Nettle Rash
Causes of urticaria
Source: NHS
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Urticaria occurs when histamine and other chemicals are released from under the skin's surface, causing the tissues to swell.
Short-term (acute) urticaria
The triggers of acute urticaria are unknown in around half of all cases.
Recognised triggers include:
- a foodallergy to foods such as peanuts, shellfish, eggs and cheese
- an Indoor allergy to environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites or chemicals
- an allergic reaction to latex which can be a common problem in healthcare workers
- infections which can range from relatively trivial, such as a cold , to very serious, such as HIV
- insectbites and stings
- emotional stress
- certain medications that can cause urticaria as a side effect including antibiotics , non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin
- physical triggers such as pressure to the skin, changes in temperature, sunlight, exercise or water
Long-term (chronic) urticaria
Chronic urticaria may occur when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. This is known as an autoimmune reaction.
About a third to half of all chronic cases of urticaria are thought to be autoimmune related.
It's not known why autoimmune urticaria develops, although it can sometimes occurin combination with other autoimmune conditions, such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis when the immune system attacks the joints
- lupus whenthe immune system attacks the joints and skin, and people usually feel tired all the time
Chronic urticaria can also be linked to other chronic illnesses and infections, such as:
- viral hepatitis (liver infection)
- intestinal parasites
- an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
- an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
Chronic urticaria tends to come and go. Many people find that certain things make it reappear or make existing symptoms worse. Triggers sometimes include:
- stress
- alcohol
- caffeine
- warm temperatures
- prolonged pressure on the skin this can happen by wearing tight clothing
- medications such as NSAIDs, and the painkiller codeine
- certain food additives such as salicylates, which are found in tomatoes, orange juice and tea
- insect bites and stings
- exposure to heat, cold, pressure or water
ACE inhibitors that are often used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) can be linked to deeper swellings of angioedema .
Articles for Nettle Rash
Causes of urticaria
Urticaria occurs when histamine and other chemicals are released from under the skin's surface, causing the tissues to swell.
Diagnosing urticaria
Short-term urticaria can be diagnosed by examining the distinctive red rash. If you have severe or long-term urticaria, you may need to have tests to identify the underlying cause.
Introduction
Urticaria also known as hives, weals, welts or nettle rash is a raised, itchy rash that appears on the skin. It may appear on one part of the body or be spread across large areas.
Treating urticaria
Most cases of urticaria don't need treatment, because the symptoms are usually mild and often get better within a few days.
