Urticaria is a group of disorders in which a patient will develop hives on the skin. These hives can be a few millimeters to several centimeters in size. Most often, they are red and itchy, but occasionally, they can be white. One of the most characteristic features of hives or wheals is that they itch. These lesions may frequently change shape. Today, they may be round and swollen, or tommorow, they may form rings, or they may look like giant patches. Some individuals with urticaria will have swollen eyelids and lips.

If there is difficulty with breathing when urticaria develops, this is a medical emergency, requiring epinephrine and Benadryl.

The cause of urticaria is an allergic reaction. Typically, medications such as antibiotics or food substances, may ignite the bodies immune system. Certain foods such as fish, eggs, nuts, and chocolates are often responsible. It depends on previous exposure to the material for your immune system to develop a memory and to react to this inciting agent.

Anaphylaxis can occur in severe cases in which there will be wheezing, tightness of the chest, faintness, and collapse. This is truly a medical emergency.

Some people develop urticaria because of a viral infection. Most cases of urticaria resolve rather quickly. Unfortunately, some people develop chronic urticaria, lasting throughout many years. Most individuals with chronic urticaria are otherwise heathly, but may have other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease.

Treatment for urticaria consists mostly of oral antihistamines, which controls hives and itching. There is no cure for urticaria, other than avoiding the substances which causes it.

There are newer, non-sedating antihistamines, such as oratidine, astemizole, cetirazine, and fexofenadine that are less likely to cause drowsiness. Occasionally, steroids have been used for acute flares. Ultraviolet light treatment may also be considered.

If you have urticaria, avoid aspirin, codeine, and your intake of acidic fruits. Certain yellow dyes in food (tartrazine), numbered as E102, are on the list of ingredients on the food container. Certain meats with preservatives that contain Benzoates, labeled E210 or E220, may also cause urticaria. Also, avoid alcohol and tight-fitting clothing.