Urticaria is a common disorder, characterised by formation of weals on the skin. The disease is also known as nettle-rash as the rash of urticaria resembles the sting of a nettle. The disease

Urticaria symptoms

Red or white patches on the skin

Raised red and white patches appear on the skin. They are accompanied by burning,intense itching, and stinging. Rubbing and scratching usually aggravate the condition. The outbreak of urticaria is sudden and the disease may affect any part or the entire body. The eruptions may be as small as pin heads or as large as a rupee. The eruption may fade in a few minutes or an hour in one place, but may appear in another.

Fever, Digestive distubances etc.

Other symptoms which accompany hives are fever, digestive disturbances, and prostration. The disorder lasts from a day or two to a week. Recovery is rapid and complete, though recurring attacks may take place at varying intervals.
may be acute, Chronic, or recurrent.

 

Urticaria causes

Digestive Disorders

There are several causes of urticaria. It may result from digestive disorders like mechanical irritation in the digestive tract or toxaemia.

Drugs

It may be caused by drugs like aspirin, penicillin, quinine, ipecac, and so on.

Food

Certain foods often cause urticaria in susceptible individuals. These include strawberries, tomatoes, cucumber, mushrooms, oatmeal, wheat, nuts, fish, eggs, chocolate, cheese, butter, and sausages.

Bites of bugs

The bites of bedbugs, wasps, bees, mosquitoes, flies, and certain kinds of caterpillars may produce the disease.

Emotional excitement

It may also result from emotional excitement.

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Home Remedies for Urticaria

Urticaria treatment using Salt

The use of salt is beneficial in the treatment of urticaria when it is accompanied by digestive disorders. In such a condition, about twelve grams of salt should be dissolved in water and taken by the patient. The throat should be tickled to induce vomiting. This will give relief and help in curing eruptions.

Urticaria treatment using Alum and Red Ochre

These two substances are considered valuable in urticaria. An equal quantity of alum and red ochre should be ground together and the powder rubbed on the weals.

Urticaria treatment using Rose-Water and Vinegar

The use of rose-water in vinegar is useful when there is severe itching on the eruption. About 35 ml of rose water and 25 ml of vinegar should be mixed and the mixture applied locally to the affected part. This will give immediate relief

Urticaria treatment using Mint

This leafy vegetable has also been found useful in relieving itching in urticaria. About 7 gm of mint and 25 gm of brown sugar should be boiled together in about 175 ml of water and drunk. This will relieve the itching.

Urticaria treatment using Turmeric

The use of turmeric is valuable in urticaria. The patient should take two teaspoons of turmeric powder mixed with a cup of water daily.

Urticaria treatment using Rauwolfia

The herb rauwolfia is beneficial in relieving itching in urticaria. One gram of the powdered root can be taken with a cup of water daily