Chronic Hives - What They are and How to Treat Them?
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There are people who may continue to have hives or urticaria for several years. This type of hives is known as chronic hives. Chronic Hives also known as nettle rash occur for more than six weeks. It can even persist for up to several years.
Most patients with chronic hives have consulted a lot of medical specialists only to find out that not even the doctors or them can pinpoint its root cause. This is because ninety five percent of chronic hives is idiopathic. It means that no scientific reason can explain its cause.
The immune system of people with chronic idiopathic hives attack their normal tissues. This results to the release of histamine in the skin that creates the pink/red patches and welts. Severe itching and burning sensation may even accompany it.
The other five percent of people with cases of chronic hives is said to be discernible. A number of possible causes have been given.
Metabolic Disease - People who suffer from high or low thyroid function, liver and kidney disease, skin disease or sinusitis have the potential to acquire chronic hives. Use of certain medications like NSAIDS.
Emotional Stress in the form of nervousness and depression can contribute as well. If the case of hives lasted for more than six weeks then it is very much possible that you are undergoing a high level of stress.
Allergies only account five to ten percent for most cases of chronic hives. If this happens, then a pet allergy is usually the cause. Inhaled pollen, and dust mite do not usually lead to chronic hives.
How is diagnosis done then? It is usually made through the ruling out of known causes. It is also important to coordinate with your doctor by undergoing laboratory tests such as serum skin test, urine and blood test and possibly a skin biopsy.
Then after, it is important that you keep track as to what might cause the attack by taking down what you did and ate prior to the attack and the time and place of its outbreak.
Causes of chronic hives can be unexplainable ninety five percent of the time but you can still do something to prevent it from occurring. Here are some useful tips that may help you prevent chronic hives.
You must avoid known triggers. These triggers may still include allergy in food, food additives, certain medications, physical or emotional stress and temperature extremes.
However, if the underlying cause is a health problem then the improvement of the existing medical problem is essential. Keep track of all your activities, what you ate, the time and place the outbreak occurred. This can help you and your physician determine the cause of your hives. Try implementing a stress management plan for yourself. You may eliminate stressors at work and at home and engage more frequently in stress reducing activities like relaxation.
Treatment for chronic hives is given only if the immediate trigger factor is identified. It primarily includes avoiding the trigger itself. Medical management may include the prescription of strong oral antihistamine and corticosteroids. It is also good that you match up with your doctor in order to find the appropriate medication or medication combination.
