What Is Chronic Urticaria?
Chronic urticaria, otherwise known as chronic hives is a condition that is typically characterized by the recurring presence of red raised welts somewhere on the body. These welts are typically itchy, and the source of the breakout is often unidentified. If this is the case, the condition is known more specifically as chronic idiopathic urticaria.
However, it is important to note that for the condition to truly be considered chronic, the same set of welts must last for six weeks or longer without disappearing. Indeed, sometimes breakouts may even repeatedly recur for years at a time before they totally been to clear up.
As such, anybody who believes that they may be suffering from chronic urticaria should reach out to a dermatologist in Pleasanton to learn about what may be available to them as a skin treatment in San Francisco to help manage the condition. That said, there are plenty of things that people can do in their day-to-day lives to help minimize the prevalence and severity of hives that are associated with chronic urticaria.
With that in mind, here are some helpful suggestions for keeping the condition under control.
Managing the Condition
Avoid Triggers
Hands down, one of the best ways to prevent breakouts of chronic urticaria is to avoid any contact with known triggers whenever possible. One of the best ways to help identify triggers is to book an appointment with a dermatologist in Placerville or the surrounding area who can help to identify the source of the reaction and suggest helpful ways to avoid contact.
However, for those who suffer from chronic idiopathic urticaria, they may never be able to identify the actual source of their reactions, and therefore, contact with triggers will be much harder to avoid. That said, allergy testing can often be very helpful in narrowing down the root of the issue.
With that in mind, some common foods that are known to trigger allergic reactions that can lead to the development of chronic urticaria include eggs, nuts, certain types of food additives, shellfish and peanuts. Common anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also be a source, as can indoor allergens like pollen or pet dander.
In some people, reactions can even be triggered by physical changes such as experiencing different temperatures, air pressures or even simply sun exposure or bodily changes triggered by working out or exercising. If a concrete trigger can still not be identified, a dermatologist in Cameron Park or elsewhere might try to identify the existence of other conditions that tend to be predictive of chronic urticaria, such as autoimmune diseases, for example. Oftentimes, treating the underlying condition will help alleviate symptoms.
Keep the Area Clean and Well-Moisturized
If the area is dry, it will be prone to aggravated itching sensations. This is turn can prompt sufferers to scratch or rub the affected area, therefore, increasing the severity of the reaction. As such, taking measures to reduce dryness can go a long way to helping minimize the severity of the reaction itself as well as the temptation to scratch the area.
The best way to keep skin well-hydrated is to use a gentle moisturizing product that contains plenty of healthy oils that will nurture the area. Try to avoid perfumed products as well as those that contain alcohol and other drying ingredients in favor of more natural-based and gentle products. For anybody who is experiencing itching, taking a bath can also be a great way to soothe the skin. Try adding coconut oil for extra hydrating benefits.
Many people will often find relief from the itching by cooling down the area by using a prescribed skin treatment in San Francisco. Other ways to cool the area include using a fan or applying a well-sanitized cold compress to the area.
Avoid Tight-Fitting or Heavy Clothing
Clothes that cause pressure, rubbing or friction on the affected area will often only exasperate a reaction, and therefore, it is always best to make a point to try to wear loose-fitting clothing that is made of a light, non-irritating fabric like pure organic cotton.
Wearing belts too tight can also further irritate hives, as will tight-fitting shoes when the reaction is on or near the feet.
Practice Healthy Stress Management Techniques
Research has shown that experiencing stress can, in turn, increase the severity of a reaction, so likewise, practicing healthy ways to manage stress can in turn help minimize symptoms or even help prevent breakouts from occurring in the first place.
Indeed, the presence of chronic urticaria is often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression as well. Even worse, people who experience a breakout of chronic urticaria might suffer emotional distress as a result of their condition, thus further isolating themselves from others.
If this is the case, practicing regular relaxation techniques commonly used in yoga, meditation exercises and breathing techniques can provide the tools that people need to help stress in check in the face of a busy day-to-day life. Some research has shown that acupuncture might be helpful in managing chronic urticaria as well. Therapy may also be helpful in learning to regulate the emotional reactions that can trigger and exacerbate the condition.
In addition, it is important for people to learn to prioritize their own self-care, especially during those moments of life that feel especially busy or hectic. Everybody has different ways of relaxing and decompressing, whether it is going for a massage, curling up with a good book, taking a hot bath, gardening or spending time in nature or breaking out a puzzle.
What is important is that people learn to identify those activities that help them relieve stress and feel more calm and relaxed and give themselves permission to enjoy a time out every now and then to rest and recharge.
Talk to a Dermatologist in Pleasanton to Learn More
Anybody who believes they are suffering from chronic urticaria should book an appointment with their local dermatologist in Placerville or the surrounding community to learn more.
A prescribed skin treatment can help minimize the severity of a reaction as well as prevent more breakouts from occurring in the future and is often the most effective means to manage and control chronic urticaria.
Disclaimer: We are unable to guarantee any result, even though most of our patients do see success. The results of our services will vary greatly to each patient’s level of commitment and compliance with the program.