Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by itchy, raised bumps, often appearing on the face, arms, neck, legs, and buttocks.
The manifestations of urticaria include papules of varying sizes and shapes, such as round, oval, or ring-shaped, ranging in size from dots to large patches exceeding 10 cm.
According to Dr. Vo Thi Tuong Duy, a specialist in Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, hives can affect any part of the body, most commonly the face, throat, arms, and legs. On the face, hives appear scattered or concentrated on the cheeks, causing lip swelling, making patients feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. The swelling can spread to the throat and respiratory tract, causing difficulty breathing and the risk of anaphylactic shock. Besides the face, the neck is also a sensitive area that is easily damaged, so even scratching or rubbing vigorously can cause hives.
In many cases, the hives may appear on the arms, sometimes spreading to the upper arms and forearms. Additionally, many people experience hives on their legs, often due to insect bites, manifesting as itchy red bumps (papules) that form in clusters. Each bump contains fluid, measures 0.2-2 cm in width, and has a central point. The buttocks, being an area of friction with clothing, can cause additional discomfort for the patient.
According to Doctor Duy, urticaria is one of the most common dermatological diseases. In most cases, urticaria tends to improve within 6 weeks, with only 5% of cases lasting longer or recurring.
If a patient develops hives but does not receive treatment, they face the risk of allergic angioedema with symptoms such as swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat (loose tissues); the most dangerous is swelling of the throat causing airway obstruction and leading to death within 4 minutes if emergency treatment is not provided to clear the airway.
The hives manifest as raised, itchy bumps. (Image) Freepik
People who are prone to hives
Pregnant women : During pregnancy, the body undergoes many hormonal changes and stress. This is one of the reasons why pregnant women are prone to hives. In addition, pregnant women are also susceptible to hives due to colds, flu, overworked liver, and temporary imbalances in liver enzymes, causing waste products to accumulate in the blood.
Treatment of hives with medication during pregnancy is not recommended. However, in severe cases, a doctor may prescribe low-dose chlorphenamine or loratidine.
Postpartum women : After childbirth, the physical, mental, and emotional aspects affecting the immune system undergo many changes. The process of giving birth and caring for a newborn can easily lead to physical exhaustion in mothers, along with hormonal, emotional, and immune system changes. At this time, environmental factors can easily penetrate and cause many health problems, including hives. Other causes of postpartum hives include lack of sleep, excessive anxiety, and changes in diet...
Children : Children often develop rashes due to allergic reactions to food, insect bites, weather changes, etc.
Urticaria (hives) is not contagious. Many cases of urticaria are hereditary, making the body more sensitive to allergens (food, medication, etc.) or involve living in an environment with allergens (weather, air, etc.).
The cause of hives is not always clear, so patients should see a dermatologist for immediate treatment of symptoms, to find the cause, and thus to prevent them effectively. In particular, if hives are accompanied by swollen lips, nausea, rapid heartbeat, chills, etc., it may indicate anaphylactic shock and requires immediate hospitalization.
Nguyen Tram
Source link
Comment (0)