Acute Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options - Dermatology

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Acute urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, itchy welts on the skin. These welts can vary in size and may appear anywhere on the body. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for acute urticaria is essential, especially for individuals with a history of allergies, such as yourself.


Causes of Acute Urticaria
Acute urticaria can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
1. Allergic Reactions: Common allergens include certain foods (like nuts, shellfish, eggs), medications (such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and insect stings.


2. Environmental Factors: Changes in temperature, such as exposure to cold or heat, can provoke hives. This is particularly relevant in your case, as your doctor mentioned external factors as a potential cause.

3. Infections: Viral infections, particularly in children, can lead to acute urticaria.

4. Stress: Emotional stress can also trigger hives in some individuals.

5. Physical Triggers: Pressure on the skin, sunlight, or sweating can cause hives in susceptible individuals.


Symptoms of Acute Urticaria
The primary symptom of acute urticaria is the appearance of itchy welts or hives on the skin. These can be accompanied by:
- Swelling (angioedema), particularly around the eyes and lips.

- A burning or stinging sensation.

- In severe cases, difficulty breathing or swallowing, which may indicate anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.


Treatment Options
Treatment for acute urticaria typically focuses on relieving symptoms and addressing the underlying cause:
1. Antihistamines: These are the first-line treatment for hives. They work by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Over-the-counter options include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Your doctor may have prescribed stronger antihistamines if over-the-counter options were insufficient.

2. Corticosteroids: In cases of severe hives or when antihistamines are not effective, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response.

3. Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding known triggers is crucial. Since you have a history of animal fat allergies, it’s essential to avoid foods and products that may contain these allergens.

4. Epinephrine: For individuals who experience severe allergic reactions, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is recommended.


Concerns About Medication
It’s understandable to be concerned about the side effects of medications, especially if they make you feel drowsy or unwell. If you feel that the prescribed medication is too strong or causing unwanted side effects, it’s important to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They can adjust your treatment plan or suggest alternative medications that may be more suitable for your needs.


Regarding "富貴手" (Dupuytren's Contracture)
Dupuytren's contracture, also known as "Dupuytren's disease" or "富貴手," is a condition that affects the connective tissue in the palm of the hand, leading to the thickening and shortening of the tissue. This can cause the fingers to bend towards the palm, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

Treatment options for Dupuytren's contracture include:
1. Observation: If the contracture is mild and not affecting hand function, monitoring the condition may be sufficient.

2. Physical Therapy: Stretching exercises may help maintain hand function and flexibility.

3. Needle Aponeurotomy: A minimally invasive procedure where a needle is used to break the thickened tissue.

4. Surgery: In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the affected tissue.

5. Collagenase Injection: An enzyme injection that helps dissolve the thickened tissue.


Conclusion
Acute urticaria can be distressing, especially when it disrupts daily life. It’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms effectively and to explore treatment options for Dupuytren's contracture if it continues to be a problem. Keeping a diary of your symptoms and potential triggers can also be beneficial in managing both conditions. If you have further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for personalized advice.