It is a syndrome in which pink or porcelain-white blisters appear on the skin surface with swelling and usually significant itching.
The name comes from the fact that the skin lesions resemble the blisters that appear on the skin when nettle is touched.
Symptoms and course urticaria
Usually, urticarial lesions appear suddenly and persist for several hours or so, sometimes for several days.
Various types of allergic reactions to:
- inhalant, contact and food allergens,
- medications (most commonly antibiotics, painkillers, antipyretics),
- preservatives
- dyes added to food,
- laundry detergents,
- cosmetics.
Non-allergic causes of urticaria such as:
- cold,
- heat
- sunlight
- pressure,
- irritation,
- excessive sweating of the skin.
Urticaria eruptions may be accompanied by swelling of the mucous membranes of the mouth and respiratory tract. Swelling of the glottis can cause life-threatening dyspnoea.
When to go to the doctor and treat urticaria
Medical attention is required when there is increased, rapid seeding of skin lesions, mucosal oedema and dyspnoea. Recurrent urticaria requires dermatological and/or allergological diagnosis.
In some cases of urticaria with a documented and testable allergic background, specific desensitisation is possible.
Treatment urticaria
Administration of over-the-counter antihistamines, calcium preparations, vitamin C, antihistamine gels and cooling ointment on the skin.
