8 Myths About HealthyGo: CURE HIVES / URTICARIA

What are Hives? What is Urticaria?

Hives can also be called as Urticaria (or) Allergic.

Allergic Reaction

Hives are also known as Urticaria, Welts, Wheals, or Nettle rash. It is a red, raised, Itchy Skin rash that is sometimes triggered by something that produces an allergic reaction.
When there is an allergic reaction the body releases a protein called histamine. When histamine is released our capillaries (tiny blood vessels) leak fluid. The fluid accumulates in the skin and
causes a rash.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, about 1 in every 6 people will suffer from urticaria
at some time in their life. Children and women are more commonly affected than adult men.
Urticaria is not contagious - you cannot pass it on to another person.

Urticaria can be triggered by:

Certain foods.
Insect bites and stings.
Contact with an irritant, such as nettles, chemicals or latex.
Certain medications - such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), used to treat pain,ACE inhibitors, used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Extremes of temperatures.
Sunlight.
Water on the skin.

symptoms :

Swellings, known as wheals, appear on the skin as a rash. They are usually pink or red and have an oval or round shape, and range from a few millimeters in diameter to a several inches.They can be extremely itchy. The wheals may be surrounded by a red flare.

The wheals usually occur in batches, and frequently appear on the face or the extremities(arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes).

In most cases a welt will disappear after a few hours, but me be replaced by new ones.They can appear on just one part of the body, or several parts.

In the majority of cases symptoms are present for no more than 8 to 12 hours, and rarely continue for more than 24 hours. However, with some patients the problems may continue for quite a few days, and even several months.

Types of Urticaria :

Acute Urticaria - When symptoms last less than 6 weeks it is called acute urticaria. 25% of people with acute urticaria also have angioedema - swelling in the deeper layers of skin.

Chronic urticaria - If symptoms of urticaria continue for more than six weeks it is called chronic urticaria.
Dermatologists say that about 1 in every 1,000 people suffers from chronic urticaria. Experts are not completely sure what the causes of chronic urticaria are.

However, most agree that it is closely linked with our immune system. In some cases,
chronic hives may be related to an underlying autoimmune disorder, such as thyroid disease or lupus.
50% of people with chronic urticaria also have angioedema.

Angioedema - It is similar to Urticaria, but occurs deeper inside the skin. The swelling causes a burning sensation and typically occurs on the face and neck, fingers, toes, and in the genitals of males.

Anaphylaxis - It is a severe Allergic reaction. The patient can have serious breathing difficulties, and can even lose consciousness and die if not treated quickly.

The allergic reaction may involve the whole body. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.
Anybody who experiences the symptoms listed below should call the emergency services immediately:

-Nausea and vomiting.

-Swelling of the lining of the mouth, tongue, lips and throat; causing breathing difficulty.
-Cold and clammy skin.
-Rapid heartbeat.
-Feeling faint or lightheaded.
-An unexpectedly abrupt feeling of intense anxiety.

Causes of Urticaria(hives):
Experts say that urticaria occurs when the body releases histamine and other chemicals from under the surface of the skin.

The following are examples of some known triggers:

Medications - including NSAIDs, such as aspirin and antibiotics.
Foods - several different types of foods have been known to trigger urticaria. The most common ones are nuts, chocolate, some citrus fruits, shellfish, food additives, eggs, and wheat products.
Infections - including influenza, the common cold, glandular fever and hepatitis B.
War zones - Throughout the history of warfare, dermatologic diseases have been responsible for troop morbidity, poor morale and combat ineffectiveness . Dermatitis, benign moles, hives and cancerous skin lesions are among the most common diagnoses among military personnel who were evacuated from combat zones for ill-defined dermatologic diseases, a study revealed.
Intestinal parasites.
Extremes of temperature.
Some pets.
Dust mites.
Floods and hurricanes - skin diseases/disorders are commonly found among people after floods and
hurricanes,including urticaria. Construction workers who help repair damaged structures are also more
likely to suffer from skin diseases/disorders.
Sunlight exposure (less common).
Latex.
Nettles.
Some plants.
Insect bites.
Some chemicals.
Chronic illness - such as thyroid disease or lupus.

Diagnosis :

Acute urticaria diagnosis: Typically, the doctor will ask the patient the following questions:

When the episode began.
Where the episode began.
Whether the patient lives or works in a place where potential triggers may exist, such as latex gloves,
chemicals, or animals.
What medications the patient has been taking, including herbal supplements.
The patient's medical history.
Whether the patient had been bitten by an insect.
Whether any close relatives also have/had urticaria.

In half of all cases the doctor and patient will never find out what the trigger was. However, most
cases will resolve themselves within a few days and never recur.

Chronic urticaria diagnosis: If there are any underlying causes for the chronic urticaria the doctor may order the following tests:

A blood test to find out whether the patient is suffering from anemia.
A stool sample to check for parasites.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) test - this can identify problems with the patient's immune system.
Thyroid function test - this identifies either hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (under active thyroid).
Liver function tests - these can identify whether the patient has any liver problems.

Acute Urticaria Treatment : Generally, no treatment is needed for acute urticaria because symptoms are usually mild and the condition is short-lived and rarely recurs.

Antihistamines - Antihistamines block the effects of histamines and reduce the rash and stop the itching.
Some patients may benefit from antihistamines that do cause drowsiness, especially if the itchiness is causing sleep problems.

Note :
Pregnant women should not take antihistamines, unless the GP prescribes it. Very occasionally GPs
may prescribe an antihistamine called chlorphenamine for pregnant women if it is felt the benefits are
greater than the risks. In the UK thousands of pregnant women have taken chlorphenamine,and so far
there have been no reports of any harmful effects to the unborn baby.

Chronic urticaria treatment : Patients who only have chronic urticaria and nothing else, but whose symptoms are still severe should also be referred to a specialist.

Antihistamines - antihistamines can treat the symptoms of chronic urticaria. If symptoms are causing
sleep problems the patient may benefit from also taking the antihistamines that cause drowsiness.
Menthol cream - this has been shown to be a useful alternative or addition to antihistamines for
patients with itchiness.
Corticosteroids - these may be prescribed for chronic urticaria patients whose symptoms are more
severe.
Meditation or hypnosis - relaxation techniques, such as medication or hypnosis have been found to
help reduce symptoms and levels of stress in severely affected patients.
Diet - many patients swear that certain foods make their symptoms worse. This is a controversial
subject in which experts seem to have different opinions. The following foods are known to trigger
histamine production - spinach, fish, yoghurt, fish, tomato, processed, meats, chocolate, and
strawberries.

complications of urticaria?

Acute urticaria complications: Approximately one quarter of all patients with acute urticaria also develop acute angioedema, which should resolve itself within about three days. Patients who have breathing problems should call the emergency services immediately.

Chronic urticaria complications : About half of all chronic urticaria patients will get better within 3 to 5 years. One quarter of all patients will continue having symptoms for over 10 years. As with any chronic condition, the patient can become frustrated and distressed. Approximately 15% of chronic urticaria patients report feelings of depression. Patients with symptoms of depression should inform their doctor. Depression is treatable.

Home remedies for Hives Urticaria :

Aloevera :

-Applied topically, reduces inflammation, provides protective coating.

-Cooling to the tissues, relieves itching, redness, stinging and pain.

-Internally, stimulates immunity and elimination of inflammatory toxins.

Bromelain - Pineapple/Ananas Comosus :

-More effective anti-inflammatory than most drugs, decreases the allergic response,
alleviating hives, skin irritations. Accelerates healing.

-Non-toxic in large internal doses; may be applied directly to the hives.

.Curcurnin***—Turmeric/Curcuma longa :

-Stimulates the body's natural anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.

-Very effective natural antihistamine and antioxidant for hives and a variety of inflammatory skin
ailments. Protects liver against toxins.

Echinacea* * *—Echinacea angustifolia :

-Anti-inflammatory; reduces sensitivity to allergens, stings or bites.

-Encourages blood and lymph drainage, modulates and balances a hyper-reactive immune

system.antiviral and antibacterial effects.

Ginger—Zingiber officinale :

-Rapidly quells the onset of hives, itching or other allergic responses.

-A potent anti-inflammatory and antihistamine, improves skin circulation, relieves swelling and

carries away inflammatory waste products.

Goldenseal/Coptis/Oregon Grape :

-Soothing herbs for swelling, itching; ideal for hives and skin disorders such as boils, sores,

abscesses and fluid-filled or pustular eruptions.

-Tonic and detoxifying to the liver, gall bladder, stomach and intestines.

Green Tea***—Camellia sinensis :

-Strong antihistamine, reducing hives and other allergic inflammations.

-High in antioxidant polyphenols and flavonoids that protects against.

Nettles--Urtica dioica :

-Freeze-dried form provides fast-acting antihistamine, symptom relief.

-Anti-inflammatory and astringent to relieve swelling or edema of hives.

-Detoxifying and diuretic, encourages excretion of inflammatory wastes.

Quercetin :

-A non-toxic, potent antihistamine bioflavonoid, decreases inflammation of allergic skin and hay

fever conditions. Strengthens capillaries.

-May be taken acutely during hive outbreak or as a preventive measure.

Schisandra—Schisandra chinensis :

-Chinese herb that alleviates hives, eczema and swollen tissues.

-A tonic for the adrenals, increases ability to deal with chemical stress.

-Improves sluggish or deficient liver and protects it from various toxins.

Baking soda. Add 1/2 to 1 cup baking soda to a warm bath to soothe your itching.

Home Remedies from the Freezer:

Ice. An ice pack helps shrink blood vessels, which alleviates swelling. Put the compress,wrapped in a thin towel, on your skin five minutes at a time, three or four times a day.

Home Remedies from the Refrigerator: