Urgent Care for Urticaria in San Antonio

What Is Urticaria?

Urticaria, or hives, is a common skin condition marked by raised, itchy, red welts or bumps on the skin that tend to spread when scratched or rubbed.

Is Urticaria Contagious?

Urticaria is not contagious. However, some contagious infections like the common cold, flu, and hepatitis can cause hives.

What Causes Urticaria?

Common Triggers and Allergens

Urticaria can be triggered by a number of environmental, lifestyle, and health-related factors.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Certain environmental and lifestyle factors can trigger hives, including:

• Common allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, animal dander)
• Insect bites and stings
• Medications (e.g., pain relievers and antibiotics)
• Cosmetics
• Cleaning products
• Foods (e.g., shellfish, nuts, dairy, or eggs)
• Stressful events
• Heat, sweat, or physical pressure
• Exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures

Underlying Health Conditions

Sometimes, urticaria can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as:

• Viral Infections (e.g., common cold, flu, and hepatitis B)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat and urinary tract infections)
• Intestinal parasites
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, arthritis, celiac disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease)
• Other medical conditions (e.g., cancer, kidney disease, and liver disease)

Urticaria Symptoms and Warning Signs

Visible Skin Reactions

Raised, itchy, red welts on the skin are the most common skin reaction for hives. However, they can also be skin-colored. It is common for urticaria welts to join together or overlap, forming larger patches when scratched or rubbed.

Itching, Swelling, and Discomfort

Urticaria can appear anywhere on the body and cause intensely uncomfortable itching, burning, and stinging sensations.

These welts can also lead to deeper swelling under the skin, which can cause serious complications if left untreated.

When Symptoms May Indicate a Serious Issue

If you have hives along with one or more of the following symptoms, seek urgent care for urticaria as these can indicate a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis):

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in the face, lips, or throat
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

You should also consult a healthcare provider if you experience chronic hives, hives that last longer than six weeks, or hives that return despite at-home treatments.

Types of Urticaria

Acute vs. Chronic Urticaria

• Acute—This type is often triggered by allergies, infections, or other physical stimuli (e.g., heat, cold, exercise) and typically lasts less than six weeks. Acute urticaria typically resolves on its own and can be managed with antihistamines and avoiding triggers.
• Chronic—The root cause of this type remains unknown, but can sometimes be related to autoimmune conditions, infections, or physical stimuli. Chronic urticaria commonly lasts six weeks or longer and can be lifelong. Long-term care often involves antihistamines or other urticaria medications.

Physical Urticaria (Cold, Pressure, Heat)

Physical urticaria is not triggered by external allergens or medications, but develops in response to specific physical stimuli, including:

• Cold
• Heat
• Pressure
• Vibration
• Sunlight
• Water

Cholinergic and Dermatographic Urticaria

• Cholinergic urticaria is triggered by a rise in body temperature and commonly results in small, red, itchy welts across the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and back. This condition typically lasts between 15-60 minutes and resolves on its own.
• Dermatographic urticaria is triggered by scratching, rubbing, or light pressure on the skin. It typically results in raised, inflamed lines or welts that follow the path of the pressure or scratch. This condition often resolves on its own within 30 minutes.

Autoimmune and Idiopathic Urticaria

• Autoimmune urticaria occurs when a person’s immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy skin cells. Autoimmune hives occur on their own or along with other autoimmune conditions.
• Idiopathic urticaria is a chronic condition with no identifiable cause. Approximately 80-90% of chronic hives cases are classified as idiopathic.

How Is Urticaria Diagnosed?

Medical History and Physical Examination

If you or a loved one struggles with itchy, painful, and swollen welts or bumps on your skin, you may have hives that require medical attention.

To make a urticaria diagnosis, your Alamo City Urgent Care healthcare provider will ask about your medical history to see if you or anyone in your family has a history of urticaria. They will also examine your skin and perform allergy testing to help identify what’s causing the reaction.

When to Seek Professional Diagnosis

Seek a professional diagnosis if symptoms last for more than a few days, are severe, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms like intense swelling or difficulty breathing.

Urticaria Treatment Options

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications

Over-the-counter options include:

• Antihistamines
• Anti-itch creams or lotions

Prescription medications may include:

• Montelukast (Singulair)
• Doxepin (Silenor, Zonalon)
• Ranitidine
• Omalizumab (Zolair)

Consult a physician before beginning any urticaria treatment.

Treatment Options for Severe Urticaria

If you have been diagnosed with severe hives, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of urticaria treatment options for severe cases, which may include:

• Antihistamines
• Oral corticosteroids
• Biologics and immunosuppressants

Depending on symptom severity and duration, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Lifestyle Modifications for Long-Term Relief

Lifestyle adjustments like these can help manage symptoms for those with chronic flares:

• Manage your stress
• Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night
• Avoid extreme heat and cold
• Wear loose, cotton, sun-protective clothing
• Limit your sun exposure

Find out what triggers your hives and create a management plan, so you’re prepared when symptoms do flare up.

How Long Does Urticaria Last?

Duration Based on Type and Cause

Duration by type:

• Acutehives
  • Duration: Six weeks or less.
  • Cause: Allergens, infections, medications, or insect bites
• Chronic hives
  • Duration: Six weeks or longer
  • Cause: Exposure to heat, cold, water, sunlight, or an autoimmune condition

Managing Chronic Urticaria Symptoms

• Avoid known triggers
• Seek proper care and management for underlying medical conditions
• Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines
• Over-the-counter or prescription anti-itch creams or lotions
• Use a cool compress to soothe the affected area and reduce itching and swelling
• Keep your skin well-hydrated with fragrance-free moisturizers
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing

When to Seek Urgent Care for Urticaria

If you have hives along with one or more of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to avoid complications:

• Difficult breathing or wheezing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling in the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• A full-body rash
• A history of severe allergies
• Dizziness or faintness
• Weak or fast pulse

Urgent Care for Urticaria at Alamo City Urgent Care

What to Expect During Your Visit

An urgent care visit for hives may include:

• A physical exam to determine whether you have hives or another condition like eczema or dermatitis.
• A review of your medical history, current symptoms, and known triggers.
• An in-office treatment or prescription to reduce itching and inflammation.
• A referral to a specialist if symptoms are severe or do not improve with treatment.

Fast Relief and Long-Term Management

When you’re struggling with painful, itchy, swollen welts that keep spreading, you need fast, effective relief.

Alamo City Urgent Care offers same-day treatment for several non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including urticaria, so you can feel better fast and get back to your daily routine.

 Visit your nearest Alamo City Urgent Care location today for expert treatment. No appointment needed.

Learn more about rash and allergic reaction treatment options at Alamo City Urgent Care.