Past medical history should include a detailed allergy history, including known atopic conditions (eg, allergies, asthma, eczema) and known possible causes (eg, autoimmune disorders, cancer). All drug use should be reviewed, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal products, specifically any agents particularly associated with urticaria (see Table: Some Causes of Urticaria). But for those who have chronic hives, or urticaria, the condition can seem relentless. “Chronic idiopathic hives are itchy red welts that persist for at least six weeks and have no known cause,”. About Urticaria Urticaria is a type of rash which is made up of wheals. (A wheal is a temporary raised area of the skin which is often itchy.) Because the rash looks like that which is caused by stinging nettles, urticaria is sometimes referred to as nettle rash. It can also be known as hives or welts. Pressure urticaria shows up as a deep welt in an area of prolonged pressure. Occasional people react to the cold. Even more rare is a reaction to sunlight. Occasionally, a person will continue to have hives for many years.
- Occasional Urticaria
- Occasional Urticaria Treatment
- Occasional Urticaria Symptoms
- Urticaria Occasional
- Occasional Urticaria Causes
Occasional Urticaria
I am a 21 year old guy and with a quite healthy lifestyle (sports, food etc). Last year march it was my birthday and quite a bit of alcohol and energydrink (cheap version of redbull) was consumed. The next day my upperlip was completely swollen and as a vain person I didn't even dare to get out of the house. I assumed it was the combination of energydrink and alcohol so a few days later I tested it out (just to be sure) and no swollen lips at all. In the following weeks I had a few more allergic reactions (once swollen lips..and a couple of times I had hives on my wrists, legs, arms and ankle's). Then it suddenly stopped but appeared again somewhere in september.
I don't have swollen lips often (mostly I wake up with that), but I often have hives on my wrists, legs, arms and ankle's). The times they appear seem to be completely at random (home, friends house, outside etc). But if I sleep a lot (and I really mean a lot 9 hours at least), air circulation, drink a lot and take vitamine C then it's slightly less bad and it doesn't happen that often. When it does happen then I take vitamine C and drink quite a bit of water and that seems to help a bit. And I need a fan in my room for constant aircirculation which helps.
If anybody has the same or happens to know to what I am allergic to, that would be great. The hives are way too itchy and the swollen lips just look hideous =).
Thanks!
I don't have swollen lips often (mostly I wake up with that), but I often have hives on my wrists, legs, arms and ankle's). The times they appear seem to be completely at random (home, friends house, outside etc). But if I sleep a lot (and I really mean a lot 9 hours at least), air circulation, drink a lot and take vitamine C then it's slightly less bad and it doesn't happen that often. When it does happen then I take vitamine C and drink quite a bit of water and that seems to help a bit. And I need a fan in my room for constant aircirculation which helps.
If anybody has the same or happens to know to what I am allergic to, that would be great. The hives are way too itchy and the swollen lips just look hideous =).
Thanks!
This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. Failure to comply may result in legal action.
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 16, 2020.
- Care Notes
- Overview
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
What is urticaria?
Urticaria is also called hives. Hives can change size and shape, and appear anywhere on your skin. They can be mild or severe and last from a few minutes to a few days. Hives may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that needs immediate treatment. Urticaria that lasts longer than 6 weeks may be a chronic condition that needs long-term treatment.
What causes urticaria?
Hives are caused by an immune system reaction. The following are common triggers:
- Food allergies, such as to nuts, eggs, or shellfish
- Food dyes, additives, or preservatives
- Medicine allergies, such as to ibuprofen or antibiotics
- Infections, such as a cold or mono
- Bug bites
- Pets, plants, or latex
- Stress
How is the cause of urticaria diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. He may also ask about your family medical history, medicines you take, and foods you eat. Tell your healthcare provider about any recent trauma, stress, or contact with allergens. You may need additional testing if you developed anaphylaxis after you were exposed to a trigger and then exercised. This is called exercise-induced anaphylaxis. You may need any of the following:
- A skin test is used to see how your skin reacts to possible triggers. Your healthcare provider will put a small amount of the trigger onto your skin. He will cover the area with a patch that stays on for 2 days. Then he will check your skin for a reaction.
- A challenge test is used to give you increasing doses of what may be causing your hives. Your healthcare provider will watch for a reaction.
How is urticaria treated?
Hives often go away without treatment. Chronic urticaria may need to be treated with more than one medicine, or other medicines than listed below. The following are common medicines used to treat urticaria:
Occasional Urticaria Treatment
![Occasional Urticaria Occasional Urticaria](/uploads/1/3/9/1/139192993/941625336.jpg)
Occasional Urticaria Symptoms
- Antihistamines decrease mild symptoms such as itching or a rash.
- Steroids decrease redness, pain, and swelling.
- Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
What steps do I need to take for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- Immediately give 1 shot of epinephrine only into the outer thigh muscle.
- Leave the shot in place as directed. Your healthcare provider may recommend you leave it in place for up to 10 seconds before you remove it. This helps make sure all of the epinephrine is delivered.
- Call 911 and go to the emergency department, even if the shot improved symptoms. Do not drive yourself. Bring the used epinephrine shot with you.
What safety precautions do I need to take if I am at risk for anaphylaxis?
- Keep 2 shots of epinephrine with you at all times. You may need a second shot, because epinephrine only works for about 20 minutes and symptoms may return. Your healthcare provider can show you and family members how to give the shot. Check the expiration date every month and replace it before it expires.
- Create an action plan. Your healthcare provider can help you create a written plan that explains the allergy and an emergency plan to treat a reaction. The plan explains when to give a second epinephrine shot if symptoms return or do not improve after the first. Give copies of the action plan and emergency instructions to family members, work and school staff, and daycare providers. Show them how to give a shot of epinephrine.
- Be careful when you exercise. If you have had exercise-induced anaphylaxis, do not exercise right after you eat. Stop exercising right away if you start to develop any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis. You may first feel tired, warm, or have itchy skin. Hives, swelling, and severe breathing problems may develop if you continue to exercise.
- Carry medical alert identification. Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that explains the allergy. Ask your healthcare provider where to get these items.
- Keep a record of triggers and symptoms. Record everything you eat, drink, or apply to your skin for 3 weeks. Include stressful events and what you were doing right before your hives started. Bring the record with you to follow-up visits with your healthcare provider.
What can I do to manage urticaria?
- Cool your skin. This may help decrease itching. Apply a cool pack to your hives. Dip a hand towel in cool water, wring it out, and place it on your hives. You may also soak your skin in a cool oatmeal bath.
- Do not rub your hives. This can irritate your skin and cause more hives.
- Wear loose clothing. Tight clothes may irritate your skin and cause more hives.
- Manage stress. Stress may trigger hives, or make them worse. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing.
Call 911 for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis,
such as trouble breathing, swelling in your mouth or throat, or wheezing. You may also have itching, a rash, or feel like you are going to faint.
When should I seek immediate care?
- Your heart is beating faster than it normally does.
- You have cramping or severe pain in your abdomen.
![Urticaria Urticaria](https://usercontent1.hubstatic.com/13016388_f520.jpg)
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
- You have a fever.
- Your skin still itches 24 hours after you take your medicine.
- You still have hives after 7 days.
- Your joints are painful and swollen.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Urticaria Occasional
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright IBM Corporation 2020 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or IBM Watson Health
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.