Urticaria is usually an allergy to a drug or some food item. It is a skin disease that produces lesions and intense itching. If you rub the lesions, hives may develop.

Causes

Urticaria is very common, especially in people who have experienced other allergic reactions.

Many substances, called allergens, can trigger the allergic response.

Common allergens include

• Medications
• Foods (such as berries, fish, nuts, eggs and milk)
• Pollen
• Animal dander (especially from cats)
• Insect bites

Signs & Symptoms

• Itching
• Red or skin colored eruptions with clearly defined edges
• Sudden onset
• Rapid resolution
• Eruptions enlarge, spread, or join together to form large flat raised areas
• Eruptions change shape, disappear and reappear within minutes or hours

Treatment

The best treatment for urticaria is to find and remove the cause.

Antihistamines are usually prescribed to provide relief.

Care & Prevention

Cool compresses or soaks to the area may reduce swelling and pain.

Avoid irritation of the area, and do not wear tight clothing which may trigger a new outbreak.

Avoid known allergens to prevent recurrence of hives.

• Avoid exposure to substances that are known allergen for you
• Take only prescribed medications
• Avoid hot baths or showers after an episode of urticaria to prevent recurrence
• Avoid high protein foods at this time