Urticaria (Hives)

Gambaran umum

Urticaria, commonly called hives, is a skin reaction that causes raised, itchy welts (also called weals) to appear on the skin. These welts can be red or skin-coloured, and they often come and go quickly — each one usually fades within a few hours.

Yes, hives are extremely common. Around 1 in 5 people will have hives at some point in their life.

Anyone can get hives, but they are more common in children and young adults. People with allergies, asthma, or a family history of hives are more likely to have them.

Gejala

Gejala umum

• Raised, red or skin-coloured welts that can vary in size and shape
• Intense itching, sometimes with a stinging or burning feeling
• Welts that appear suddenly and may disappear within hours
• New welts forming as old ones fade
• Swelling of the skin around the eyes, lips, hands, or feet (called angioedema)

Gejala pada anak-anak

• Welts may be fewer in number but can cause significant itching
• Sometimes accompanied by a mild fever, especially if triggered by an infection
• Children may scratch a lot, which can lead to skin irritation

Gejala pada lansia

• Hives may last longer and be more persistent
• Often linked to medications (such as certain painkillers or antibiotics)
• May have underlying health conditions like thyroid disease or autoimmune disorders

Penyebab

Penyebab utama

• Allergic reactions to foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish, eggs), medications (e.g., antibiotics, aspirin), or insect stings
• Physical triggers such as pressure on the skin, cold or hot temperatures, sunlight, or exercise
• Infections, especially viral infections like the common cold
• Stress or emotional upset
• Autoimmune conditions where the body's immune system attacks healthy skin cells

Faktor risiko

• Personal or family history of allergies, eczema, or asthma
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or thyroiditis
• Recent infections or illness
• Taking certain medications regularly

Kapan harus ke dokter

Segera temui dokter jika:

• If hives come with any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If hives appear after starting a new medication or after an insect sting, seek same-day medical care.

Buat janji temu rutin jika:

• If hives last longer than 6 weeks (this is called chronic urticaria)
• If hives keep coming back and affect your sleep, work, or daily life
• If you cannot identify a trigger and want help finding the cause

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, what you were doing or eating before they appeared, and whether you have any allergies or medical conditions. They will also examine your skin.

Tes yang mungkin dilakukan

• Allergy tests (skin prick test or blood test) to look for specific triggers
• Blood tests to check for underlying conditions like autoimmune disease or thyroid problems
• In rare cases, a skin biopsy (taking a small sample of skin) if the diagnosis is uncertain

Apa yang diharapkan saat janji temu

Most people with hives do not need tests. Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms and possible triggers. For chronic hives, you may be referred to a dermatologist (skin specialist) or allergy specialist. The process is usually straightforward and not painful.

Perawatan

The main goal of treatment is to relieve itching and prevent new hives from forming. Treatment depends on whether hives are acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Most cases can be managed with simple measures and over-the-counter medications. For severe or persistent hives, a doctor may prescribe stronger medicines.

Perawatan mandiri di rumah

• Apply cool compresses or ice packs to itchy areas
• Wear loose, soft clothing to avoid rubbing the skin
• Take a lukewarm bath with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal
• Avoid scratching — keep nails short and consider wearing gloves at night
• Identify and avoid triggers such as certain foods, medications, or physical factors
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle exercise

Perawatan medis

For mild hives, doctors often recommend a type of medicine called an antihistamine (taken by mouth) to reduce itching and swelling. For more severe hives, a short course of corticosteroid tablets may be used. For chronic hives that do not respond to other treatments, there are injectable medications called biologics that target the immune system — these are prescribed by specialists. Always follow your doctor's advice about any treatment.

Kapan operasi dipertimbangkan?

Surgery is not a treatment for hives.

Hidup dengan kondisi ini

Living with hives can be uncomfortable, but most people manage well with simple strategies. When hives appear, try to stay calm and avoid things that make it worse, like hot showers or tight clothing. Keep a diary to track what triggers your hives — this can help you avoid them in the future.

Tips gaya hidup

• Identify and avoid personal triggers
• Keep cool — avoid overheating from exercise or hot weather
• Manage stress, as it can be a trigger
• Use gentle, fragrance-free skin products
• Wear a medical alert bracelet if you have severe allergic reactions

Diet dan olahraga

There is no special diet for hives unless you know a specific food triggers them. If you suspect a food trigger, speak with your doctor about an elimination diet. Exercise can be helpful for stress relief, but if exercise itself triggers hives (called exercise-induced urticaria), talk to your doctor about ways to manage it.

Kesehatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosional

Chronic hives can be frustrating and affect your confidence and mood. It is normal to feel anxious or upset. If hives are affecting your mental well-being, talk to your doctor or consider speaking with a counsellor. You are not alone — many people manage hives and live full, active lives.

Pencegahan

It is not always possible to prevent hives, but avoiding known triggers is the best strategy. If you have a known allergy, steer clear of that food, medicine, or trigger. For physical hives, you can take steps like protecting your skin from cold or sun. Keeping a symptom diary can help you spot patterns and avoid flare-ups.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak diobati

• Rarely, hives can be a sign of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that needs emergency treatment.
• Chronic hives can interfere with sleep, work, and daily activities if not managed.
• Scratching too much can break the skin and lead to infection.

Prospek jangka panjang

The outlook for hives is excellent. Most acute hives clear up in a few days without any lasting effects. For chronic hives, while they can last for months or even years, treatments are very effective at controlling symptoms. Most people with chronic hives find that their condition improves over time.

Cari dukungan

Organisasi internasional

• DermNet NZ (Urticaria page) ↗
• Allergy UK ↗
• American Academy of Dermatology (Urticaria) ↗

Organisasi lokal

• NHS (UK) — Urticaria ↗ · United Kingdom
• HealthLink BC (Canada) ↗ · Canada
• Healthdirect (Australia) ↗ · Australia

Saluran bantuan

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