According to Uptodate.com, having urticaria and joint pain, along with fever, is not typical. These symptoms are a sign of a different condition called urticarial vasculitis. In urticarial vasculitis the inflamed and reddened patches or weals that appear on the skin resemble urticaria, but when examined under a microscope vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels) is found. This is important to know because treatment for urticarial vasculitis is quite different.
Normally, the first symptom to manifest itself in urticarial vasculitis is an urticarial eruption that is painful and is often described as a burning sensation. Itching has also been reported. Lesions are red patches with a white centre and petechiae, meaning small spots of bleeding under the skin, may appear. Bruise-like patches and darkening of the skin may also manifest (Dermnetnz.org, 2011).
Along with urticaria and joint pain symptoms, photosensitivity, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and lung and kidney problems may occur. Dermnetnz.org is a website that educates on various skin conditions. It states that the cause of urticarial vasculitis is still unknown and most of the time remains idiopathic. However, it has been associated with the following conditions:
- Inflammatory connective disorders such as lupus
- Immunoglobulin disorders
- Leukemia and internal cancers
- Viral diseases such as hepatitis B and C
- Drug induced conditions
Urticaria Abdominal Pain
As stated above urticaria accompanied by abdominal pain can be a sign of urticarial vasculitis as well. However, it is most likely a sign of a condition called angioedema. Angioedema is like hives, except the swelling occurs underneath the skin. This occurs when the capillaries dilate and leak fluid deeper into the skin. The abdominal pain is caused by swelling of the lining of the stomach and intestines. Angioedema also causes swelling of the lips and larynx, causing hoarseness and shortness of breath (Dermatology.about.com, 2011).
Other symptoms of this condition, provided by Uptodate.com, include:
- Puffiness of the face, eyelids, ears, mouth, hands, feet, and genitalia
- Swelling that usually affects one side of the body or more one side than the other
- A sensation of fullness or discomfort in the swelled area(s)
- Slight redness of the skin can occur, though not always
Angioedema occurs in about half of the people with hives. It can be easily treated, if discovered early. If you are experiencing abdominal pain with urticaria, you should speak to your doctor. It is important to understand that, if it turns out to be angioedema, it should be taken seriously. This is because the swelling that causes breathing difficulty can become so severe that a tube may need to be placed in the throat to keep the airway open. Breathing difficulty is an emergency situation in which immediate medical help should be sought.
