Chronic urticaria is a type of allergic reaction that causes recurring symptoms, such as itching, burning, and raised red patches on the skin, most days for a period of 6 weeks or more.
This type of urticaria can be caused by the use of medication, stress or frequent contact with specific substances, but its cause is not always identified, being known as spontaneous chronic urticaria in these cases.
Read too: Urticaria: what it is, symptoms, causes, types and treatment
If chronic urticaria is suspected, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. Treatment depends on the cause and usually also involves the use of anti-allergy medications to alleviate symptoms.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of chronic urticaria are:
- Itching in the affected part of the body;
- Burning or burning sensation on the skin;
- Red or pink raised spots on the surface of the body.
Urticaria is classified as chronic when symptoms recur most days for a period of 6 weeks or more and, in these cases, it is more common in areas of the skin subject to pressure due to the use of clothing, such as the waist, armpit or groin.
Although symptoms in an episode of chronic hives tend to disappear in less than 24 hours, some people also experience angioedema, which can cause swelling and discomfort in parts of the body that can persist for up to 3 days if left untreated.
Read too: Angioedema: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of chronic urticaria is made by a dermatologist or general practitioner based on the symptoms presented and the person’s health history, especially when it is possible to relate the symptoms to a specific cause.
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However, it is common for the doctor to recommend tests, such as blood counts and blood PCR levels, to try to identify the cause of chronic urticaria. Additionally, allergy tests, such as the Prick test and RAST, may also be indicated in some cases. Learn about the main allergy tests and how they are done.
Possible causes
The main causes of chronic urticaria are:
- Use of medications, such as anti-inflammatories, analgesics or contraceptives;
- Excessive stress;
- Exposure to heat, cold or sunlight;
- Contact with synthetic materials, plants or animals;
- Consumption of specific foods, such as garlic, onion or fish;
- Infections such as hepatitis B virus, herpes virus or H. pylorifor example.
However, it is not always possible to identify the cause of the allergic reaction that results in the development of chronic urticaria. Especially in these cases, this condition is known as chronic spontaneous or idiopathic urticaria.
Spontaneous chronic urticaria
Chronic spontaneous, or idiopathic, urticaria is a type of urticaria in which it has not been possible to identify its cause. However, it is believed to be associated with the presence of antibodies in the blood that react against the organism itself, resulting in an allergic reaction.
Furthermore, spontaneous chronic urticaria appears to be more common in the case of autoimmune diseases, such as hypothyroidism or systemic lupus erythematosus, and infections, for example.
Read too: 9 autoimmune diseases: main symptoms and treatment
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of chronic urticaria, whenever possible, should be specific to its cause, and may involve suspending or changing medications, avoiding exposure or contact with possible causes and appropriate treatment of infections, if any.
Furthermore, to alleviate the symptoms of chronic urticaria and speed up recovery from an episode, the doctor may also recommend the use of anti-allergy medications, such as hydroxyzine, desloratadine or fexofenadine. Discover the main remedies for urticaria.
Especially in more resistant cases of chronic urticaria, other medications may be indicated to control symptoms, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, which should be used according to the doctor’s instructions.
