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- Dictionarynettle rash/ˈnɛtl raʃ/
noun
- 1. a rash of round, red welts on the skin that itch intensely, sometimes with dangerous swelling, caused by an allergic reaction, typically to specific foods. British
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Last revised in March 2024. Urticaria (also known as hives, weals, or nettle rash) is a superficial swelling of the skin (epidermis and mucous membranes) that results in a red (initially with a pale centre), raised, and intensely itchy rash. Angio-oedema is a deeper form of urticaria with transient swellings of deeper dermal, subcutaneous, and ...
- What Are Hives?
- What Causes Hives?
- Types of Hives
- Hives Symptoms
- Diagnosing Hives
- Hives Treatment
- Are Hives Serious?
- How Long Do Hives Last?
- Complications of Hives
Hives (or urticaria) is an itchy rash caused by tiny amounts of fluid that leak from blood vessels just under the skin surface. A trigger causes cells in the skin to release chemicals such as histamine. The chemicals cause fluid to leak from tiny blood vessels under the skin surface. The fluid pools to form wheals or welts. The chemicals also cause...
Hives can be triggered by a number of different physical causes. The reason why a rash appears in affected people is not clear. The physical stimulus causes a release of histamine and other chemicals, which causes the rash. Some known triggers include: 1. A physical stimulus. Where this is the case the condition is calledinducible urticaria. In thi...
Hives can be classed as follows: 1. Acute - if it develops suddenly and lasts less than six weeks. Most cases last 24-48 hours. In some cases the rash only lasts a few hours. About 1 in 6 people will have at least one bout of hives in their lives. It can affect anyone at any age. Some people have recurring bouts of acute hives. 2. Chronic - if it p...
An itchy rash is the main symptom of hives (urticaria). The rash can appear anywhere on the body. Small, raised areas called wheals develop on the skin. The wheals look like mild blisters and are itchy. Each wheal is white or red and is usually surrounded by a small red area of skin which is called a flare. The wheals are commonly 1-2 cm across but...
Are any tests needed?
Usually no tests are needed. The rash is very typical and is easily recognised as hives by doctors. In a few cases it is clear what caused the rash from the events leading up to it, for example if recently stung by a nettle or starting new medication.
A symptom diary
A symptom diary may be helpful in working out if there is a specific cause. A diary might also show if the rash relates to stress, exercise or sunlight. It may help rule out certain causes.
Skin-prick allergy tests
In some cases, if it appears to be related to an allergy, tests such as skin-prick allergy testsmay be helpful. Tiny quantities of substances which might cause an allergy are placed on the skin in a special order. If the skin reacts, there may be an allergy to that substance.
Often no treatment is necessary, as the rash commonly goes within 24-48 hours. A cool bath or shower may ease the itch. Calamine lotion or menthol 1% in aqueous cream can help with itching, although if it is left on for too long the itch may come back. These can be bought without a prescription. Once it is clear what causes the hives, it may be pos...
Usually not. The rash is itchy but normally fades within a day or so and causes no harm. Most people with hives (acute urticaria) do not feel too unwell unless they have a cold or flu that is triggering the rash. The cause of the rash is not known in more than half of cases and it is commonly a one-off event. However, hives may be more serious in t...
Inducible urticaria most commonly occurs in healthy young adults. As a rule, hives triggered by physical stimuli tend to improve and become less troublesome with time (often going, or being much less troublesome, after 2-5 years). Acute hives usually last less than six weeks. Most cases last 24-48 hours and in some cases the rash only lasts a few h...
There are usually no serious complications, but the itch can be very annoying and difficult to ignore. If skin is scratched excessively then there is a risk of infection.
Oct 31, 2023 · A stinging nettle rash can usually be managed at home by cleaning the area and not touching it. If the rash doesn’t improve after 24 hours, seek medical care or shows signs of infection.
- Becky Young
Urticaria is the medical word for the skin rash we know as ‘hives’ or ‘nettle rash’. There are 3 distinct types of urticaria: Acute urticarial lasts between several hours up to 6 weeks. It follows an allergic reaction in one third and viral illnesses, like a cold or diarrhoea, in a further third. In the last third no cause is found.
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There are several types of urticaria. The name urticaria is derived from the common European stinging nettle 'Urtica dioica'. A weal (or wheal) is a superficial skin-coloured or pale skin swelling, usually surrounded by erythema (redness) that lasts anything from a few minutes to 24 hours. Usually very itchy, it may have a burning sensation.
Jan 3, 2024 · Hives often appears as a raised, itchy rash. The medical name for hives is “urticaria.” People also call it welts, wheals, or nettle rash.
People also ask
What is stinging nettle rash?
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Apr 5, 2024 · Wash the area with soap and water. Apply an over-the-counter cortisone cream to reduce inflammation. Avoid scratching or rubbing the rash. Cool the skin with a cool compress or ice pack, which may help with symptoms. Unfortunately, there’s no standard treatment for stinging nettle rash.
