Triggers, Types, and Treatment of Urticaria

Urticaria is classified mainly by duration:

• Acute Urticaria: Lasts less than six weeks, often with an identifiable cause.

• Chronic Urticaria: Persists beyond six weeks and may stem from autoimmune issues or unknown triggers.

Certain external factors can also induce hives — known as physical (inducible) urticaria:

• Dermographism: Appears when skin is scratched or rubbed.

• Cold Urticaria: Triggered by exposure to cold.

• Pressure Urticaria: Caused by tight clothing or prolonged pressure.

• Solar Urticaria: Induced by sunlight.

• Cholinergic Urticaria: Triggered by heat, exercise, or stress.

Common causes include:

• Allergies: Foods (like shellfish, nuts, or eggs), medications (such as antibiotics or ibuprofen), or insect stings.

• Infections: Both bacterial (strep throat) and viral (cold, hepatitis).

• Stress or physical irritation: Can worsen outbreaks in sensitive individuals.

Treatment and management focus on symptom relief and avoiding triggers:

• Antihistamines: The first-line treatment to reduce itching and swelling.

• Corticosteroids: Used briefly for severe or chronic flare-ups.

• Trigger avoidance: Identifying and steering clear of specific causes whenever possible.

If hives persist or interfere with daily life, medical advice is essential — as ongoing urticaria can sometimes signal an underlying immune condition.