Are you aware that Urticaria is also known as hives? In severe form this condition is called angioedema or angioneurotic oedma. Do you have itchiness followed by wheals (hives) rather like insect bites (from which they must be differentiated)? Then you may be suffering from Urticaria!

Acute urticaria (short lasting) usually occurs in crops of hives which may come and go with time. Chronic (long lasting) urticaria must be considered if the condition lasts for more than three weeks. Do you know that Urticaria can be caused by many factors such as drug allergy, food intolerance and bacterial or viral infections? Do you know that contact hives may come from such things as clothing (laundry detergents, fabric finishers, synthetic fabrics, wool oils etc.), toiletries such as soaps, detergents, cosmetics and hair products etc. and skin exposed to allergens such as plants and chemical vapors?

This practical information is made available by the Allergy Centre. An Allergist can tell you if you have true Urticaria, what it is, why you have it, how you can be tested for it, what you can do about it, the best treatment, whether you should be desensitised or vaccinated, the best medication to use, the best place to seek treatment and whether you can get a cure for Urticaria.

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