Urticaria

Urticaria

1. Definition Urticaria is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of itchy, raised red or white welts on the skin. These welts are also known as hives.

2. Causes / Etiology Urticaria can be caused by various factors such as allergic reactions, infections, stress, medications, and other environmental factors. It can also be a symptom of an underlying condition such as an allergic reaction, autoimmune disorders, or kidney disease.

3. Types or Classification There are several types of urticaria, including:

   • Acute Urticaria: Lasts for less than 6 weeks and is usually caused by an allergic reaction or infection.
   • Chronic Urticaria: Lasts for more than 6 weeks and is often caused by an underlying condition or an autoimmune response.
   • Cold Urticaria: Triggers by exposure to cold temperatures.
   • Solar Urticaria: Triggers by exposure to sunlight.
   • Cholinergic Urticaria: Triggers by physical or emotional stress.
   • Angioedema: Characterized by swelling of the deeper layers of the skin.

4. Pathology Step 1 → The immune system releases histamine and other chemical mediators in response to an allergen or other trigger. → These chemical mediators cause blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow to the affected area. → The increased blood flow leads to the formation of wheals or hives. → The wheals are made up of fluid that leaks from blood vessels and causes the skin to swell. → The itching sensation is caused by the release of histamine and other chemical mediators.

5. Clinical Features

   • General features: Itching, redness, swelling, and raised welts on the skin.
   • Specific features: The welts may be small and localized or large and widespread. They may be itchy, painful, or tender to the touch.

6. Complications

   • Acute Complications: Infection, anaphylaxis, and respiratory distress.
   • Chronic Complications: Impaired quality of life, depression, anxiety, and skin damage.

7. Diagnosis / Investigations

   • Routine Tests: Complete blood count, liver function tests, and kidney function tests.
   • Special Tests: Allergy tests, skin prick tests, and histopathology.

8. Management

   • General Management: Avoid exposure to triggers, use antihistamines, and take cool baths.
   • Modern Treatment: Steroids, immunosuppressive medications, and biologics.
   • Dietary Advice: Avoid foods that trigger allergic reactions, eat a balanced diet, and stay hydrated.

9. Homeopathic Therapeutics

   • Apis Mellifica: For burning, stinging, swelling, and redness.
     • Use for: Itching, stinging, and burning sensations.
     • Symptoms: Skin appears red, swollen, and inflamed.
     • Dose: 3x to 6x trituration.

• Urtica Urens: For itching, burning, and stinging sensations.

  • Use for: Itching, stinging, and burning sensations.
  • Symptoms: Skin appears red, swollen, and inflamed.
  • Dose: 3x to 6x trituration.

• Sulphur: For skin conditions characterized by itching, burning, and stinging sensations.

  • Use for: Itching, stinging, and burning sensations.
  • Symptoms: Skin appears red, swollen, and inflamed.
  • Dose: 3x to 6x trituration.

• Ledum Palustre: For skin conditions characterized by itching, stinging, and burning sensations.

  • Use for: Itching, stinging, and burning sensations.
  • Symptoms: Skin appears red, swollen, and inflamed.
  • Dose: 3x to 6x trituration.

• Arsenicum Album: For skin conditions characterized by itching, burning, and stinging sensations.

  • Use for: Itching, stinging, and burning sensations.
  • Symptoms: Skin appears red, swollen, and inflamed.
  • Dose: 3x to 6x trituration.