Page 38 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

36 COMMON CONDITIONS: SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS

Urticaria

Urticaria, or hives, is an intensely itchy rash of white or yellow
WARNING
swellings (wheals) surrounded by red, inflamed skin. It is usually
caused by an allergic reaction, which can be triggered by a range Seek immediate medical help if you
have urticaria and:
of factors, such as certain foods or medicines, insect bites, or
● You become breathless or
stings. People with hay fever or asthma are more susceptible.
hoarse, or start to wheeze
Hives can also be caused by stress, or have no obvious cause. ● Your lips or tongue swell and/or
you have difficulty swallowing
See also Anaphylactic shock, p.159.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor
to confirm that you have urticaria and/or to Antihistamines (see p.178) control allergic
check whether you are taking medication swelling and itching. You may need to try several
that could be triggering the attack. types to find out which works best for you. The drug
may need to be taken regularly for a prolonged
attack of hives. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
What you can do yourself Calamine lotion (see p.179) is a soothing
preparation with a cooling effect. Using a cotton ball,
Urticaria is extremely uncomfortable, but the dab it onto the rash 2–3 times a day.
following measures will help relieve irritation and
soothe the skin. Attacks are usually short-lived,
but some people have persistent symptoms.
NATURAL REMEDIES
● Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and
swelling (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
Oatmeal products (see p.187) are often
● Take a cool shower to reduce the redness and effective for soothing itchy skin. Add oatmeal oil to
“heat” of the rash. Alternatively, hold a cool lukewarm bath water and soak for 10–20 minutes.
compress (a clean washcloth soaked in cool water
and wrung out) against the rash for a few minutes
at a time. Keep reapplying for about 30 minutes.
PREVENTION
● You can also relieve itching with calamine lotion
(see DRUG REMEDIES, right). Preventing urticaria If you have
recurrent attacks, try these measures of prevention.
● Try an oatmeal bath oil (see NATURAL REMEDIES,
● Keep a diary of attacks, and try to identify any foods,
right) to relieve itchy skin.
medicines, or other factors that may trigger them.
● Minimize irritation by wearing loose-fitting, Once you find a trigger, you can try to avoid it.
lightweight clothes made of natural fibers. ● If you think stress is a contributory factor, try
self-help techniques (see STRESS, pp.20–21).

Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor again if:
● Urticaria is not responding to treatment