WELTS

A welt is a condition affecting the skin featured by red erupted and itchy rashes all over the body.

This condition is also known as Urticaria, Hives and Nettle rash.

The outbreak is triggered with the production of histamines in response to an allergen. In response to the protein called histamine, fluid leaks from minute blood vessels called capillaries. Once this fluid accumulates it results in rashes. The following factors may trigger an urticaria:

• Allergic reaction
• Skin is in touch with an irritant like latex, chemicals or nettles.
• Medicines particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and ACE inhibitors
• Exertion of pressure on skin, low temperature etc.

Children and women are more at risk to develop this condition. If it disappears within 6 weeks, the condition is termed as acute urticaria and the one exceeding 6 weeks is chronic urticaria.

Symptoms

Urticaria

The rashes that develop in this condition also manifests swellings, called wheals. These are pink or red in colour and these oval structures cause itching. The size varies from time to time.

Anaphylactic manifestations include swellings at various body parts, vomiting, cold and clammy skin, increased heart rate, dizziness and nervousness.

Causes

Acute urticaria

A release of histamine in response to the allergen is the reason behind welts.

Allergens may include

Medicines – NSAIDS like aspirin and few antibiotics are thought to stimulate an allergic response.

Foods – this include nuts, citrus fruits, eggs, chocolate, food preservatives, strawberries and shellfish.

Infections – cold, flu, hepatitis B, glandular fever and intestinal parasites are thought to account for this condition.

Irritants, leading to local urticaria – few of these include latex, plants, nettles, chemicals and insect bites.

Chronic urticaria

An autoimmune response is the only known cause in this respect.

Risk factors include stress, alcoholism, increased caffeine intake, warm temperature, tight clothing and medications.

Treatment

Acute urticaria

As the symptoms are mild and disappears in a few days, active management is not needed always. Antihistamines may be administered in case of serious cases
As it counteracts the action of histamine. However it is not indicated during pregnancy.

A high dose of corticosteroid may be administered to treat a condition that is not responding to antihistamine therapy.

Chronic urticaria

In this case symptomatic management is more widely followed. Antihistamines may also be widely used. Menthol cream can also help relieve the itching.

Avoiding triggers

Like all conditions it’s always better to prevent the condition. Identifying and avoiding the triggers or risk factors can help a person prevent the occurrence of this condition.

Complications

People with acute urticaria are also likely to develop acute angioedema. It will disappear within days but one should seek medical intervention in case of breathing difficulty.

Chronic urticaria

In most of the people it reappear within a few years. Frustration is another problem faced by the victims. A counselling can be helpful in this case.