Urticaria is a disease in which pink-red blisters appear on the skin and itching appears. External manifestations of the disease are very similar to the reaction to a nettle burn, hence the name. If we talk about the prevalence of the disease, it can be noted that adults and children alike often suffer from it. The rash appears quickly and disappears just as quickly. However, there is such a thing as relapsing urticaria. In this case, the rash occurs constantly and leads to serious consequences. A person comes to complete exhaustion due to eternal itching and insomnia.
Causes of the disease
Urticaria (ICD 10) is an allergic reaction that appears suddenly, in the form of blisters of various sizes and shapes. This disease spreads very quickly. External manifestations are associated with the fact that vascular permeability increases and swelling develops.
In adults, the main cause of urticaria is heredity associated with various allergic reactions. Among the factors that provoke the onset of the disease, there are:
- intolerance to medications, most often antibiotics, serums, non-narcotic analgesics;
- hormonal problems, diseases of the endocrine system, stress, hidden infections;
- insect bites, in most cases mosquitoes and bees;
- intoxication of the body;
- food allergies such as eggs, seafood, citrus fruits, etc .;
- allergic to household products or dust;
- reaction to a blood transfusion, an organ transplant operation.
Classification of urticaria
Like any other disease, urticaria is divided into several types. The most popular classification refers to separation according to clinical presentation. In addition, the following types of urticaria are distinguished by the pathogenetic form:
- Allergic From the name it is clear what is manifested with the help of allergens.
- Pseudo-allergic. This is a bit more complicated, because the immune system is not involved in the formation of mediators. There are several subspecies:
- urticaria, which arises on the basis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as various infections, such as hepatitis, typhoid fever, malaria, etc .;
- the body’s response to prolonged medication use.
According to the clinical manifestations, three forms of the disease are distinguished:
- Acute urticaria. The most common case. The patient has a general malaise, blisters appear and the temperature rises.
- Recurrent urticaria. Represents the next phase of the acute form. The rash affects the skin for a long period - it disappears, then reappears.
- Persistent papular (chronic urticaria). This type of disease is accompanied by a constant rash. Moreover, it tends to affect new areas of the skin.
Symptoms of urticaria in children
In a child, the signs of the disease are slightly different from those observed in an adult. How to determine the onset of the disease? If we talk about children, then in this case urticaria appears as an itch. If a child begins to itch, this is the first sign of a rash. Blisters later appear in different areas of the skin.
In childhood, urticaria occurs very often, so parents should carefully monitor any deviations in the well-being of the babies. The rash is often accompanied by swelling of the eyes, hands, lips. Swelling can last from two hours to several weeks.
If among the symptoms of urticaria in children strong swelling of the cheeks, genitals, tongue, larynx, eyes or lips are found, then Quincke's edema is most likely to occur. This is probably the most unpleasant variant of the course of the disease. In this case, you need to call an ambulance and reassure the child.
Symptoms in adults
Like children, in adults, insurmountable itching first appears. The problem is that in connection with their employment, people often do not pay attention to places where something itches. Only when blisters appear on skin areas, a person will become worried. If edema occurs and develops, the blisters can change color from red to grayish-white.
Symptoms of urticaria in adults are quite pronounced. The blisters are oval or round in shape. Often they grow together, forming large plaques. It is worth noting that formations can appear on any part of the body, however, the most dangerous are blisters in the genital area and around the eyes.
In such cases, the inflammation reaches a large size, but quickly subsides. Also, among the symptoms of urticaria in adults, an increase in body temperature and loss of appetite are distinguished.
Stages of the disease
Most often, urticaria is formed in the form of an allergy to something. Based on this fact, the following stages of the disease are distinguished:
- Immunological First, the body contacts the irritant. Allergens then spread with blood flow, and the body accumulates antibodies.
- Pathochemical. At this stage, mediators begin to appear. If an allergy occurs for the first time, they only form, and if a relapse occurs, then ready ones are released.
- Pathophysiological. Here the body begins to respond to mediators. After their blood level rises, the first clinical signs in the form of blisters appear.
Diagnosis of the disease
Unlike many other diseases, it is difficult to confuse urticaria on the body with anything else. Therefore, usually the diagnosis of the disease does not cause any difficulties. If nevertheless the doctor doubts, then he carries out differentiation with other ailments.
In addition, experts often recommend an examination to determine the cause of the disease, as well as its severity. Further treatment depends on the results of the doctor’s research. Relapsing urticaria is one of the most dangerous forms, so if you detect the first signs, you should immediately make an appointment with a specialist.
Traditional treatment of the disease
Passing the examination prescribed by the doctor, the patient finds out the cause of the allergy. In most cases, this is some kind of food product. The first step is to exclude it from the diet. If the allergy is caused by medications, it is forbidden to take these drugs until the end of life in order to avoid recurring urticaria. In addition, it is recommended to stay away from dust and pet hair.
If we talk about medicines, then doctors often prescribe:
- antihistamines such as Loratadine, Zodak, or Zirtek;
- histaglobulin - it must be administered subcutaneously, gradually increasing the dose;
- sodium thiosulfate.
- Ketotifen in relapsing urticaria.
In each case, the drugs are prescribed different, it depends on many factors. But almost always, doctors recommend a diet that restricts junk food. You also need to give up smoking and drinking alcohol.
Treatment with folk remedies
It is worth noting that with the help of such measures it is impossible to completely get rid of urticaria. Folk remedies are an additional way to combat the disease. With their help, you can also strengthen the immune system.
Traditional medicine recommends the following:
- After the blisters go away, a rash will remain on the skin. It is cleaned by wiping a decoction of chamomile, nettle and oak root.
- This method looks like the prevention of various diseases, you need to eat a teaspoon of honey every morning on an empty stomach.
- To strengthen immunity and fight against urticaria, celery juice is perfect. It should be drunk four times a day, one teaspoon each.
- With the same regularity, you can use yarrow tincture. It is sometimes added alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 10, and take 30 drops per day.
- To combat the rash, grated potatoes are used. It must be applied under the film and kept for about half an hour.
- Bathing with the addition of celandine, valerian, St. John's wort, and oregano has a good effect on health.
- If the patient is not allergic to coriander, then you need to use this spice in cooking, as it perfectly fights the symptoms of the disease.
Alternative treatment of urticaria is quite effective. However, we must not forget that in any case, you need to see a doctor, and then act according to his recommendations.
The effects of urticaria
In both children and adults, the most dangerous form of the disease is Quincke's edema. The patient develops laryngeal edema. The fact is that this is happening rapidly and can lead to suffocation.
If a person has severe nausea, faints, there is a lack of air, you should immediately call an ambulance. At this time, it is necessary to provide first aid to the patient, which consists in the administration of antihistamines intramuscularly. People who strongly comb skin areas affected by urticaria often suffer from a fungal infection. In addition, pustules and boils often appear.
Urticaria Prevention
Urticaria (ICD 10) is most often manifested in the form of red blisters that are unbearably itchy. If this appears, do not hesitate, you should immediately consult a doctor. However, in order to prevent this, the following rules must be observed:
- try to avoid any contact with allergens and irritants;
- observe a hypoallergenic diet;
- monitor health, regularly undergo a medical examination;
- strengthen immunity, completely abandon bad habits.
Since urticaria is a common occurrence, preventive measures cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, many people are neglectful of their health, which is why huge problems appear. The acute form of the disease can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, in order not to treat the disease later, it is not necessary to allow its development.