Urticaria -

Urticaria, commonly called hives, is a skin condition marked by itchy, raised, red or skin-coloured welts that often appear suddenly and can fade within hours. These welts are triggered by the rapid release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells in the skin.

Acute urticaria: Lasts less than six weeks.
Chronic urticaria: Persists for six weeks or more.

Some people experience deeper swelling called angioedema, which may affect the lips, eyelids, or extremities.

How Common Is Urticaria?

About 20% of people experience urticaria at some point in their lives, making it a relatively common skin disorder.

What Causes Urticaria

Urticaria results from complex immune responses, especially mast cell activation. Common causes and risk factors include:

Mast cell activation: Main driver releasing histamine.
Autoimmune mechanisms: Chronic spontaneous urticaria is often linked to autoantibodies against IgE or its receptor.

Triggers:

Infections (viral or bacterial)
Thyroid disorders
Stress and anxiety
NSAID medications (such as aspirin)
Foods or additives (pseudoallergens)
Physical factors (pressure, heat, cold, vibration)
Idiopathic: Many chronic cases remain unexplained.

How Is Urticaria Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is largely clinical, based on:

Medical history: Onset, frequency, duration, and possible triggers.
Physical examination: Presence of welts and any angioedema.
Lab tests: Only when needed to rule out underlying causes.
Referral: Severe, atypical, or resistant cases may require a dermatologist or allergy specialist.

Types of Urticaria

Duration-based

1. Acute Urticaria

Triggers: Infections, foods (nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk), medications, insect bites
Sudden onset, usually resolves when the trigger is removed.

2. Chronic Urticaria

Lasts beyond six weeks; can be:
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU): No obvious trigger.
Chronic Inducible Urticaria (CIndU): Triggered by physical/environmental factors.

Trigger-based (Chronic Inducible Urticaria)

Dermatographism: Hives appear when skin is scratched.
Cold urticaria: Triggered by cold exposure.
Heat urticaria: Triggered by heat, hot showers, or exercise.
Cholinergic urticaria: Provoked by sweating, exercise, hot environments, or stress.
Pressure urticaria: Follows sustained pressure (tight clothing, straps).
Solar urticaria: Triggered by sunlight or artificial light.
Aquagenic urticaria: Rare, triggered by contact with water.
Vibratory urticaria: Triggered by vibration.

Swelling / Edema Forms

Urticaria with angioedema: Deeper swelling (lips, eyelids, hands, feet, genital area).
Hereditary angioedema (HAE): Due to C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency, swelling without hives or itching.

Special Clinical Types

Autoimmune urticaria: Linked to underlying autoimmunity (e.g., thyroid).
Contact urticaria: Triggered by direct contact (latex, chemicals, plants, cosmetics).

Homeopathy for Urticaria at Surecare Homeopathy

At Surecare Homeopathy, led by Dr. Rajashekar Bogadi, urticaria is managed holistically and individually, focusing on:

Thorough Case Assessment: Detailed review of physical, emotional, lifestyle, and trigger factors.
Trigger Identification & Elimination: Emphasis on detecting and avoiding personal triggers.
Tailored Remedy Selection: Based on unique symptoms—aiming to stabilize mast cells, control itching, and address emotional stressors.
Long-term Relief & Prevention: Use of constitutional remedies to prevent recurrence; regular monitoring and remedy adjustments.
Integrated Care Approach:

Homeopathy complements conventional treatments.
Collaboration with dermatologists/allergists when needed.
Symptom tracking (e.g., wheal diaries) to monitor progress.

Benefits of Homeopathy in Urticaria

Gentle & Safe: Minimal side effects
Holistic: Addresses root causes—physical and emotional
Long-lasting results: Reduces recurrence and severity
Supports other therapies: Works alongside conventional medicine

Practical Tips for Managing Urticaria

Keep a health diary to track triggers (foods, stress, weather).
Use cool compresses for acute itching.
Avoid tight clothing and known triggers (pressure, heat, cold).
Stay consistent with treatment and attend follow-up visits.
Collaborate with both homeopaths and dermatologist/allergist for best outcomes.