An urticaria rash is any rash in which red patches and weals occur in the skin. They are brought about when histamine is released and causes small blood vessels to leak, which in turn causes tissue swelling. Urticaria rash may come in several different from and the treatment and severity is different for each.
Acute urticaria, chonic urticaria, angioedema, and uticarial vasculitis are all either different types of urticaria rash or closely related to the condition. Of all of these, angioedema is the most severe. This is because the swelling occurs underneath the skin, and if the throat swells, emergency intervention will be needed to restore breathing. Cold urticaria may also be fatal as it can bring about anaphylactic shock, a serious allergic reaction with a rapid onset.
Urticaria Nettle Rash
Nettle rash is another word for urticaria or hives. It got its name from the Latin term urtica because it looks like the reaction that occurs with contact of a stinging nettle. Although the causes are normally unknown, cases of the skin rash urticaria are due to an overactive immune system overall. However, sometimes triggers may cause rash urticaria, or nettle rash. These common triggers are listed by Netdoctor.co.uk:
- Food such as eggs, nuts, strawberries, seafood, and much more.
- Pollen and fungal spores
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Insect bites
- Viruses, Parasites, or Bacteria
- Contact with plants such as the stinging nettle
- Heat and cold exposures
- Stings from animals or insects
- Substances such as perfumes, preservatives, nickel, or tar
Urticaria skin rash, otherwise known as nettle rash, has two basic types: acute and chronic. Acute cases are anything that lasts less than six weeks, and chronic cases are any that last longer or are more frequent. Cases of urticaria have been known to last for days, months, and sometimes even years.
According to Claritine.eu “nettle rash is one of the most frequent skin disease experienced by one forth of the population at least once in life.” Nettle rash is very common, and most of the time symptoms are not severe. However, they can be highly irritating.
Treatment of this type of rash usually involves antihistamines, and corticosteroids in more severe cases. Many times people will seek home remedies in order to cut down on the levels of irritation. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine is also growing in popularity for treating urticaria rash. Conventional treatment should of course be continued and treatment options should be discussed with a physician.
