Hives (Urticaria) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 I am a 26 year old married woman and have a tendency to Urticaria? Can I prevent it?

Here are few guidelines to prevent urticaria at a general level:

• Urticaria can be prevented by identifying and avoiding the particular substance or circumstance that triggered the skin reaction.
• Simple lifestyle changes can help in prevention from recurring in the future.
• Allergy shot is another option to reduce the risk of experiencing hives again.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing or being in high-humidity areas if you have had a recent hives attack, as this may cause another outbreak.
• Keep a food and symptom diary to identify the food that may be triggering the outbreak.
• Persons who are allergic to insect venom may be advised to keep an epinephrine kit for emergency injections to prevent anaphylaxis.

2 What happens if I stop taking Homeopathic medicines for my problem of urticaria?

To avail maximum benefits of Homeopathic treatment, it is advisable to continue homeopathic treatment till it is recommended by the doctors. However, even if you stop your treatment, do not worry of any side effects or the disease getting aggravated or returning back in full form. To get HOMEOPATHIC treatment from our expert doctors, click on Hives (Urticaria) Homeopathic Treatment.

3 What are the dietary precautions to be taken to prevent complications of Urticaria?

Two types of chemicals in foods are believed to trigger Urticaria in some people:

• Vasoactive amines: Foods that contain vasoactive amines, or cause histamine release, include shellfish, strawberries, tomatoes, fish, chocolate, pineapple, etc.
• Salicylates: Salicylates are naturally occurring aspirin-like compounds that are found in a wide variety of foods of plant origin. Foods that contain salicylates include tomatoes, spices, orange juice, raspberries, tea, etc.Few more..
• Drink plenty of water.
• Consume lots of fresh and raw fruits and vegetables.
• Eat a generally healthy diet, including five portions of vegetables per day, brown rice, millet, oily fish and a little fruit (no oranges).
• Consume diet rich in vitamin A and zinc, helps in regeneration of the skin.
• Diet rich in vitamin A:

  - Liver oils of fish, egg, milk and milk products,

  - Yellow orange colored fruits and vegetables; green leafy vegetables are good source of - carotene.

• Foods rich in zinc:

  - Eggs, nuts, sea plants especially Japanese sea plants.

• Increase intake of vitamin C, it helps maintain healthy skin:

  - Milk and milk products, citrus fruits, green vegetables

  - Fruits and vegetables when fresh have maximum of vitamin C.

• Have coriander leaves frequently, its high in vitamin C and helps to maintain healthy skin.
• You can have 3-4 strands of saffron in milk, it is beneficial for skin.
• Basil leaves (tulsi) are said to be helpful in skin ailments, eat 3-4 fresh leaves daily.

To know more about dietary advices, click on Hives (Urticaria) Diet and Nutrition.

4 I have urticaria and I have been advised to avoid fishes, chocolates and what not..? Does it really matter what kind of food I eat?

Two types of chemicals in foods are believed to trigger Urticaria in some people:

• Vasoactive amines: Foods that contain vasoactive amines, or cause histamine release, include shellfish, strawberries, tomatoes, fish, chocolate, pineapple, etc.
• Salicylates: Salicylates are naturally occurring aspirin-like compounds that are found in a wide variety of foods of plant origin. Foods that contain salicylates include tomatoes, spices, orange juice, raspberries, tea, etc.

Hence it is better to avoid such food stuffs, in order to avoid the hassle of episodes of urticaria to some extent. But for definitive relief, you can opt for Homeopathic treatment, which corrects your tendency to urticaria from these food stuffs over a period of time.

5 How will homeopathy help me with Urticaria?

HOMEOPATHY works on the individual in the most natural way. By acting upon all the aspects, and not only on skin, it restores the life force of the body, to help restore the diseased individual, by treating the sole root cause of urticaria. Perfectly chosen HOMEOPATHIC medicines can help to relieve itching wheals and also corrects the hypersensitivity of immunological system responsible for urticaria. Homeopathic medicines are amazing in providing not only relief for itching and getting rid of the urticaria, but also prevent the reoccurrence. To get HOMEOPATHIC treatment from our expert doctors, click on Hives (Urticaria) Homeopathic Treatment.

6 Will I have to take steroids for my complaints of Urticaria for the rest of my life? Will it not lead to any kind of side effects?

Corticosteroid tablets, which suppress the immune system and reduce the inflammatory response temporarily, may be used in severe attacks of urticaria. However, corticosteroids lead to a wide range of side effects and complications when taken for a long term like weight gain, hair loss, hormonal imbalances, anemia and many more adverse effects are commonly known.

7 Are there any safer ways to deal with Urticaria?

Yes, definitely. Urticaria can be dealt with in a much safer, holistic way with Homeopathy.

• Homeopathy is the most deep rooted and comprehensive science.
• The target of homeopathic treatment is the patient's Immune System, NOT JUST the superficial skin symptoms
• The aim is to eliminate the root cause of Urticaria by 'calming down' or regulating (but not suppressing) the hyperactive immune system that is responding erratically and excessively to harmless substances.
• Homeopathy significantly reduces the intensity, frequency and duration of Urticaria flare-ups
• Homeopathy provides wholesome, complete and long-lasting solace from Urticaria.

That's the extraordinary scope and range of homeopathy!! Hundreds of thousands of people have benefitted from it while millions more are experiencing the amazing curative powers of homeopathy in successfully thwarting this frustrating, irksome and potentially serious malady.Read more about these treatments by clicking on Hives (Urticaria) Treatment.

8 What kind of treatment is available for Urticaria?

Conventionally Urticaria is treated as follows:

Short-term Urticaria

• Over-the-counter antihistamine medications are most commonly used.
• Corticosteroids suppress the immune system and reduce the inflammatory response temporarily, may be used in severe attacks.

Long-term Urticaria

• Treatment for chronic Urticaria basically involves avoiding the triggers and controlling the symptoms.
• Chronic Urticaria with angioedema is a potentially serious condition as it can cause breathing difficulties. Referral to a skin specialist is indicated in such a situation.
• Over-the-counter antihistamine medications are most commonly used in treatment for Hives.
• Corticosteroid tablets, which suppress the immune system and reduce the inflammatory response temporarily, may be used in severe attacks.
• Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NUVB) involves exposure of the affected skin to high-energy ultraviolet light. It is most useful in cases of persistent rash.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists are one new type of medications that reduce the redness and swelling of the skin.
• Cyclosporine works in the same way as corticosteroids and has its own share of side effects.

9 Are there any tests to diagnose Urticaria?

Urticaria is a clinically diagnosed condition and may need few investigations to confirm the diagnosis:

• Complete blood count to identify problems with the immune system.
• ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) or CRP (C-Reactive Protein).
• Patch testing/prick testing.
• Physical challenge such as cold provocation testing with ice cube, heat provocation test with warm water, pressure testing, UV light testing, exercise or hot bath challenge for cholinergic Urticaria.
• Check for Dermatographism.
• Thyroid hormone levels as well as auto-antibodies to check whether you have an overactive or underactive thyroid gland.
• Dietary challenges using a variety of suspected foods.
• Skin biopsy rarely to rule out more serious affections.
• Stool sample to identify intestinal parasites.
• Liver function tests to rule out any liver problems.

Read more about these investigations by clicking on Hives (Urticaria) Tests & Diagnosis.

10 What happens if one ignores Urticaria?

It can lead to various kinds of complications like:

• The most severe complication of Urticaria is swelling of the throat or tongue causing difficulty in breathing.
• Angioedema or swelling of the affected part due to accumulation of fluid. Severe angioedema can be life-threatening.
• Angioedema or swelling of the outer covering of the eye (conjunctiva) can affect vision.
• Chronic Urticaria can have a considerable negative impact on the mood and quality of life of the patient suffering from it.
• Living with frequently itchy skin can be uncomfortable and upsetting.

To know more about complications of Urticaria, click on Hives (Urticaria) Complications.

11 Who are more likely to get Urticaria?

Following are the few risk factors that increase the chances of having urticaria:

• Age between 30 and 60 years
• Female gender
• Physical or emotional stress
• Use of drugs such as NSAIDS, penicillin, certain blood pressure medications
• Previous history of hives or angioedema
• Previous history of other allergic reactions
• Having diseases such as eczema, lupus, lymphoma, thyroid disease, etc.
• Having a family history of hives, angioedema or hereditary angioedema

To know more about risk factors for Urticaria, click on Hives (Urticaria) Risk Factors.