Urticaria may or may not be of allergic origin. Irrespective of
the origin, you might suffer either from acute or from chronic
urticaria depending on the duration of the symptoms
- Acute urticaria which lasts from a few hours to a few days and
which is often allergic in nature
- Chronic urticaria which lasts more than 6 weeks and may
continue for months is rarely of allergic
origin.
All forms of urticaria are characterized by intensively itchy
wheals (hives) on the skin, which can result from either an
allergic reaction or can be of a physical origin.
- Allergic urticaria
A variety of allergens can be at the origin of urticaria: foods
(eggs, fish, nuts, fruits, etc.), hymenoptera sting (wasp, bee),
medication such as penicillin, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.
Rarely, airborne allergens (pollen, mould, animal dander) and
sometimes, infections (infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis B, etc.)
can be the origin of urticaria. - Physical urticaria
Apart from allergic urticaria, urticaria may have a physical cause:
sun, cold, heat, sweating/saunas, pressure, exercise or
chemical. - Idiopathic urticaria
For some patients, especially those who have chronic urticaria
(lasting more than 6 weeks), no specific cause can be
identified.
A particular type of urticaria is known as angioedema. It is
characterized by absence of itching but presence of facial swelling
with oedema of the lips and eyelids (eyes like slits) and of
certain mucosa or parts of the body. A painful sensation or
sensation of burning can occur. This is a very dangerous condition
if it involves the oral mucosa or the pharynx, and may be
life-threatening if it affects the larynx, since the swelling can
hinder respiration.
