Alternative name : Allergic rashes, Hives
What are urticaria ?
Urticaria is a common inflammatory affection, characterised by formation of wheals on the skin. The disease is also known as nettle rash as the rash of Urticaria resembles the sting of a nettle. The disease may be acute, chronic or recurrent. It is considered to be an allergic reaction like hay fever and asthma.
Urticaria may be defined as skin eruption. These eruptions can remain on the body for variable period, anywhere between few seconds to even hours. They have tendency to disappear and reappear. They tend to disappear without leaving behind any trace.
Urticaria Symptoms
Raised red and white patches appear on the skin. They are accompanied by burning, intense itching and stinging. Rubbing and scratching usually aggravates the hives. Itching is relieved by scratching, which results in new wheals. The outbreak of urticaria is sudden and the disease may affect either part or whole of the body. The eruptions may be as small as pin heads or as large as a rupee. They are usually much elevated, rounded, irregular and often surrounded by a reddened zone. The eruption may fade in a few minutes or an hour in one place, but may appear in another.
Other symptoms which accompany hives are fever, digestive disturbances and prostration. The disorder lasts from a day or two to a week. Recovery is rapid and complete, though recurring attacks take place at varying intervals. If the rash also attacks the throat, there is danger of blockage of the larynx.
Urticaria Causes
There are several causes of urticaria. It may result from digestive disorders like mechanical irritation in the digestive tract or toxemia. It may be caused by drugs like aspirin, penicillin, serum, quinine, ipecac, turpentine and morphine. Certain foods often. cause urticaria in susceptible individuals. These include strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, oatmeal, wheat, nuts, fish, eggs, chocolate, cheese, butter and sausage. The bites of bed-bugs, wasps, bees, mosquitoes, fleas and certain kinds of caterpillars may produce the disease. Use of personal products such as deodorant, perfume, and talcum powder, cosmetic products, animal derivatives, and similar synthetic substances may induce this disorder. Irritations of the uterus or associate structures can also cause the disease. It may also result from emotional excitement.
Home Remedies for Urticaria
1. Salt
The use of salt is beneficial in the treatment of urticaria when it is accompanied by digestive disorders. In such a condition, about twelve grams of salt should be dissolved in water and taken by the patient. The throat should be tickled to induce vomiting. This will give relief and help in curing eruptions.
2. Mint
This leafy vegetable has also been found useful in relieving itching in urticaria. About 7 gm of mint and 25 gm of brown sugar should be boiled together in about 175 ml of water and drunk. This will relieve the itching.
3. Rose Water
The use of rose-water in vinegar is useful when there is severe itching on the eruption. About 35 ml of rose water and 25 ml of vinegar should be mixed and the mixture applied locally to the affected part. This will give immediate relief.
4. Alum and Red Ochre
These two substances are considered valuable in urticaria. An equal quantity of alum and red ochre should be ground together and the powder rubbed on the weals.
5. Turmeric
The use of turmeric is valuable in urticaria. The patient should take two teaspoons of turmeric powder mixed with a cup of water daily.
6. Rauwolfia
The herb rauwolfia is beneficial in relieving itching in urticaria. One gram of the powdered root can be taken with a cup of water daily.
Useful References