Live Life Team
Diagnosis
Acute urticaria
By examining the rash on the skin, we can successfully diagnose acute urticaria. The doctor will try to find out what triggered urticaria, which can be avoided in future. Doctor will ask you: History of this condition in your family, Bitten by any insect, food intake, previous illness, you have traveled recently, consuming any medicines, Live or work near to latex glove, chemicals, pets, when & where the condition started.
The condition normally vanishes in few days, however in 50% of cases causes cannot be determined, but there can be a chance of an allergic substance and you be taken to an allergic clinic on the advice of the doctor. Blood and skin test are carried out to check it you are allergic to ant chemicals, dust mites and food.
Chronic urticaria
Allergy test are not recommended if the condition persists for more than 6 weeks. Your doctor will ask you about you consuming any caffeine, alcohol or medicines that can make the condition worse.
The following test are also conducted to check if there are any underlying causes for chronic urticaria : liver function test, thyroid test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate test, stool sample and a full blood count test.
Treatment
Acute urticaria
Acute urticaria doesn’t require any treatment as it may go in few days. In case the condition persists, Antihistamines are given to block histamine effects which stop the signs of itchiness and reduce the rash. These do not cause drowsiness except a few. You should notice the reaction of antihistamines before operating heavy machines or driving. If consumed with alcohol, this can cause drowsiness.
Antihistamines are not completely safe to be given during pregnancies. Instead chlorphenamine is give. Pregnant women taking chlorphenamine shall not cause any harm to the unborn child.
In case of severe symptoms, a course of high dose oral corticosteroids are given. This suppresses the immune system and in turn symptoms of urticaria. The course should not be for more than 5 days.
Incase the condition worsens after 2 weeks you need to return to the doctor.
Chronic urticaria
This treatment involves in controlling the symptoms and also avoiding triggers, that make the worsen the symptoms.
In case of chronic urticaria & angio-oedema you are referred to dermatologist, allergist and immunologist as angio-oedema can cause difficulty in breathing.
Antihistamines can also be used to treat symptoms of chronic urticaria. Consumption is prescribed as long as symptoms persist. In addition to these menthol cream can also be used as it relieves from itchiness. Short doses of corticosteroids can be given in case of severe condition of urticaria
Avoiding triggers
Avoiding triggers is best option for people with chronic urticaria. Avoiding triggers like medication, caffeine, alcohol are be easier as compared to stress, especially if it is related to your personal life, in such cases relaxation techniques are recommended.
The symptoms can also be worsen by effects of soaps, detergents and skin creams, hence hypo allergic lotions and soaps are recommended.
Diet
Role of diet in people with chronic urticaria can be debatable. Certain food that produces histamine needs to be avoided to control symptoms. While other feel this study was carried out for very short time and not long enough to prove.
However if you wish to avoid certain foods that can control your symptoms, you need to take note of the foods that are know to be the cause for producing histamine like: Chocolate, strawberries, processed meats, tomato products, fish and yoghurt.
Complications
Acute urticaria
Acute angioedema is also developed by at least 25% of people suffering from acute urticaria. This will pass within 3 days. Incase of any breathing difficulty you need to dial 999. Oral Corticosteroids and antihistamines are given to treat angioedema.
Chronic urticaria
Around 25% of chronic urticaria cases will persist more than 10 years, while 50% cases will resolve in 3-5 years time. Frustration along with depression can come in by living with a chronic condition. You need to contact your doctor who will prescribe certain antidepressant and shall provide some counseling
If you need someone to talk to out of hours you can call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. There is also additional support from the NHS for people living with chronic conditions.
