Chronic urticaria is a skin condition that causes recurring hives, which can be itchy and uncomfortable. The causes are not always known, but treatment can manage symptoms with antihistamines and lifestyle changes. Women and the elderly are more prone to the condition, and testing is recommended to rule out underlying diseases.
Chronic urticaria is a skin condition in which someone repeatedly suffers from hives, also known as urticaria. Hives are raised welts in the skin that may be red or white and are commonly itchy. In the case of chronic hives, either the hives persist for six weeks or more, or they frequently come and go in cycles. People who suffer from hives of the chronic variety can find the condition very frustrating.
The causes of chronic urticaria aren’t always known. Sometimes, skin breakouts can be traced to an undiagnosed allergy, bacterial infection, or autoimmune condition, in which case addressing the underlying cause can resolve the hives. In other cases, no cause may be identifiable, in which case treatment of hives focuses on managing them and reducing the severity of outbreaks to keep the patient more comfortable.
If the hives persist, the patient may develop more serious problems, such as scabs, cracks and peeling. In addition to looking unsightly and making the patient uncomfortable in social situations, these problems can also lead to infection, as breaks in the skin provide a perfect entry point for infectious organisms such as harmful bacteria.
Hives occur when specialized skin cells called mast cells flood the area with histamines and other chemicals. Under normal circumstances, this response is desirable because it is designed to protect the body from injury. However, these cells can be overstimulated, releasing excessive amounts of chemicals and causing hives.
Cases of chronic hives can be managed with the use of antihistamine medications designed to counteract mast cell activity. The patient may also be able to reduce outbreaks by making changes to diet, exercise, and other habits. Something as simple as showering a few degrees cooler or using a different type of soap can sometimes make a big difference for patients with this condition, radically reducing irritation.
Women are more likely to develop chronic hives than men, and the condition appears more commonly in the elderly. People with a personal or family history of allergies and immune disorders may also be more prone to hives. When a patient has this condition, a doctor usually recommends extensive testing to explore the possibility that the hives are caused by an allergy or an underlying disease process, because the doctor doesn’t want to miss out on a serious diagnosis by focusing only on skin issues.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
