What Is Urticaria?

By amanda

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Urticaria, or hives, are bumps that appear and disappear on the skin, and they are often red or skin-colored. While many people mistake hives for bug bites, these vanish too quickly. Also, this condition is more rash-like.

Many people feel shame or embarrassment from the appearance of urticaria, but nearly 20% of people will experience hives in their lives. Therefore, it is a common condition, and you would have no reason to be embarrassed if your skin breaks out in such a rash.

To better help you and other sufferers understand the condition, it is necessary to talk about the specifics of the disorder. Here are 10 of the most frequently asked questions about urticaria.

1. What Causes Urticaria?

The causes of urticaria are vast and not always readily apparent. While some forms of hives can appear because of a bacterial infection, the common cause is an allergic reaction to a trigger substance. Unfortunately, the triggers are different and specific to each patient. Therefore, it is necessary for you to see an allergist if you believe you are experiencing urticaria symptoms. Also, you might want to consider any substances, foods or objects you have been in contact with or ingested. There are many common triggers for this condition: medication, insect stings or bites, some foods, latex, bacterial infections, viral infections, pollen, pet dander, plants, blood transfusions or physical stimuli.

Unfortunately, the best way to weed out your trigger and the cause of your hives is through the process of elimination. It can be a time-consuming process, but an allergist can help speed up the process.