Chronic Urticaria Causes and Treatment
October 5, 2009
Urticaria is characterized by itchy skin rash. In common language, urticaria is known as hives, nettle rash or wheals. These rashes can remain on the body for a few hours or for several months.
They usually appear on one part of the body and disappear after sometime, only to reappear at some other part of the body. Depending on the duration and frequency of the disease, urticaria can be termed as acute or chronic urticaria.
Chronic urticaria is often an alarming condition that occurs frequently for a prolonged period. The exact cause of chronic urticaria is unknown. However, several factors could trigger the eruptions.
Allergens
Hypersensitivity to certain chemicals could trigger this disease. Synthetic as well as natural food additives and flavoring agents could trigger urticaria. Certain foods such as wheat, milk, cheese, egg, lentils, peas, animal protein and oranges are sometimes known to trigger the rashes.
However, the same agents might not cause urticaria to all people suffering from this chronic disease. Environment allergens such as pollens, dust, dander and fungi can also cause this disease. Climatic changes, extreme temperature and pressure might be responsible for causing urticaria. Cosmetics and perfumes can induce urticaria.
Emotional stress plays an important role in triggering urticaria.
Infections
Certain infections could cause urticaria. Frequent urinary tract infections, hepatitis, worm infestations and insect bites could be responsible for triggering urticaria.
Side effect of drugs
Urticaria is sometimes a side effect of medications including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines and hormone-based drugs.
Weak immunity
Chronic urticaria could be a sign of poor immunity.
Chronic urticaria home remedies
If allergens are responsible for inducing urticaria, you should stay away from the allergens. Extreme cold and heat could worsen urticaria. You should stay away from chilled water, ice packs, hot water and heat compresses. Add Epsom salt to your bath water.
Don’t use soap, cosmetics and perfumes when the urticaria rashes appear on your body. To reduce the itchiness, you can apply apple cider vinegar on the eruptions.
Drinking mint tea could heal the discomfort associated with urticaria. Since stress is one of the major factors responsible for urticaria, drinking peppermint tea or chamomile tea could help to relax your mind and reduce chronic urticaria.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.