From the Research
Urticaria does not "blange" as this is not a medical term or recognized condition. Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin reaction characterized by raised, red, itchy welts that can appear and disappear rapidly. These welts typically blanch (temporarily turn white) when pressure is applied, which is a diagnostic feature of urticaria. The condition is caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells in the skin, often triggered by allergies, medications, infections, or physical stimuli like heat or pressure. Urticaria can be acute (lasting less than 6 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 6 weeks) 1.
Key Points
- Urticaria is a common condition affecting up to 20% of the population at some point in their lives 1.
- The mainstay of treatment is avoidance of triggers, if identified, and second-generation H1 antihistamines, which can be titrated to greater than standard doses 2.
- Treatment typically includes antihistamines such as cetirizine (10mg daily), loratadine (10mg daily), or fexofenadine (180mg daily).
- For severe cases, corticosteroids or other immunomodulating medications may be prescribed 3.
- If you're experiencing urticaria, it's essential to identify and avoid potential triggers and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Management
- The diagnosis of urticaria is clinical, but several tests can be performed to exclude differential diagnoses and identify underlying causes in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) or triggers in chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) 1.
- Current urticaria treatment aims at complete response, with a stepwise approach using second-generation H1 antihistamines, omalizumab, and cyclosporine 1.
- Novel treatment approaches center on targeting mediators, signaling pathways, and receptors of mast cells and other immune cells.
- Further research should focus on defining disease endotypes and their biomarkers, identifying new treatment targets, and developing improved therapies 1.