Urticaria (Hives)
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a condition characterized by the sudden appearance of itchy wheals or patches on the skin that resemble nettle stings. It occurs due to an overreaction of the immune system or the release of biologically active substances, specifically histamine, which leads to skin swelling and redness.
Why Urticaria Occurs
Hives can appear on any part of the body, change location quickly, and usually disappear without a trace within a few hours or days.
In most cases, urticaria is not life-threatening. However, severe cases or those involving angioedema (swelling of deeper tissues) require immediate medical attention.
Modern medicine allows for effective symptom control and identification of the underlying cause.
- Urticaria is caused by the activation of skin cells that release histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This results in blood vessel dilation, increased permeability, and the appearance of characteristic wheals and itching.
- Triggers vary widely. For some patients, hives are linked to an allergic reaction to food, medications, insect bites, or contact with certain substances.
- In other cases, triggers include infections, physical stimuli (cold, heat, pressure), stress, chronic diseases, or immune system malfunctions.
- Often, a specific cause cannot be identified. These situations are referred to as idiopathic urticaria, where rashes appear without an obvious external trigger.
Symptoms of Urticaria: How to Identify Them
- The primary symptom of urticaria is the appearance of wheals or red patches accompanied by intense itching. The rash can vary in size and shape, merge together, and rapidly shift from one area to another. The surrounding skin is usually red, and localized swelling may occur.
- A key feature is the temporary nature of the rash. Individual elements disappear within 24 hours, though new ones may appear. Unlike infectious or other dermatological conditions, hives do not leave scars or scaling.
- In some patients, hives are accompanied by swelling of the lips, eyelids, tongue, or throat. This condition requires urgent medical care as it can affect breathing.
Types of Urticaria
Urticaria is classified based on its duration and triggers. The most common distinction is between acute and chronic forms.
This classification helps the doctor more accurately determine the underlying mechanism of the condition and select the optimal treatment strategy.
Acute Urticaria
- Lasts up to 6 weeks and is most often linked to allergic reactions to food, medication, infections, or insect bites. Symptoms appear suddenly and generally respond well to treatment.
Chronic Urticaria
- Persists for more than 6 weeks and can last for months or years. It often lacks a clear external cause and may be related to autoimmune processes or hypersensitive skin cells.
Physical Urticaria
- Triggered by physical factors such as cold, heat, sunlight, pressure, vibration, or water.
Cholinergic Urticaria
- Occurs due to an increase in body temperature, such as during exercise, stress, or a hot shower. It is characterized by small, itchy spots.
How to identify urticaria
To diagnose hives, a doctor evaluates the appearance of the rash, its duration, and the circumstances under which it appeared. A detailed medical history is crucial, including information about diet, medications, recent infections, and potential irritants.
If an allergy is suspected, skin prick tests or blood tests for specific IgE antibodies may be performed. For chronic cases, further testing may be recommended to rule out systemic, autoimmune, or endocrine disorders.
Accurate diagnosis allows not only to confirm urticaria, but also to understand what exactly provokes the symptoms.
Diagnostics of Urticaria
Experience shows that effective treatment of urticaria is impossible without a thorough diagnosis. The doctor’s task is not just to clear the rash, but to determine the mechanism behind its appearance.
Depending on the clinical situation, laboratory blood tests, allergy tests, and assessments of inflammatory markers and internal organ functions may be used. In cases of chronic urticaria, it is crucial to rule out systemic diseases and hidden infections.
A comprehensive diagnostic approach allows doctors to move beyond symptomatic treatment and address the actual cause of the problem.
Treatment of Urticaria
- Modern treatment of urticaria, especially the chronic form, is based on international EAACI, EuroGuiDerm, and APAAACI guidelines (2024–2026 updates). The foundation is a step-by-step therapy approach, where treatment is intensified if the previous step fails to control symptoms.
- The algorithm begins with second-generation antihistamines. If the standard dose is insufficient, a doctor may increase the dosage.
- For persistent or severe forms, biological therapy – specifically the drug Omalizumab – is used. In cases where biological therapy does not provide adequate control, immunosuppressants such as Cyclosporine may be used.
- This step-by-step approach allows for personalized treatment, effectively controls symptoms, and significantly reduces the frequency of hives flare-ups.
Allergist doctors at AirDOC who specialize in the treatment of urticaria
The specialists of the clinic specialize in the treatment of urticaria, conduct research, attend international conferences, practices and training, in order to bring modern and effective methods of treatment to Ukraine.
Prices
For any clarifications you can contact our contact center
Allergist
Consultation
Comprehensive consultation by a specialist of the highest category
1 500 uah
Comprehensive consultation of a leading specialist, candidate of medical sciences
1 700 uah
Comprehensive consultation of an expert, doctor of medical sciences, professor
2 400 uah
Allergological consultation (with the participation of a professor / leading specialist / specialist)
3 900 uah
Consultation before ASIT
600 uah
Online consultation
Comprehensive consultation with a doctor of the highest category
1 500 uah
Comprehensive consultation of a leading specialist, candidate of medical sciences
1 700 uah
Comprehensive consultation of an expert, doctor of medical sciences, professor
2 4000 uah
We will always help!
Good day! My name is Maria, I am your personal manager. You can contact me by phone and I will be happy to answer your questions!
+380443344848
Or leave your number and we will call you.
Address
м. Київ
пр-т Володимира Івасюка, 4а
Working hours
Пн, вт, ср, чт, пт 08:00-19:00
сб 08:00-16:00