Urticaria: An Overview

Urticaria is the medical term for “Hives”. Hives are raised areas of the skin that itch intensely and are red with a pale center. Hives are a very common condition. About 20 percent of people have hives at some time during their lives. Are you aware about  Risk Factors Of Urticaria?

Hives develop when there is a reaction that activates immune cells in the skin called mast cells. When activated, these cells release natural chemicals. One important chemical is histamine, which causes itching, redness, and swelling of the skin in an area. In most cases, hives appear suddenly and disappear within several hours.

Hives usually respond well to treatment, which includes medicines and avoiding whatever triggered the hives.

Urticaria: Symptoms

Hives are raised areas that itch intensely and are sometimes red with a pale centre. In some cases, the raised areas enlarge and merge together. Itching is usually the most bothersome symptom of hives, and it may be severe enough to interfere with work and sleep.

The most common signs of hives are:

• Slightly raised, pink or red swellings.
• Welts that occur alone or in a group, or connect over a large area.
• Skin swelling that subsides or goes away within 24 hours at one spot but may appear at another spot

Urticaria: Different Causes

An allergic reaction can trigger hives. Things that commonly trigger an allergic reaction include:

• Foods: Fruits (especially citrus fruits), milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.
• Medicines.
• Insect bites and stings.
• Animals.
• Pollen.
• Touching something to which you are allergic, such as latex.
• Allergy shots.

Other causes of hives are:

• Infections, including colds and infections caused by some bacteria or fungi.
• Some illnesses, including a type of vasculitis, lupus, and thyroid disease.
• Exposure to sun, heat, cold, or water.
• Exercise.
• Stress.
• Pressure on the skin, such as from sitting too long.
• Contact with chemicals.
• Scratching the skin.

Hives can happen within minutes of exposure to the trigger or can have a delayed reaction of more than two hours.

Urticaria: Various Risk Factors

The risk of hives, either acute or chronic, increases due to any of the following:

• Allergies (whether pre-existing or newly developed)
• A personal or family history of hives
• A known disorder that is associated with hives (infections such as urinary tract infection, strep throat, hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or type 1 diabetes)
• Frequent viral infections
• Medications
• Existing skin sensitivities or dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
• Existing sensitivities to disinfectants, dyes, chemicals, or perfume fragrances
• Emotional triggers (association with stress and anxiety)

Urticaria: Best Ayurvedic Treatment to cure Urticaria (Hives) Naturally

Urticaria is popularly known as Sheeta Pitta in Ayurveda. It is true that it isn’t a life threatening condition’ however, it affects one’s quality of life seriously. A few individuals tend to suffer from this condition for even years together.

Ayurvedic management involves avoiding of trigger factors and treatment of the root cause along with the symptoms. Ayurveda advises shodhana (Expelling treatment) followed by shamana (Suppressive treatment). Blend of mediicnal herbs such as Arogyavardhini Rasa, Giloye, Khadirarishta, Suthashekara Rasa, Aloe vera, Kamadhugarasa are proposed by specialists to treat urticaria completely.

 Ayurvedic precautions & remedies  for Risk Factors Of Urticaria?:

 Avoid eating sweet food such as sugar, as it will make the itching worse.

• Keep meals light and digestible to give your digestive system a good flushing.
• Try and eat cooked split gram (split legumes), bitter gourd, and pomegranate, as they have skin-soothing properties.
• Avoid ghee or refined oil and instead, use mustard oil for cooking.
• Avoid any exposure to excessive temperatures or climate.
• Massage and moisturise the skin with herbal oil or cream
• Applying aloe vera pulp to the affected areas may also help in reducing the inflammation.
• Avoid milk and milk products, fish and other sea foods which likely cause allergy.
• Use lukewarm water for drinking.