acute flare-ups, it may be appropriate to use hormone-based medications, such as dexamethasone injection, administered intravenously or through infusion, as these act quickly. For chronic urticaria treatment, it is generally advised against the use of hormones; standard oral antihistamines should suffice. Urticaria tends to recur; therefore, it's important to maintain a controlled diet and lifestyle habits. Foods and substances to avoid include chili peppers, mutton, seafood, and alcohol.