Urticaria manifests itself as a set of red and raised irritations of varying sizes; they can be as small as a fiver or as large as a plate. These red spots are very itchy and sometimes painful, but usually go away within 24 hours. If you are concerned that you have hives, find out about its characteristics and causes so that you can learn to recognize it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Look for signs similar to large, itchy pink wheals or patches
The cause of the itching is to be found in the production of histamine which is triggered to fight the allergens that are attacking the body. These skin wheals can be of different sizes and tend to spread to different areas of the body.
Sometimes the spots may be brown or the same complexion. Usually in the central area they show a bulge or a linear raised area surrounded by a red ring or halo. As they grow, the wheals take on an annular, round or oval shape
Step 2. Check if the spots have joined together to form a larger lesion
Sometimes many small lesions cluster and form a larger skin rash. Pay attention to whether your skin problem is progressing to see if it is getting worse. Keep in mind that this is quite common, but the spots usually disappear within a few hours.
Step 3. See if your lips and / or eyes swell
In this case it means that you are suffering from angioedema. It is a skin disorder associated with hives, but it affects the deeper tissues. If your urticaria results from this condition, you should notice:
- Large, thick bumps;
- Pain, redness and warmth around the spots.
Step 4. Pay attention to the duration of the urticaria
Usually, it develops suddenly and disappears within a few hours. Even if it seems troubling or serious to you, keep in mind that it should fade without leaving any particular consequences in the long run. It rarely lasts longer than 24 hours, and in most cases it disappears much sooner.
If you find that it lasts more than a day, see your doctor, as it could be vasculitic urticaria, a complex autoimmune disease that is often confused with the common and simple urticaria
Step 5. Try to "write" on the skin with your finger
In some cases, the urticaria can be of the dermographic type. Dermographism is a symptom that consists of a sign similar to a linear and swollen lesion that can remain up to half an hour when trying to "write" on the skin with the fingernail of a finger. The cause of this reaction is still unknown, but some people with hives also have this disorder.
Step 6. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe
As mentioned, hives usually go away on their own, but if this doesn't happen within 24 hours, you need to see your doctor. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact them immediately:
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing;
- Chest pain or tightness
- Dizziness;
- Dyspnea;
- Swelling of the face, especially of the tongue and lips.
Part 2 of 2: Know the Causes and Risk Factors
Step 1. Determine if you are at risk for hives
Some people are more likely to develop it, and being aware of your predisposition can help you understand if you are actually affected by this disorder. People who are most vulnerable to this dermatological reaction are:
- Anyone with known allergies;
- People who have had hives in the past or who have family members who have been affected by it before;
- Those who suffer from certain conditions, such as lymphoma, thyroid disorders or lupus.
Step 2. Assess if you have been exposed to allergens
Sometimes, some allergenic agents can trigger a rash of hives. If in your case the dermatological disorder occurs only in a specific area of the body, the cause could just be allergic in nature.
- Common contact allergens include insect bites, animal hair and latex. To determine if the factor responsible for hives is a substance you are allergic to, look at which part of your body has come into contact with the irritant.
- In case of widespread urticaria on the body, the responsible factor could be some food allergen; the most common are: shellfish, nuts, fresh berries, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate and milk.
- If you suspect that the agent responsible for hives is some substance that triggers an allergy, make an appointment with your doctor for an allergy test. In order not to suffer from this problem in the future, you will have to avoid everything that triggers it.
Step 3. Analyze the potential side effects of medications
There are many medicines that have hives as an undesirable effect. If you are currently being treated with any medication, read the list of side effects on the leaflet to determine if the urticaria can be induced by the treatment you are taking.
If urticaria is also on the list, contact your doctor as soon as possible to let him know that you are suffering from this disorder; he will probably decide to prescribe another drug for you. In any case, you should not stop the treatment without first talking to your doctor
Step 4. Consider the environment and lifestyle
These factors can also be responsible for hives. Excessive exposure to heat, cold, humidity, sunlight, or some other extreme weather conditions could be a contributing factor to your skin disorder. In addition, excessive stress or exaggerated physical activity can also induce hives.
Step 5. See your doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions
Although there are no tests that can diagnose hives, your doctor can undergo some allergy tests and check if you have other diseases that could be causing your skin disorder. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to perform a follow-up exam and get a diagnosis.
