URTICARIA.
Understanding hives, triggers, and effective skin management.
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a sudden, itchy, raised skin reaction that can appear anywhere on the body. These welts often vary in size and shape, ranging from tiny, red spots to large, swollen patches. While urticaria looks alarming, it is typically a harmless but uncomfortable skin condition that can become chronic without proper care. At Emil Spa, we prioritize medically informed skincare solutions that address both the symptoms and underlying causes.
What Urticaria Is All About.
Urticaria is an inflammatory skin response caused by the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells. This release triggers swelling, redness, and intense itching. Hives may last from minutes to hours, and in chronic cases, they may persist for six weeks or more.
Types of Urticaria
- Acute Urticaria
This type appears suddenly and lasts less than six weeks. It is often triggered by allergens, infections, medications, or food reactions.
- Chronic Urticaria
Chronic hives last longer than six weeks and may be linked to autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalance, persistent stress, or unknown factors.
- Physical Urticaria
Triggered by external stimuli such as heat, cold, sunlight, pressure, exercise, or vibration. Common subtypes include:
Dermographism: hives appear after the skin is scratched.
Cold urticaria: triggered by low temperatures.
Heat urticaria: triggered by warmth or exercise.
Common Causes and Trigger Factors
Allergic Reactions: foods (nuts, eggs, shellfish), medications, insect bites.
Environmental Factors: heat, cold, pressure, friction, sunlight.
Stress: Emotional stress can heighten inflammatory responses.
Infections: viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
Autoimmune Reactions: The immune system mistakenly reacts against the body.
Chemical Exposure: skincare products, fragrances, and harsh detergents.
At Emil Spa, we pay special attention to lifestyle, environment, and skincare elements when consulting with clients who experience chronic urticaria symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch For
Red or flesh-coloured raised welts
Intense itching or burning sensations
Swelling around the affected area
Hives that change shape or location
Symptoms that worsen with scratching or heat
If hives appear with difficulty breathing, swollen lips or eyelids, or dizziness, it may indicate an allergic emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Final Thoughts
Urticaria is a common yet uncomfortable skin condition that needs careful management and a deep understanding of individual triggers. At Emil Spa, we combine medical knowledge with customised skincare to help clients regain comfort, confidence, and skin stability. Whether you experience occasional hives or chronic flare-ups, a personalised treatment plan can significantly improve the quality of life.
URTICARIA.
Understanding hives, triggers, and effective skin management.
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a sudden, itchy, raised skin reaction that can appear anywhere on the body. These welts often vary in size and shape, ranging from tiny, red spots to large, swollen patches. While urticaria looks alarming, it is typically a harmless but uncomfortable skin condition that can become chronic without proper care. At Emil Spa, we prioritize medically informed skincare solutions that address both the symptoms and underlying causes.
What Urticaria Is All About.
Urticaria is an inflammatory skin response caused by the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells. This release triggers swelling, redness, and intense itching. Hives may last from minutes to hours, and in chronic cases, they may persist for six weeks or more.
Types of Urticaria
This type appears suddenly and lasts less than six weeks. It is often triggered by allergens, infections, medications, or food reactions.
Chronic hives last longer than six weeks and may be linked to autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalance, persistent stress, or unknown factors.
Triggered by external stimuli such as heat, cold, sunlight, pressure, exercise, or vibration. Common subtypes include:
Dermographism: hives appear after the skin is scratched.
Cold urticaria: triggered by low temperatures.
Heat urticaria: triggered by warmth or exercise.
Common Causes and Trigger Factors
Allergic Reactions: foods (nuts, eggs, shellfish), medications, insect bites.
Environmental Factors: heat, cold, pressure, friction, sunlight.
Stress: Emotional stress can heighten inflammatory responses.
Infections: viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
Autoimmune Reactions: The immune system mistakenly reacts against the body.
Chemical Exposure: skincare products, fragrances, and harsh detergents.
At Emil Spa, we pay special attention to lifestyle, environment, and skincare elements when consulting with clients who experience chronic urticaria symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch For
Red or flesh-coloured raised welts
Intense itching or burning sensations
Swelling around the affected area
Hives that change shape or location
Symptoms that worsen with scratching or heat
If hives appear with difficulty breathing, swollen lips or eyelids, or dizziness, it may indicate an allergic emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Final Thoughts
Urticaria is a common yet uncomfortable skin condition that needs careful management and a deep understanding of individual triggers. At Emil Spa, we combine medical knowledge with customised skincare to help clients regain comfort, confidence, and skin stability. Whether you experience occasional hives or chronic flare-ups, a personalised treatment plan can significantly improve the quality of life.