Introduction

Urticaria which is also known by the name of Hives occurs due to a skin reaction causing red itchy bumps. The sizes of these bumps or welts are variable and they wax and wane through the time there is active skin reaction. The condition is said to be chronic if the bumps remain for more than a month and continue to wax and wane over months and even years.

The root cause of Urticaria is not yet known. The bumps caused by this condition can be extremely discomforting and interfere with the ability to perform daily household chores. The most preferred treatment for Urticaria includes use of antihistamines and medications to control itching.

Dr. Rajeshwari’s Clinic provides the best consultation and treatment plan, and has successfully treated many patients with treatments as mentioned above with minimal to no side effects.

Causes

The characteristic bumps seen with Urticaria develop when some cells in the body release histamine that is responsible for causing allergic reaction into the blood along with some other chemicals. Why does this happen is something which physicians are not sure of and why does this condition become chronic.

Some of the triggers which result in development of Urticaria include

• Pain Medications
• Insect Bites
• Infections
• Constant scratching of skin
• Stress
• Exercise
• Alcohol

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of Urticaria include

• Patches of erythematous itchy bumps or wheals on the skin surface
• The size of these wheals is variable and they tend to fade away and again reappear through the time the skin reaction occurs
• Angioedema of eyelids and lips
• Worsening of the above symptoms with heat, stress, and exercise
• Persistence of symptoms for more than a month and carry on for months and even years

How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?

For a definitive diagnosis of the cause of the Hair Loss, the physician will first take a detailed history of the patient, including personal and family history. Once history taking is done then certain investigative tests will be ordered to come to the bottom of the cause of the Hair Loss. These tests include:
Pull Test: This test involves pulling of a few strands of hair forcefully to check whether any hairs come out of their groove. This gives the physician an idea of whether the quality of hair of the patient is healthy and strong.
Skin Lesion KOH Test: This test involves scraping some samples from the scalp of the patient to observe the hair roots. This gives the physician an idea as to whether there is an infection responsible for Hair Loss.
Blood Test: These are done to identify any underlying medical condition like a thyroid disorder that may be responsible for Hair Loss in the patient.
Microscopy: This is done to observe the hair shaft and see whether there is any abnormality there that may be causing the Hair Loss.

Treatment

The most preferred mode of treatment for Urticaria includes use of antihistamines like Claritin and Allegra along with medications to treat the itching. These medications work by stopping the production of histamines and preventing the development of bumps or welts seen with Urticaria.

If these treatments are not beneficial then it is best to consult with a physician who can recommend the best medication either alone or in combination that will work the best to treat the symptoms of Urticaria.

Can Hair Loss be Prevented?

Hair Loss caused due to the normal process of aging cannot be prevented. However, steps can be taken to prevent loss and damage by avoiding chemical use in the hair like hair color and hair dyes. It is also recommended not to use hair dryers for long periods of time as it literally pulls the hair out from their shafts thereby damaging it. This makes the hair weak and brittle.
For healthy hair, it is always best to practice good hair hygiene by shampooing it regularly. Additionally, eating a diet rich in proteins, vitamin B, and iron is also quite effective in preventing hair loss. Keeping the thyroid levels under control and seeking immediate levels if diagnosed with an underactive or overactive thyroid is also recommended to prevent Hair Loss.