![]() ![]() Our bodies may continue producing these auto-antibodies for a number of years leading to a great deal of distress and discomfort for the urticaria sufferer. Why we suddenly switch-on production of these aggressive antibodies to our own skin cells is a complete enigma. Activation of the coagulation cascade may also be implicated. This condition (which can persist for many years) is due to the production of “auto-antibodies” which in turn attack specific Mast Cells in our skin and tissues causing an enormous release of histamine. We often end up diagnosing Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (previously called Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria) when no cause is identified. The role of true food allergy is hardly ever a significant trigger but food additives such as salicylate, sodium benzoate, sulphites, artificial colourings and nitrites may play a role. The cause of Chronic Urticaria is much more difficult to identify it may be inducible or spontaneous. Skeeter Syndrome is an localised allergic skin reaction to proteins from a mosquito bite. Papular urticaria is the medical term for “itchy bumps” or grouped urticarial lesions seen mainly in children and which follow insect bites from midges, fleas and mosquitoes. Allergic reactions to blood products, transfusions, xray contrast and vaccines have also been implicated. Sometimes viral infections such as glandular fever and hepatitis B, or bacteria (helicobacter, mycoplasma, streptococci), fungal and parasitic infections can trigger urticaria in adults. The most common cause for Acute Urticaria in a child will be a viral infection (Viral Urticaria). Allergies to medication such as antibiotics (penicillin, tetracycline, sulphonamides and cephalosporins), blood pressure pills (ACE inhibitors and diuretics), codeine and aspirin containing pain killers can cause acute urticaria. The most likely cause of Acute Urticaria is an allergy due to exposure to pets, horses, latex rubber, food such as shellfish, nuts, egg and dairy products or bee and wasp stings. Just to confuse the issue, Chronic Urticaria may also occur together with Physical (Inducible) Urticaria. This is also referred to as Angioneurotic oedema and can be associated with Anaphylactic shock. Angioedema swelling is most apparent in lax tissues around the eyelids, lips, tongue and genitals. ![]() This depends on whether we release histamine into the skin (urticaria), deeper tissues (angioedema) or both. Chronic urticaria is diagnosed if the rash persists or recurs for six weeks or longer, the underlying cause is then usually not due to food allergiesĪll forms of urticaria may occur in association with deeper skin swelling or angioedema and equally, angioedema may occur in isolation with no apparent urticaria.Acute urticaria is most often caused by an allergy to food, insect sting, viral illness or medication and can last between several hours and six weeks.Ordinarily spontaneous urticaria has two patterns – Acute Urticaria and Chronic Urticaria. There are distinct types of urticaria called Spontaneous Urticaria and Inducible Urticaria (also known as Physical Urticaria). Urticaria is common affecting 15 to 30% of the population some time in their life. Angioedema swelling is when the deeper tissues are affected with swelling and pressure on airways (previously called Angioneurotic Oedema). ![]() It is also called a “nettle rash” or hives. Urticaria is a raised, itchy and painful rash that migrates about on the skin.
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