Definitions

It is often possible to identify the exact causes of an outbreak of acute urticaria. Possible triggers include medication, an infection, too much alcohol or strongly flavoured spicy meals. Detergents and body care products like shampoos, creams and shower gels are, in contrast, rarely responsible for an episode of urticaria.

Luckily, it generally only takes a few days for the symptoms to disappear on their own. As a result, treatment for this form of urticaria concentrates on treating the symptoms - hives and itching – rather than the causes. Medications and antihistamines can help alleviate the discomfort.

Chronic urticaria can be unpredictable. Often, a patient suffering from daily outbreaks of hives suddenly – and often in the doctor’s office – finds him- or herself complaint-free. Patients in this situation find themselves hard-pressed to explain their problem. However, an exact description of the problem can help the doctor to diagnose chronic urticaria, even if no symptoms are visible.

The hives often return at the worst possible moment; fortunately, antihistamines can help. In cases where hives appear daily, or in conjunction with an angioedema, patients should talk to their doctor about finding the cause.

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