How is urticaria best treated?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on November 13, 2024
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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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Urticaria should be seen in which department?

Once urticaria occurs, it is advised to promptly consult a dermatologist, as urticaria is a type of skin disease related to allergies and belongs to the field of dermatology. Urticaria causes many symptoms, such as wheals, erythema, and papules on the skin, accompanied by severe itching. Therefore, it is essential to treat the symptoms in a timely manner. First, identify the allergen and avoid further contact with it. Moreover, use some anti-allergy medications for treatment and generally enhance your own resistance.

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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Characteristics of papular urticaria

Papular urticaria is a type of allergic reaction, generally associated with contact with irritants, or bites from mosquitoes and fleas. The likelihood of occurrence increases if small animals are kept at home. Typically, small red papules or red wheals appear on localized areas of the body or extensively, with a transparent blister on top. The itching is quite severe, and the blisters are prone to bursting when scratched. Once symptoms appear, it is crucial to treat them with proper medication, and care should be taken to prevent infection if the blisters are scratched open. To prevent recurrence, it is advisable not to keep small animals at home, to frequently disinfect clothes, sheets, and duvet covers by exposing them to sunlight to eliminate mites or fleas, and to maintain a standard diet and lifestyle habits.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What medicine is used for urticaria?

Urticaria primarily uses second-generation antihistamines as the first choice, and topical treatments that soothe and relieve itching can be used as appropriate. Traditional Chinese medicine often treats it with herbal decoctions based on syndrome differentiation, and specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
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Is there a difference between measles and urticaria?

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.