Concept and Etiology:
According to the Mayo Clinic (2020),“Hives (urticaria) are red, itchy welts
that result from a skin reaction. The welts vary in size and appear and fade
repeatedly as the reaction runs its course. The condition is considered chronic
hives if the welts appear for more than six weeks and recur frequently over
months or years. Often, the cause of chronic hives is not clear” (Mayo Clinic,
2020). They deviate from the definition of health because the body is having
an immune reaction to something that causes it to become uncomfortable and
therefore the body is no longer maintaining homeostasis.
Classification: the classification of urticaria subgroups is mainly based on
clinical criteria: acute and chronic urticaria (CU). Chronic urticaria comprises
both chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria
(CIndU) that includes physical and non-physical urticarias (Radonjic-Hoesli,
Hofmeier, Micaletto, Schmid-Grendel Meier, Bircher, & Simon, 2018).
Clinical Manifestations: The most common signs and symptoms of urticaria
include red welts on the skin, intense itching all over the body, and swelling
that can be painful. The signs and symptoms of urticaria can last for months
or longer. Often there are certain stimulators that make each person’s urticaria
worse (heat, cold, etc.).
Diagnostic Tests: the main way to diagnose urticaria is to be examined by
your doctor. They can visibly see the rash on the body. They will also ask
further questions to narrow down the aggravating factors. There could
possibly be bloodwork, biopsies or other skin testing involved as well.
References:
Chronic hives - Symptoms and causes. (2020, June 9). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved
December 2, 2021, from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-hives/symptoms-
causes/syc-20352719Radonjic-Hoesli, S., Hofmeier, K. S., Micaletto, S.,
Schmid-
Grendel Meier, P., Bircher, A., & Simon, D. (2018). Urticaria and
Angioedema: An Update on Classification and Pathogenesis. Clinical
Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 54(1), 88–101.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-017-8628-1
