Swollen skin areas and itchy welts: Understanding the signs, causes, and approaches for relief
Angioedema and non-allergic hives are common skin conditions that can cause discomfort and concern. Here's what you need to know about these conditions, their causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Angioedema, characterised by sudden, localized swelling beneath the skin, often around the eyes, lips, throat, or extremities, can be triggered by various factors. Previous instances of angioedema increase the risk of its recurrence. Allergies, especially those related to dust, mold or mildew, insect bites, food, pollen, latex, and various plants, are among the most common causes. In some cases, angioedema may be linked to thyroid disease, cardiopulmonary disease, a history of smoking, ACE-I medication, and living with allergies.
In severe or life-threatening cases, a person may require epinephrine, an injectable medication. However, most cases of angioedema improve with medication or on their own, and most people will experience a full recovery. To help prevent angioedema, lifestyle changes such as avoiding known triggers can be beneficial.
Non-allergic hives, known as urticaria, present as raised, itchy welts on the skin that may vary in size and shape. These can be caused by infections, physical stimuli, certain medications, underlying diseases, or idiopathic causes without identifiable allergens. Common triggers include pressure, cold, heat, exercise, sun, NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, thyroid disease, cancer, and more.
Treatment for non-allergic hives typically involves antihistamines to block histamine effects causing inflammation and itching. Additional symptom relief may come from cold compresses or anti-itch creams.
It's important to note that non-allergic angioedema is mainly caused by medications or hereditary factors and is treated with specific drugs to control swelling and prevent attacks. On the other hand, non-allergic hives stem from various non-allergic triggers and are generally managed with antihistamines and supportive care to reduce itching and rash.
In cases where the cause of angioedema or hives is unclear, a person may consider seeing an allergist to help determine potential allergens to avoid or investigate underlying conditions. In severe cases, prompt medical attention is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
References:
- American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (n.d.). Angioedema. Retrieved from https://acaai.org/allergies/allergy-basics/angioedema
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (n.d.). Hives (Urticaria). Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/hives-urticaria
- National Health Service. (2020). Angioedema. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/angioedema/
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Hives (Urticaria). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hives/symptoms-causes/syc-20355644
- Davis, J. M., & Katz, P. (2018). Angioedema. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470300/
- Angioedema, a skin condition marked by sudden swelling, may stem from various factors like allergies, diseases, medications, or genetics, and can be managed with medication, avoidance of triggers, or epinephrine in severe cases.
- Hives, or urticaria, are raised, itchy welts on the skin that can be caused by infections, physical stimuli, medications, underlying diseases, or unknown factors, and are typically treated with antihistamines, cold compresses, or anti-itch creams.
- Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial in both angioedema and hives, especially in severe cases, and may require prompt medical attention or consultations with an allergist to help determine potential allergens or underlying conditions.
- In the pursuit of health and wellness, it's essential to understand common skin conditions like angioedema and hives, their causes, and their treatment options, as they can impact one's mental health and overall fitness and exercise routines.
- Maintenance of skin care, a balanced nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle can aid in the prevention of skin conditions like angioedema and hives by minimizing exposure to triggers or managing underlying chronic diseases.
- The science of medical-conditions continues to evolve, providing valuable insights into the causes, diagnoses, and treatments of various conditions, such as angioedema, hives, and chronic diseases, enabling us to improve our understanding and contribute to the advancement of health-and-wellness research.
