Hives (also known as urticaria) are a widespread skin condition that can be incited by many substances or situations. They manifest as red, raised, itchy welts of varying sizes on the skin’s surface, often resembling a nettle sting rash.
Angioedema is the medical term used to describe swelling. This can occur anywhere but is usually obvious when the swelling involves the face, ears, hands, feet, or scrotum.
Whenever hives (urticaria) and/or swelling (angioedema) is present, many people assume it is caused by an allergy as the same chemicals are released as in an allergic reaction and the signs, i.e. hives and swelling, are the same as those which occur in an allergic reaction.
If there is an allergic trigger, this is usually very obvious and clear patterns are seen. For example, if someone has a peanut allergy, every time they eat peanuts, they quickly may develop urticaria and angioedema but it also resolves quickly, within an hour or two.
If there are no patterns as to when the urticaria and angioedema are occurring, then an allergic trigger is unlikely, especially if the symptoms last for days or weeks.
If you need on advice on hives and swelling, and what might be causing it, speak to Dr Helen Allergy today.
For any allergy questions or issues that you may have, contact us as soon as you can so you can get the correct diagnosis and treatment
Viral illnesses are often implicated in the cause of urticaria and angioedema. This is most likely the case if the person is unwell at the time and if the hives and swelling only last for a few days or weeks.
If the symptoms last for longer than six weeks, and there are no common patterns, this is named Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. This is an extremely common condition and frustratingly, the full cause of this is unknown although it is thought to be an autoimmune condition in around 50%.
Whilst a cure is not possible, for many patients the condition burns itself out eventually and in the interim, effective treatments are available.
Allergy testing is rarely helpful for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria, and the history is made based on the details which arise from a consultation.
Whilst the underlying cause for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria is not known, it can be triggered for some patients by a variety of factors. These include:
Symptoms of urticaria and angioedema can usually be controlled with appropriate doses of long-acting antihistamines. When this is not effective, there are other oral medications that can be used.
If an individual has uncontrolled urticaria or is having episodes of spontaneous anaphylaxis, specialist treatment using an injectable medication may be needed. This medication would be initiated by specialist allergy centres.
For any allergy questions or issues that you may have, contact us as soon as you can so you can get the correct diagnosis and treatment
Raised, itchy welts on the skin.
Deep swelling often under the skin, especially lips, eyes.
No — many are non-allergic in origin.
Antihistamines and trigger avoidance.
If symptoms recur frequently or involve airway swelling.
