Urticaria Hives

What is Urticaria?

Urticaria, also known as Hives, is a skin condition that appears as red, raised, itchy welts on the skin. These welts could vary in size and appear anywhere on the entire body. In Ayurveda, Urticaria is known as Sheetapitta, derived from two words: 'sheeta' (cold), and 'pitta' (warm). This condition is thought to occur when the cold qualities of Kapha and Vata doshas dominate warm pitta dosha and lead to symptoms on the skin.

Urticaria may be caused by various factors, including allergies to food items, medicines or other substances. Stress, temperature changes and infections may also cause an outbreak. Urticaria welts are typically itchy and may also burn or sting. Although they usually resolve on their own within 24 hours, new welts may continue to appear which may prolong the condition for a long time.

There are several types of Urticaria:

• Acute Urticaria: This type lasts fewer than six weeks. The welts appear suddenly and are often caused due to an allergy.
• Chronic Urticaria: In chronic Urticaria, Hives last over six weeks and are often without identifiable triggers. Ayurveda offers many natural remedies for chronic Urticaria treatment.
• Physical Urticaria: This kind is triggered by a physical response like pressure, exercise, heat, cold, or sun exposure. The Hives usually begin an hour after the exposure.
• Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: This chronic Urticaria has no apparent external cause and is particularly difficult to manage.

Knowing the type of Urticaria could help manage symptoms and prevent recurrence of the welts. Each type may require a different approach to Ayurvedic treatment. Ayurveda considers balancing the doshas and cleansing the body of toxins as important for Urticaria Ayurvedic treatment.

Common Causes of Urticaria Hives

Urticaria, or Hives, may occur on the skin as red, itchy, and raised welts in response to a number of triggers. These triggers cause the body to release histamine and other chemicals from skin cells, causing the Hives. Identifying what causes these Hives is a major step in managing this skin condition.

Here are the most common Urticaria causes:

• Allergies: One of the most common triggers, allergies involve reactions to foods like nuts, dairy, eggs and shellfish. The Hives may also be from medications including antibiotics and non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Infections: Hives may be caused by viral or bacterial infections as well. Flu, common cold and urinary tract infections are usual culprits.
• Stress: Emotional stress is another common cause of Hives as stress hormones can increase or worsen the outbreak of welts.
• Temperature Changes: Extreme temperatures, like exposure to cold or hot temperatures can lead to Hives.
• Physical Triggers: Direct physical stimulation of the skin due to pressure, scratching or vibrations can also lead to Hives. This is called physical Urticaria.
• Sun Exposure: Hives can result from sensitivity to sunlight and are called solar Urticaria.
• Exercise: Sometimes, physical activity can be a trigger for Hives, a condition called exercise-induced Urticaria.

Chemicals: Touching certain chemical substances found in soaps, soaps, or makeup may result in Hives.

Urticaria Symptoms

Raised Welts

Raised, red, or skin-coloured welts are the most obvious symptom of Hives. They may occur anywhere on the body.

Blanching

The centre of a hive turns white when pressed (blanching).

Itching

The Hives are usually itchy and cause discomfort and an urge to scratch

Swelling

Along with the welts, other body parts could swell, especially around the eyes and lips. This swelling is called angioedema.

Shape & Size Variation

The welts may change shape, move about, disappear and reappear within hours.

Burning or Stinging

Some people may feel a burning or stinging sensation with itching.

Duration

Each welt may last from a few hours to a day before they fade, although new welts may still appear.

Redness

Affected areas may appear redder than surrounding skin.

Urticaria can appear as distinct signs on the skin that can be both visible and uncomfortable. These signs are usually easy to identify due to their unique appearance and sensations. Identifying these symptoms early may help control the condition promptly.

Nature Care Ayurveda Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Urticaria Hives

Nature Care Ayurveda offers holistic Urticaria Hives treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.

Core Principles of the Nature Care Ayurveda Treatment Philosophy

• HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines:  These are scientifically-developed blends to restore balance to the body and emotional health.
• Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness:  These calming practices support mental health and complete wellness.
• Ayurvedic Treatments:  Therapies like Panchakarma and therapeutic massage are followed to detoxify the body and promote emotional balance.
• Diet & Lifestyle Changes:  Expert recommendations on how to change your eating habits and lifestyle for better health results.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Urticaria Hives

Ayurveda offers a number of natural remedies to manage Urticaria Hives. These treatments help to balance the body's doshas and purify the blood to relieve Urticaria symptoms. Many natural herbs are used in Ayurveda for their therapeutic properties which can help reduce the discomfort of Hives.

Here are some effective Ayurvedic medicines for Urticaria treatment:

• Haridra (Curcuma Longa):  Haridra is also called turmeric and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It reduces skin irritation and redness from Hives and enhances the body's natural response to allergic reactions.
• Neem (Azadirachta Indica):  Neem is an antiviral and antifungal agent and is used in Ayurveda for cleansing the blood and dealing with skin diseases. Its detoxifying properties relieve Hives symptoms by detoxifying the body from within.
• Shirish (Albezzia Lebbock):  Shirish is used to control allergic reactions due to its anti-inflammatory action. It can help reduce the swelling and itchiness in Hives and aids the immune system in fighting allergens.
• Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera):  Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties and is believed to relieve stress, a common trigger for Hives. It stabilises the body’s response to stress and limits the severity of outbreaks.
• Vasa (Justicia Adhatoda):  Vasa has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease inflamed skin and reduce Hives symptoms. It is also traditionally used to treat respiratory problems, proving versatile in inflammatory conditions.
• Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia):  Also known as amrita or nectar of immortality, Guduchi is believed to improve immunity and manage skin conditions such as Hives due to immune-modulating properties.
• Aloevera:  This herb is used for its cooling and soothing effects on the skin. Aloe Vera gel can be used topically to relieve itching and swelling of Hives and aid in skin healing and comfort.
• Katuki (Picrorhiza Kurroa):  Katuki is known for its liver-protective and detoxifying effects. It helps remove impurities in the blood that cause Hives and promotes skin health.
• Nishotha (Operculina Turpethum):  Nishotha acts as a natural laxative and helps eliminate toxins from the body. This cleansing action is helpful for Hives because it removes substances that cause skin inflammation.
• Triphala:  A staple in Ayurvedic medicine, Triphala is a blend of 3 fruits which help to detox and revitalise the body. Its antioxidant properties help maintain healthy skin and prevent recurrent outbreaks of Hives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Urticaria Hives

What is Urticaria disease?

Urticaria (Hives) is a skin condition characterised by a red, itchy rash that may develop suddenly on the skin from an allergic reaction or some other trigger.

What are the types of Urticaria? 

Types of Urticaria include acute and chronic Urticaria, physical Urticaria (triggered by physical factors such as heat and pressure) and chronic spontaneous Urticaria (without apparent trigger).

Can Ayurveda help prevent Urticaria? 

Yes, Ayurveda can prevent Urticaria by balancing the body's doshas through proper diet, lifestyle adjustments and herbal treatments that detoxify and strengthen the immune system.

How is Urticaria diagnosed in Ayurveda? 

Ayurvedic diagnosis of Urticaria may involve identifying dosha imbalances (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and assessing body toxins through pulse diagnosis, tongue examination and patient history.

What are the main Ayurvedic treatments of Urticaria? 

Treatments include herbal medications, Panchakarma detoxification, diet and lifestyle adjustments to restore dosha balance and eliminate toxins from the body.

What are the Urticaria foods to avoid for someone suffering from this disease? 

Avoid spicy foods, fermented products and excessive caffeine which increase Pitta and cause heat in the body.

What are some Urticaria foods to eat for Urticaria patients? 

Cooling and pitta-pacifying foods like cucumbers, watermelon, pears and coconut water are good for Urticaria patients.

How might stress affect Urticaria? 

Stress can trigger and even worsen Urticaria outbreaks by disturbing hormonal and immune system balance, making stress management essential.

What is the difference between Urticaria vs eczema? 

Urticaria (Hives) are red, itchy welts that appear and fade quickly; eczema causes persistent dry, itchy patches on the skin.

Is Urticaria contagious? 

No, Urticaria itself isn't contagious, but the allergens that cause it, like in contact dermatitis, may transfer from person to person.

Can lifestyle changes reduce Urticaria episodes? 

Yes, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding known triggers, wearing loose clothes and reducing stress can help ease Hives symptoms.