Acute urticaria is an allergic reaction of the body, manifested by rashes on the skin and the appearance of blisters.
Etiology of the disease
Acute urticaria can develop when exposed to external factors, as well as the pathological effect of internal, endogenous causes. The appearance of an allergic reaction is facilitated by prolonged insolation, exposure to chemicals, drugs, etc. The endogenous cause may be a pathology of the nervous system or some other disease. Urticaria in its pathogenesis has many common characteristics that are independent of the cause. An allergic reaction is triggered after exposure to an allergen, to which an inflammatory mediator is released . That in turn leads to increased vascular permeability and the formation of blisters and edema.
Foreign protein is also a powerful allergen, causing the formation of antibodies in the body. The reaction can develop on pathogenic microorganisms, toxins that are formed as a result of diseases.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
Usually an allergic reaction of the body develops very quickly. After contact with the allergen, dense blisters appear on the skin. They can merge. At the same time, excruciating itching of the skin is noted. The size of the rashes can be different, from a millimeter to several centimeters. If you take an antihistamine in a timely manner, these manifestations quickly disappear and leave no residue. General condition may worsen, fever, joint pains may appear. Usually, acute urticaria develops due to the use of allergenic products or after taking medications.
As one of the varieties of urticaria, acute limited Quincke's edema is separately isolated , it is also called a giant urticaria. This form of the disease is manifested by the acute development of clearly delineated edema of the tissues of the face, genitals (skin, subcutaneous tissue or mucous membrane). The skin in the region of the edema becomes densified and has a whitish-pale color. There are usually no other sensations. Edema after contact with the allergen, swelling lasts from several hours to one to two days, and then subsides. There are cases of the simultaneous appearance of limited edema on the face and ordinary urticaria. Life-threatening is a condition where acute edema occurs in the respiratory tract. This can lead to stenosis and difficulty breathing.
Also, acute urticaria may occur when exposed to sunlight. It is called photodermatosis or solar urticaria. People with liver diseases or metabolic disorders are especially prone to it. It is more common in women. Skin rashes appear after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially in the summer. Rarely can they be combined with poor health and respiratory failure.
Diagnosis of the disease
The classic manifestation of urticaria does not cause difficulties in making a diagnosis. The disease is differentiated with various dermatoses.
Urticaria treatment
With a diagnosis of Acute urticaria, treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization is carried out only with the development of complications and respiratory failure. When taking medications or food products that caused an allergic reaction, the appointment of a laxative and a sorbent is indicated. At the same time, antihistamines, calcium preparations for parenteral administration (calcium chloride or calcium gluconate) are prescribed. If a severe allergic reaction is observed with the development of stenosis of the larynx, administration of adrenaline and hormonal drugs is indicated. To relieve itching of the skin, hormonal ointments or creams containing an antihistamine component are also used.