Urticaria is the medical term for the skin condition we call hives. A hive, or wheal, is a symptom of urticaria. Most people don't develop one hive when they have urticaria, hence the name hives.
Urticaria Facts
Urticaria is a common condition that occurs in up to 20% of the population at one time or another. It can affect any person of any race, at any age, in any season of the year, but it often shows up in the evening or in the morning just after waking. Itching is typically worse at night, which interferes with sleeping.Quality of Life with Urticaria
Urticaria is one of those skin conditions that can range from mildly annoying to downright nerve-wracking. Just imagine trying to sleep when you itch like crazy. Urticaria interferes with many aspects of life including:- Sleep
- Self-image
- Sexual relationships
- Social life
Types of Urticaria
Urticaria is classified as acute or chronic depending on how long the rash has been present. Acute hives last for less than 6 weeks, and chronic hives last for longer than 6 weeks. The designation of 6 weeks as the divider is arbitrary.Acute Urticaria
Acute urticaria is more common in children and young adults. The majority of acute urticaria episodes are called idiopathic, meaning we don't know the cause. If a cause can be found, it's likely to be an infection, food or drug allergy, or an insect sting. Acute hives usually resolve on their own.Chronic Urticaria
Urticaria that occurs at least twice a week and has been present for more than 6 weeks is known as chronic urticaria. Unlike the acute type, chronic urticaria does not resolve quickly. In one study, 75% of people with chronic hives have symptoms for longer than 1 year; 50% have symptoms for longer than 5 years; and 20% have symptoms for decades. In 50% of the cases, the offending agent is not identified.Chronic urticaria occurs more often in middle-aged women and rarely occurs in children. It can be caused by the same things that cause acute urticaria. Other possible causes include autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, and any one or combination of the physical urticarias. Physical urticarias are caused by a specific stimulus like stroking the skin or exposure to cold. Find out more about the different types of physical urticarias.
Sources:
Amar, Sheila and Stephen Dreskin. “Urticaria.” Primary Care. 35(2008): 141-57.
Grattan, Clive and Anne Kobza Black. "Urticaria and Angioedema." Dermatology. 2nd. Ed. Jean Bolognia. New York: Mosby, 2008: 261-76.
Guldbakke, KK, and A Khachemoune. “Etiology, classification, and treatment of urticaria.” Cutis. 79(2007): 41-9.
Zuberbier, Torsten and Marcus Maurer. “Urticaria: current opinions about etiology, diagnosis and therapy.” Acta Derm Venereologica. 87(2007): 196-205.
