Urticaria



What is Urticaria?

Urticaria is a rash similar to that produced following contact with a stinging nettle.

What are the symptoms?

Often called by its common names of nettle rash or hives, it appears as a localised swelling of the skin surrounded by redness. If severe the rash can cover the whole body, with large lumpy red wheals. They are itchy and can appear suddenly.

There are many possible causes for the reaction. These could include;

  • Foods

  • Prescribed drugs – antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

  • Perfumes

  • Flowers or plants

  • Chemicals

  • Parasites

  • Blood transfusions

  • Dyes

  • Intense heat or cold

  • Water

  • Sunlight

Treatment

It is important to find out any known cause and try to remove it. Conventional treatment is by antihistamine or corticosteroids.

Urtica urens cream made from nettles is good for rashes caused by insect bites or stinging nettles.

 

 

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