About health problems caused by hives
Urticaria are allergic disorders characterized by changes in the skin, with swollen areas, redness and itching (itch). May affect skin anywhere on the body, including the scalp, lips, palms and soles. Healing can be done through proper care of injuries, monitoring by a specialist and the general state evolution under medication. Should be provided in emergency services in case of life-threatening reactions including wheezing, shortness of breath and syncope (fainting).
Signs and Symptoms
Skin papules (small bumps) are pruritic (itchy) and have the following characteristics: they swell and produce pink or red lesions, popularly called “bumps sweet.” They have clearly defined edges and flat tops. They have a diameter of 1 cm to 5 cm. They come together quickly and form large, flat plaques (larger areas of damage raised, skin color). Wheals and pleasant change shape, disappear and reappear in minutes or hours. These rapid changes are unique to hives.
Causes
Sometimes urticaria causes are unknown. The most common causes are:
- Medicines – in some children, nearly all medicines can cause hives
- Insect bites
- Viral infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- dysproteinaemias
- Exposure to cold, heat, or sunlight aqueous solutions
- Cancers, leukemias
- Contact with animals, especially cats
- Eating eggs, fruit, nuts and shellfish (other foods sometimes cause hives in children but not in adults)
- Food dyes and preservatives (possibly)
Risk Factors
Risk factors include:
- stress
- Allergic (history person allergies)
- A family history of allergies
Diagnosis and complications
Once the cause has been identified hives, it should be avoided. Diagnosis requires observation hives by patient symptoms, medical history and physical exam by a physician (family physician, dermatologist), allergy skin tests and desensitization (sometimes).
One of the possible complications include swelling of the larynx and inability to breathe. Hives can be the first sign of life-threatening anaphylaxis. In this case, will be followed by pruritus (itching), rhinorrhea (runny nose), wheezing, paleness, cold sweats, and hypotension (low arterila). Without prompt treatment, coma and cardiac arrest may occur.
To prevent hives once was identified cause hives, it should be avoided.
Evolution
Evolution is usually unpredictable, depending on the cause. If the appearance of urticaria is responsible for a viral infection or a medication will usually disappear within hours or days. In some cases, it may become chronic and last for months or years. The most frequent spontaneous remission occurs – even if cause is not identified.
Treatment
Home Care
Instructions for your child:
- Avoid medications (including aspirin, laxatives, sedatives, vitamins, antacids, analgesics and cough syrups) without a prescription
- Avoid tight underwear – any skin irritation may lead to new outbreaks
- Avoid hot baths or showers
- Applying cold compresses to relieve itching or local wash
Medications
Urticaria Treatment may include:
- antihistamines
- Ephedrine
- Terbutaline
- Removal cortisone drugs itching and rash (redness)
- Sedatives or tranquilizers for anxiety
- Epinephrine injections for severe symptoms
Tips
Decreased physical activity is recommended to several days after the disappearance uricariei and sweat should be avoided.
If food is suspected as the cause of urticaria, have done a food diary to help identify the causative agent.
Avoid alcohol and coffee or other drinks that contain caffeine. They can trigger episodes of urticaria.
Daily activities can be resumed when appetite reappeared and well afford.