What is Urticaria?
Urticaria is also known as 'hives' or ‘nettle rash'. Urticaria is caused by an allergic reaction, and is characterised by red, raised bumps known as weals. These bumps are tremendously itchy and may last from a few hours to a few days. Each eruption consists of a white, raised patch of skin surrounded by reddish blotchy area. The spots may be small or large, and may occur all over the body or be confined to one area. Some people have urticaria as a more or less permanent condition, others will have an outbreak on coming into contact with an allegen, known or unknown.
What causes Urticaria?
The cause is unknown, but most cases are associated with allergy and so there may be an inherited tendency in the family to suffer from other allergies such as hay fever. A person who has an allergy will release histamine into their body when they come into contact with the allergen, and it is this release of histamine that is responsible for the symptoms of urticaria.
Orthodox treatment
This usually consists of anti-histamines, some of which, such as Piriton, can be bought over the counter. Stronger ones may have to be prescribed. If the allergic reaction is very severe occasionally steroids may be prescribed.
Natural Treatments
Allergy tests may help to identify the allergen so that it can be avoided. Many people are allergic to food containing salycilates, but there may be many other culprits.
S.O.S lifeguard moisturising bath oil can soothe. Put a capful under the running bath tap.
Barefoot Botanicals' S.O.S rescue me face & body cream can help to calm the irritation.
Homeopathic treatment
Apis Mellifica
This is probably the most useful remedy for urticaria. The skin may be lumpy, hot and considerably swollen. It may feel stinging or burning and there will usually be great relief by applying a cold compress to the affected area. Heat will usually aggravate as will exercise. The urticaria may be extensive even spreading to the lips and mouth.
Rhus Tox
The eruption may be quite large in size and it will be very itchy. It may tend to be worse after exposure to damp cold weather but the itching will feel better for running it under very hot water or having a very hot shower.
Arsenicum album
This patient will have burning eruptions but they will generally feel very chilly. They also may feel very anxious. The eruptions will feel better for a warm application even though they have a burning sensation.
Urtica Urens
This patient requiring this remedy will have intense itching with a desire to scratch the skin. They may be aggravated by heat.