It is common skin allergic skin reaction ,can be some times because of ingested drugs that causes it(like few antibiotic or pain killers etc) or ingested food that triggered it. This condition presents with severe irritation and swelling and itching on the skin of various sizes and shapes.
Apart from this allergic Urticaria there are some which are physical in origin: sun, cold, pressure.
It takes form of a wheals red at periphery and central pallor. Can occur anywhere in the body
moves - Welts that resolve while new welts erupt, making it seem as if the condition “moves”.
Itchy - Itch may be surrounded by a red flare
Burning - Burning or stinging in the affected area is very rare.
Hives can be either acute or chronic. Acute hives last from less than one day up to six weeks. Chronic hives last more than six weeks – sometimes for months to years.
Angiodema hives
Angiodema is a special form of Urticaria.
It is distinguished by a swelling on the face with edema of the lips, the eye- lids (“slitty eye”), some of the mucous membranes, and other parts of the body. There is no pruritus but instead a painful or burning sensation.
Treatment can offer relief for intense itching, serious discomfort or symptoms that persist.
Local Measures
Systemic Measures
Antihistamine therapy with H1 antagonists is the therapy of choice .Hydroxyzine is often the best drug in chronic cases. It may be used alone or with other antihistamines, and dosage should be pushed to limit of tolerance or to subsidence of symptoms.
New – second generation H1 antihistamines are less sedating due to their decreased penetration of the blood – brain barrier and provide a 24-hour relief. Oral Corticosteroids- Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone can aid in reducing inflammation, redness and itching- but are only used for short term for severe hives or Angiodema.
Chronic Urticaria- Identification and treatment or removal of the trigger factor is the most important and only effective long term therapy
Avoidance of aspirin or food additives has been claimed to improve the condition of 50% of patients with chronic idiopathic Urticaria.