What is the treatment for acute urticaria?

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Often no treatment is necessary as the rash commonly goes within 24-48 hours.
A cool bath or shower may ease the itch.
Antihistamine tablets can ease symptoms. Antihistamines block the action of histamine which is involved in causing urticaria. You can get antihistamines on prescription. You can also buy them from pharmacies. There are several brands. The pharmacist will advise.
Modern brands usually work well and are unlikely to cause side-effects. They sometimes cause drowsiness - particularly if you drink alcohol.
Older brands will often make you drowsy - but this effect may be welcome at bedtime if itch is troublesome.
If you can identify a 'trigger' such as a food, then it would be sensible to avoid it in the future.
A short course of steroid tablets is sometimes prescribed in severe cases to help reduce swelling in the skin.

If you have a severe episode of urticaria then you may be referred to specialist (immunologist or dermatologist). In particular, if angiooedema or anaphylaxis occured at the same time. This is to confirm the diagnosis, and where possible, to identify a cause. For example, if a nut allergy is suspected to have caused a severe episode then this can confirmed by tests. You may then be given advice on how to avoid the cause, and on what to do if it should occur again.

References

Urticaria Clinical Knowledge Summary SCHIN 2007
Henry K Wong Urticaria, Acute Emedicine Article dated May 25 2006
Greaves WG and Sabroe RA. Allergy and the skin. 1-Urticaria. (From the series ABC of allergies.) BMJ 1998;316:1147-50
Mark Gompels Diagnosis and management of idiopathic urticaria Prescriber Volume No: 17 Issue No: 22 19 November 2006

For a list of websites that contain pictures of skin conditions see www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/1097/

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All pages in this article

Hives (acute urticaria)
What does the rash of acute urticaria look like?
What causes acute urticaria (hives)?
What is the treatment for acute urticaria?

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catherine carter, about 1 year

ive had chronic urticaria for nearly 4 years now i take antihistamine and oral steriods every day sometimes they work and sometimes they dont.today was really hot and i am currently sat with a very swollen foot due to urticaria.does any one have any better ideas then my dermatoligist. thanks c

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Masna, about 1 year

I've had chronic urticaria for two years now and it shows no sign of abating. I take an antihistamine daily to help it calm down. This can last twenty four hours or only twelve hours, it varies. I take thyroxine daily for an underactive thyroid and have often wondered if the two are connected. Doctors do not seem to have a clue. Anyone out there with any ideas? Many thanks. M

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keith, over 2 years

this page made me feel more at ease read it youself and you will feel it was well woth the efort you day will be better than you realise

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