Doctors Near You for Urticaria in Nanaimo

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, red, itchy welts or wheals on the skin. These welts can vary in size and shape, often merging to form larger areas of swelling. Urticaria can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears, and can range from small spots to large patches. The welts typically blanch (turn white) when pressed and may disappear within hours, only to reappear elsewhere on the body. Urticaria can be classified as either acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for six weeks or longer. The primary cause of urticaria is the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream by mast cells in the skin. This release is often triggered by an allergic reaction, such as to foods (like nuts, shellfish, or eggs), medications (such as antibiotics or aspirin), insect stings, or physical triggers (like heat, cold, pressure, or sunlight). In some cases, urticaria may be idiopathic, meaning no specific cause is identified. Other potential triggers include infections, stress, exercise, or underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disease or lupus. Treatment for urticaria focuses on relieving symptoms and avoiding known triggers. The primary treatment involves the use of antihistamines, such as cetirizine or loratadine, which help block the release of histamine and reduce itching and swelling. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or medications that suppress the immune system. Chronic urticaria may require a combination of treatments and lifestyle modifications, including avoiding known triggers, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and applying cool compresses to affected areas. If an underlying condition is identified as the cause of urticaria, treating that condition may help alleviate symptoms. In cases of severe allergic reactions, immediate medical attention is necessary, and an epinephrine injection may be required.