What is allergic urticaria?
Allergic urticaria is a disease of the skin, although it sometimes also appears on the mucous membranes, which manifests itself in the form of a skin rash (whitish or reddish skin welts) and itching all over the body. It is usually more persistent than in the usual cases of urticaria, where the symptoms disappear a few hours after the onset of the process – because there is an allergen that causes it. In these cases, in addition to the typical hives and their inflammation and itching, they are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling or difficulty breathing. It is then when a study by the allergy specialist is required.
Allergic urticaria is usually diagnosed by observation of the skin by a specialist.
Prognosis of the disease
Urticaria is a very annoying pathology but in most cases it is harmless and disappears in about 48 hours. However, it is recommended to visit an allergist for the best diagnosis.
Symptoms of allergic urticaria
The symptoms of urticaria can be itching and swelling or inflammation of the skin surface and even the appearance of reddish-colored welts with distinct borders. These welts may come and go and even enlarge creating areas where the skin is higher.
Medical tests for allergic urticaria
Allergic urticaria is usually diagnosed by observation of the skin by a specialist. There are occasions when a skin biopsy and blood tests may be performed to confirm the allergic reaction and to find out the main reason for the allergic urticaria.
What are the causes of allergic urticaria?
When there is an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine and other chemicals, which causes itching, swelling and other symptoms. Some of the substances that can cause allergic urticaria may include:
- Animal hair
- Insect bites
- Medications
- Pollen
- Food, especially seafood and fish, although dried fruits such as nuts, eggs, milk, etc. can also trigger allergic urticaria.
There are other factors that can develop this pathology such as emotional stress, extreme exposure to cold or sun, different types of diseases and infections, exposure to water, among others.
Can it be prevented?
To prevent urticaria it is important to perform allergy tests in order to identify those substances that can provoke an allergic reaction. Avoiding exposure to these substances prevents the appearance of allergic urticaria.
Treatments for allergic urticaria
There are cases in which treatment is not necessary because the urticaria may disappear on its own. However, the usual treatment for this type of condition is antihistamines and corticosteroids, always under medical supervision. It is also advisable to avoid hot showers and tight clothing that may irritate the area even more.
In cases where the allergic reaction is very severe, epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids may be needed.
What specialist treats you?
Allergology is the medical specialty in charge of the diagnosis and treatment of diseases produced by immunological mechanisms. The important thing to detect if you suffer from any allergy is the realization, by the expert allergist, of an etiological study of the causes, to identify the allergenic source and the diagnosis at the level of molecules, as well as its integral treatment.