Rash (also known as urticaria) is presented as an elevation, area red or itchy rash that appears on the skin. Urticaria happens when there is a trigger, normally an allergen (which causes an allergic reaction) and causes the body to release histamine in our body. Histamine causes tiny blood vessels known as capillaries leak fluid, fluid accumulates in the skin and causes a rash.
Hives can be caused by many things, including:
Allergic reaction, for example, to certain foods or bee or wasp stings.
The skin comes into contact with something irritating, such as latex, chemicals, or nettles.
Drugs, usually anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), used to treat pain and fever, and ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure.
Physical triggers, such as skin pressure, low temperature, sunlight and water.
However, in about 50% of cases, does not identify any cause.
Urticaria is a common disease that affects one in six people at some point in their lives. It is more likely to affect more children and women.
The rash usually disappears after a few days, but some cases may last longer. It is not contagious.
Hives should not continue for more than six weeks is called acute urticaria.
Chronic urticaria
If episodes of urticaria lasting more than six weeks is called chronic urticaria. Chronic urticaria is much rarer than acute urticaria, affects one in every 1,000 people.
The causes of most cases of chronic urticaria is unknown, but believed to be a problem with the person’s immune system.
About 50% of people with chronic urticaria and 25% of people with acute urticaria, also get a related condition called angioedema. The Angioedema involves swelling in the deeper layers of skin.
The swelling causes a burning sensation and often occurs in the neck and face, fingers and toes, and men in genitals.
Anaphylaxis
In rare cases, hives can be one of the first symptoms of an extreme allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. As the reaction proceeds, throat and airways swell, making breathing difficult, and the person experiences a massive drop in blood pressure.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition and requires emergency treatment.
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