What kind of disease is urticaria?
Urticaria is a disease in which a portion of the skin suddenly becomes red and raised and disappears without a trace after a short time.
Urticaria is caused by irritation of cells called mast cells around blood vessels in the skin due to some trigger.
Mast cells release a substance called histamine, which acts on blood vessels, causing them to swell and fluid in the blood to seep out.
This causes the skin to become red and raised.
There are various known triggers and causes of urticaria: food, food additives, drugs,
It can be caused by infections, physical irritation such as skin rubbing, exercise, sweating, etc.
Urticaria may or may not be caused by allergies.
For example, urticaria caused by food may or may not be allergic.
Urticaria may occur only when there is a specific trigger, but in many cases the cause is unclear.
In this case symptoms often come and go over several days.
In some cases, symptoms may persist for a longer period of time and are referred to as chronic urticaria.
What are the symptoms of urticaria?
In urticaria, the skin suddenly becomes red and raised. The area may vary in size from small to large, and the shape may be circular or irregular.
Each redness/puffiness is normal because it disappears in a few minutes to a few hours and leaves no trace.
Symptoms may persist as one redness disappears and another appears, and may last from a few days to a month or more.
What tests are performed when urticaria is suspected?
Urticaria may or may not be due to allergy, and allergic urticaria can be investigated by blood or skin tests.
The blood test is called specific IgE antibody.
This is a test for the presence of antibodies called IgE to various substances that may cause allergies.
IgE is an antibody that causes urticaria, a type of allergy.
Results are rated on a 7-point scale, with 2 or higher being considered positive.
However, this is because a substance that tests positive in a blood test is not necessarily the cause of the urticaria or allergy,
The final decision must be based on symptoms and progress.
In skin tests, a possible causative agent is administered to the skin and a reaction is observed.
Other tests may be performed to see how the patient reacts to eating the causative agent or to the causative stimulus.
However, even with these tests, the cause may not be clear.
What is the treatment for urticaria?
If the cause is evident from the course of the disease or tests, the first step is to avoid the causative agent as much as possible.
Medication is also used to control symptoms.
Since histamine is involved in the development of urticaria, antihistamines, drugs that suppress the action of histamine, are used.
Antihistamines are widely used for hay fever and other symptoms, and there are various types of antihistamines with different effects, side effects, and oral administration methods.
Medicines are selected suitable for the symptoms.
If symptoms do not improve with these treatments, more potent allergy and inflammation-reducing drugs may be used.
The examination and treatment of urticaria at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic are as follows
The clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine and can provide a variety of tests and treatments.
The following tests and treatments for urticaria can be performed at our clinic.
Examination: Blood test
Treatment: Prescription of medications to control symptoms
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We are committed to alleviating your concerns and supporting the improvement of your health.
Please feel free to take a walk and consult with us at our clinic.