Brief Answer: Acute Urticaria Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for writing in to XXXXXXX Itchy,red,swollen patches is what seems to be happening to your wife judging by the history and picture. This is classical Acute Urticaria or more commonly Hives The rashes are evanescent i.e they appear suddenly and disappear as rapidly within hours without leaving any residue. Types 1 Allergic Urticaria/Acute e.g Certain foods, drugs, insect bites or acute viral infections 2 Nonallergic urticaria/physical Urticaria/Chronic e.g Urticaria is induced by various stimuli like Heat, Pressure, cold, Aquagenic(Water), Cholinergic urticaria (Rise in core body temperature due to strong emotions, exercise, spices etc). 3. Idiopathic urticaria(No discernable cause) I would advice that you get a few lab tests done for her to ascertain any underlying cause for the rashes: >Complete hemogram >urine-routine >stool-ova/cyst >Blood sugar >Thyroid function tests >Chest-X ray Treatment of urticaria specially of longer duration/chronic urticaria can be tough so i would recommned that you start her treatment right away without delaying. Applying a soothing lotion like calamine over the rashes and also intake of oral antihistamine like either cetrizine, fexofenadine or loratadine once or twice daily depending on the symptoms would do her immense good. In the mean while you get the above tests done and follow it up with a Dermatologist along with the tests reports. Take care regards Dr. kakkar

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