What is Hives (Urticaria)?
Hives, also known as urticaria, is a skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts that appear on the skin. These welts can vary in size and may appear on any part of the body. They are typically red, pink, or skin-colored and can last for a few hours to several days. Hives occur when the body releases histamine in response to certain triggers, causing fluid to leak from blood vessels and accumulate in the skin.
Hives can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute hives last less than six weeks and are often triggered by allergies or infections, while chronic hives last more than six weeks and may not have an identifiable cause.
What Causes Hives (Urticaria)?
Hives are often caused by an allergic reaction to food, medications, insect stings, or environmental factors. However, non-allergic triggers such as stress, infections, heat, and exercise can also cause hives. In many cases, the exact cause of hives may remain unknown.
Common triggers of hives include:
– **Food allergies:** Common allergens include nuts, shellfish, eggs, and dairy.
– **Medications:** Antibiotics, NSAIDs, and certain blood pressure medications.
– **Infections:** Viral infections like the common cold or bacterial infections.
– **Insect bites or stings:** Such as from bees, wasps, or mosquitoes.
What are the Types of Hives (Urticaria)?
Hives can be classified into different types based on their triggers and duration:
1- Acute Urticaria
This type of hives lasts less than six weeks and is often triggered by an allergic reaction to food, medication, or insect stings. It can also be caused by infections or environmental factors like heat or exercise.
2- Chronic Urticaria
Chronic hives last more than six weeks and may occur on and off for months or years. The cause of chronic urticaria is often unknown, though it may be linked to autoimmune conditions.
3- Physical Urticaria
Physical urticaria is triggered by physical stimuli such as pressure on the skin, cold or heat, exercise, or sunlight. The hives typically appear within minutes of exposure to the trigger.
What are the Symptoms of Hives (Urticaria)?
The primary symptom of hives is the appearance of raised, red or pink welts on the skin. These welts may be itchy or painful and can vary in size, from small spots to large patches that cover a significant portion of the body. Other symptoms of hives include:
– Swelling of the skin (angioedema), particularly around the eyes, lips, or throat.
– Burning or stinging sensation in the affected areas.
– Welts that change shape or move around the body.
What is Good for Hives?
Managing hives involves identifying and avoiding triggers, as well as using treatments to alleviate symptoms. Some effective strategies for reducing hives include:
– Taking over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling.
– Applying cool compresses to soothe the affected areas.
– Wearing loose-fitting, soft clothing to avoid further irritation.
– Avoiding known triggers, such as certain foods, medications, or environmental factors.
How is Hives (Urticaria) Diagnosed?
Hives are usually diagnosed based on a physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. A healthcare provider may ask about recent exposures to potential triggers, such as food, medications, or environmental factors. In some cases, allergy testing or blood tests may be performed to identify the underlying cause of the hives.
How is Hives (Urticaria) Treated?
The treatment of hives depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. Common treatments include:
1- Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most common treatment for hives, as they help block the effects of histamine and reduce itching and swelling.
2- Corticosteroids
For severe or persistent hives, corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Why Choose Us?
Our clinic specializes in allergies and allergy testing, and we stand out in the field of health tourism with the high standards of service we provide. Here are the key reasons why you should choose us:
Expert Doctor Team
At our clinic, we have highly experienced doctors at the professor level who are experts in the field of allergies. With years of experience in allergy treatment and testing, we provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment processes. Our professor is skilled in managing even the most complex allergy cases and delivering the most effective solutions.
Cutting-Edge Allergy Tests
Your health is our top priority. In our clinic, we use state-of-the-art allergy testing technologies that are recognized globally. This allows us to obtain the most accurate and rapid results, ensuring that your treatment plans are created in the best possible way. Our tests are conducted according to international standards.
Comfort and Luxury Services
We don’t just focus on treatment; we also aim to provide a comfortable experience. During your treatment, we offer five-star hotel accommodations to ensure you feel at home throughout the process. Your comfort is guaranteed with the luxurious services we provide.
Transfer and Transportation Convenience
For patients coming from abroad or from other cities, we offer VIP transfer services. From the airport to our clinic, and from our clinic to your hotel, we are with you every step of the way. We take care of every detail to ensure your comfort and safety.
Personalized Approach
Every patient’s health condition is unique, and we tailor our solutions to meet each individual’s specific needs. Throughout your treatment process, we stay closely connected with you, and our professional team is by your side every step of the way.
