Urticaria: symptoms, causes, types, treatment and complications - consultation with experienced dermatologists and allergists at the MEDSI clinic

Hives are an allergic disease that appears as spots or red, intensely itchy plaques on the skin. Prevalence depends on age and environmental conditions, as well as comorbidities. The most common allergic dermatosis is recurrent urticaria.

The swelling and itching caused by hives can be severe. The feature that distinguishes this disease from others is red spots on the surface of the skin. They have irregular edges and small bubbles. Typically, hives are caused by allergies. When an allergen enters the body, histamine is released into the bloodstream and causes: swelling, redness and itching.

General information

The name of the disease is due to the fact that outwardly it looks like a nettle burn - the skin turns pink and swells, while small blisters can merge into large local spots (angioedema) of irregular shape.
Papules cause itching and discomfort; when scratched, the wound surface can become infected, and then dermatitis and other complications join the underlying disease. The disease is very common; every third person on the planet has suffered from urticaria in one form or another.

Which doctor treats rash on palms

A rash on the palms is usually treated by a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a specialized specialist whose responsibility is to determine the causes and treat diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.

Our clinic employs a highly qualified dermatologist with extensive experience. It is certified to accept adults and children.

If necessary, the dermatologist will refer the patient for a consultation with an immunologist, allergist, or infectious disease specialist.

Symptoms of urticaria in children

The main sign of urticaria in a child is a rash. Its prevalence and severity may vary, but in most cases the disease follows a single pattern.

Convex pink and red rashes appear that turn pale when the skin is pressed or stretched. When the blisters merge, the edges of the spots become more intensely colored.
The appearance of blisters, their disappearance or merging into vast shapeless foci occurs chaotically, and their migration over the surface of the body is unpredictable.
The rash is accompanied by severe itching.
The temperature may rise, either slightly or to high values.
Often - weakness, malaise, joint pain and headache.
In the complicated form, difficulty breathing or swallowing, nausea and vomiting, and bowel movements.
An even more severe manifestation is angioedema on the lips, oral mucosa, eyelids, cheeks or genitals.

The localization of the appearance of the rash can be anywhere, including on the mucous membranes - lips, nasopharynx, ears and genitals. Most often, the upper part of the body and arms are affected, while the symmetry of the rashes is not always present; the spots take on the most bizarre coral-like shapes.

In most cases, allergies in the form of urticaria in children are accompanied only by the appearance of an itchy rash, which does not last long, from several hours to several days. Often other pathologies give similar symptoms; in this case, urticaria is not considered as an independent disease.

Information for parents! If a rash in the form of hives is accompanied by even slight swelling in the child, especially in the face and neck, you must immediately call emergency help!

Is the rash on the palms contagious?

If the rash is caused by infectious diseases, fungi or parasites, then more often it is a contagious course of the disease.

These include:

rubella;
measles;
meningitis;
scabies;
scarlet fever;
chicken pox and so on.

Diseases are transmitted by airborne droplets, contact or household contact. With such diseases, the patient must be isolated from others until complete recovery. With helminthic infestations, it is also possible to infect other people in contact with a sick person if basic hygiene rules are not followed, for example, washing hands after using the toilet.

If the rash occurs due to an allergic reaction, then there is no threat of infection. Allergies are the individual characteristics of everyone’s body.

The cause of the rash should be determined as quickly as possible to ensure that it is not spread to others. Timely treatment will avoid serious consequences of the disease.

Answers to frequently asked questions about skin rashes:

Which doctor should you contact for a skin rash?
Is the skin rash contagious?
What diet is necessary for skin rashes?
What diagnosis is needed for a skin rash?
Why is a skin rash dangerous?
Why is it necessary to get tested for a skin rash?
What diseases does a skin rash indicate?
What examination is necessary for a skin rash?
Which skin rash is dangerous?
How to distinguish an allergic rash from an infectious one
How to get rid of skin rashes?
How to get rid of itching skin rash?
What organs are affected by a skin rash?
How to prepare for an appointment with a dermatologist?
How to get checked for skin diseases?
What diseases does a dermatologist treat?
What tests should be taken by a dermatologist?
What diagnostics can a dermatologist perform in the clinic?
Where to go with a skin disease?

Causes of urticaria in children

There can be many reasons for the appearance of hives in a child. In addition, it can be caused by different factors in the same person at different ages. Among the most common pathogens in children, the following groups can be distinguished:

Food products (citrus fruits, nuts, eggs, seafood, strawberries, tomatoes, etc.).
Food additives, primarily sulfides, salicylates and various chemical dyes.
Household allergens (dust, fluff, cigarette smoke, pollen, cosmetics and detergents, synthetic clothing, fumes from furniture varnishes, paints, etc.).
Medicines and contrast agents for radiography.
Blood (donated) and drugs created on its basis.
Vaccinations.
Insect bites, helminthic infestations.
Physical, including thermal phenomena (overheating and sweating, cold, physical activity, direct sunlight).
Psychogenic factors.
Various infections.

All of these factors can become both the cause of primary urticaria and the impetus for its exacerbation during the chronic course of the disease. In children under two years of age, the vast majority of cases of urticaria are caused by food allergens.

Preventing rashes on the palms

To prevent a rash on the palms from occurring, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the skin and follow hygiene rules.

General recommendations are:

wash your hands thoroughly after contact with animals, after visiting public places;
timely treat wounds and scratches with antiseptic agents (hydrogen peroxide, green diamond, fucorcin, iodine, and so on);
take measures to prevent excessive sweating of the hands and feet;
Make sure that the room is free of mosquitoes, ticks, bedbugs and other insects.

If a person notices a suspicious rash on his arms or hands, he should consult a doctor and not self-medicate.
There's no time to waste. The success of treatment depends on a correct diagnosis and timely, adequate treatment. Publication date: 2019-12-10

Methods for diagnosing skin diseases:

Diagnosis of skin diseases
Diagnosis of skin diseases at home
Diagnosis of allergic skin diseases
Diagnosis of bacterial skin diseases
Diagnosis of viral skin diseases
Diagnosis of hair diseases
Diagnosis of nail diseases
Diagnosis of skin tumors
Skin scraping
Blisters on the skin
Dermatoscopy
Demodex tests
Diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections
Mushroom tests
Skin scraping

The mechanism of occurrence of urticaria (pathogenesis)

The human body contains mast cells or mast cells, which are specific elements of connective tissue. They are the central element in the development of urticaria, activators of inflammation. When an allergen enters the body for the first time and in small doses, the child does not experience any external manifestations or reactions, but sensitization occurs, which can be represented as the first acquaintance with the allergen, resulting in the production of histamine. It is this substance that causes redness, swelling and other inflammatory factors. It gradually accumulates in mast cells, and when its amount reaches a critical threshold, the cell membrane is destroyed with the release of histamine into the bloodstream and a subsequent cascade of pathological changes in the body.

Treatment of rash on palms

There is no general treatment regimen for rashes on the palms. It all depends on the diagnosis and the characteristics of the patient’s body. Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Before coming to the doctor, you should not use products that change the appearance and color of the rash - iodine, brilliant green, fucorcin.

Treatment is prescribed only after all tests have been completed. It includes:

In simple cases, certain ointments and creams that are used to treat the affected areas of the body are sufficient. Sometimes tablet medications and injections are added to the treatment regimen. These can be hormonal, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antihistamine drugs.
Prescription of physical procedures. This includes ultraviolet treatment and other types of exposure.
Children are prescribed baths with medicinal herbs that relieve itching and inflammation.
For bacterial skin lesions, antibiotics are added to the treatment regimen in a certain dose.
Vascular diseases require special treatment, using specific drugs.
Sulfur and other ointments help with scabies. But the choice of remedy is determined by the doctor.

Folk remedies can complement treatment. Their feasibility is agreed with the doctor.

Classification of urticaria in children

According to the nature of the course, acute and chronic forms are distinguished.
In the first case, the disease manifests itself abruptly; the symptoms of urticaria continue to bother the child from several hours (usually 6-12) to 1-2 weeks. The rash is accompanied by severe itching, the surface of the skin at the site of the rash becomes hot to the touch. If the outbreak is caused by an allergen, then when contact with it is eliminated, the symptoms disappear quickly and without a trace. With an exacerbation of chronic urticaria, the itching and rashes are less intense, but in this case they can persist for a long period - several weeks and sometimes months. The condition is accompanied by weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, and, less commonly, stool disorders. Sometimes, against the background of sluggish urticaria, neurotic disorders develop, and since the child constantly scratches the itchy papules, a secondary infection occurs and dermatitis develops.

Based on the severity of the disease, the following types of urticaria in children are distinguished.

Mild form - external manifestations are almost invisible, the child feels well, there is no itching or intoxication of the body. A minor rash goes away within a day at most.
Moderate - characteristic rashes are clearly visible, accompanied by fever and itching; intoxication of the body in the form of nausea and headache may be present. The papules merge, swelling appears, and there is a risk of the first signs of Quincke's edema appearing.
Severe - pronounced symptoms. Severely itchy rash, general intoxication of the body with a gastrointestinal reaction, development of Quincke's edema. Requires urgent medical attention.

Depending on the provoking factor, the child may experience the following types of urticaria:

Contact - has an allergic origin, in 1st place among the causes are pharmacological and biological factors. When contact with them is eliminated, it goes away without a trace.
Idiopathic - occurs for unknown reasons. It does not respond well to standard treatment and retains symptoms for a long time.
Vibration - occurs against a background of strong mechanical vibrations.
Dermatographic - provoked by mechanical irritation of the skin (tight or synthetic clothing, skin folds, etc.). After eliminating the irritant, it goes away very quickly, usually within half an hour.
Cholinergic - caused by high physical activity, characterized by the appearance of small rashes.
Thermal - provoked by uncomfortable (high or low) ambient temperature. Accompanied by particularly severe itching and is the most common cause of edema.
Aquagenic - a reaction to contact with water. The rash is usually small or absent, but is accompanied by severe itching.

3.Diagnosis of the disease

The diagnosis of urticaria or Quincke's edema is made after examination. Your doctor will ask you a few questions to find out the possible cause of your hives or angioedema and examine your skin. Depending on your health condition, you may need to consult an allergist, immunologist or dermatologist.

Skin tests may be done to determine which substance is causing your allergy. And routine blood tests are needed to determine the presence of some systemic disease.

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First aid for urticaria in a child

The primary task is to identify and eliminate the provoking factor. The main problem during this period is not rashes, but itchy skin. When providing first aid, it is important to eliminate it if possible - gently trim the nails, put on protective gloves for infants, apply an available non-hormonal anti-allergic cream (for sunburn, mosquito bites, etc.) to the site of the rash. If there is no cream, you can use a cool compress.

All this is done before medical assistance, which should be provided immediately. In case of development of edema and severe symptoms, it is necessary to call an emergency team.

What tests need to be taken for a rash on the palms

To accurately understand the causes of skin rashes on the palms, the doctor will order tests.

The list of standard examinations includes:

analysis of the contents of pustules, skin scrapings;
general blood analysis;
blood chemistry;
blood for allergens;
blood for helminth detection;
feces on worm eggs.

If sexually transmitted infections are suspected, a blood test will be ordered for syphilis, gonorrhea, and so on.

You can get tested without leaving your home. Our clinic offers this service at home and transportation of biomaterial to the laboratory. Test results can be obtained on the same day of treatment.

Treatment of urticaria in children

The choice of treatment tactics for urticaria in children depends on its cause, main symptoms, the age of the child, as well as the stage at which the disease is caught.
Only a doctor can prescribe complete therapy after an accurate diagnosis. The main goals include eliminating precipitating factors, prescribing medications to eliminate symptoms, and treating associated pathologies. The doctor makes the choice of antihistamines and other drugs based on the individual clinical picture. Modern medicine offers new generation drugs that minimize the risk of side effects, have a high level of safety and are easy to use for young children. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Is it possible to bathe a child with hives?

If the disease is not aquagenic in nature, you can and should bathe your child, but it is important to follow the recommendations:

do not heat the water above +37C;
do not use washcloths and hygiene products with dyes and fragrances;
maximum bathing time - 10 minutes;
the use of herbal decoctions and potassium permanganate should be agreed with a doctor;
Do not rub the inflamed skin with a towel.

4.How to treat urticaria and Quincke's edema?

The easiest way to deal with urticaria and angioedema is if you can identify and eliminate the factor that caused the problem. But this is not always possible. Typically, antihistamines are used to treat hives. They will help relieve the symptoms of the disease. Sometimes antihistamine medications need to be taken regularly to prevent the rash and associated swelling.

Chronic urticaria is treated with antihistamines or a combination of them. But if this does not give the desired result, sometimes the doctor prescribes corticosteroids.

In severe cases of urticaria and angioedema, an injection of adrenaline or steroid medications may be necessary.

What else can be done to treat hives?

While the course of treatment is ongoing and you are waiting for the redness and swelling to disappear, follow these simple recommendations.

Do not use hot water. Let it just be warm.
Wash with mild soap.
You can apply cold compresses or apply a damp cloth to the affected areas.
Be in a cool room.
Wear loose, lightweight clothing.

Possible complications and their consequences

Urticaria, despite its apparent harmlessness, can lead to serious consequences, primarily to Quincke's edema. Its characteristic initial symptoms, in addition to the swelling itself, are difficulty breathing and paroxysmal cough with whistling (bronchospasms). Swelling of the internal mucous membranes is dangerous due to disruption of the housing and communal services, the first signs of which are a gag reflex and stool disturbance. From the nervous system, severe cases of urticaria are dangerous due to damage to the meninges, which can be fatal in the absence of medical assistance.

Treatment of urticaria in children

It is impossible to predict the body's reaction to a particular allergen, however, every parent can protect their child as much as possible from contact with the most active well-known allergens, do not bundle up or overcool, and do not use cosmetics and detergents with dyes and strong fragrances.
If possible, prevent the presence of children in rooms with a strong smell of paints and varnishes, avoid stress, infections and excessive physical exertion. It is recommended to examine the child’s endocrine system and not ignore signs of weak immunity. Unfortunately, urticaria is often not taken seriously; however, it is a disease that, if unfavorable, can threaten the life of a child.

SM-Doctor pediatricians are always ready to help your child; their experience and attentive attitude to each little patient are the key to a quick and correct diagnosis and well-chosen treatment tactics.

Causes of rash on palms

If a rash occurs on the palms, most often it is a sign of an infectious disease, one of its symptoms. It is extremely rare when a rash is not associated with infections, but is only a reaction to external irritants.

A rash on the palms usually appears for reasons such as:

infectious inflammation of the skin;
development of infection inside the body;
helminthic infection;
vascular pathologies;
an allergic reaction to something.

A rash on the palms may be a sign of the development of diseases such as syphilis, measles, mumps, rubella, and so on. You should take the occurrence of such a symptom very seriously and be sure to visit a doctor, or call a doctor at home.

According to statistics, more than 74% of skin diseases occur due to parasitic infections of the body. These are roundworms, lamblia, toxocara, and so on. A helminthic infestation always causes enormous damage to the body.

It is worth carefully analyzing the possible causes in order to inform the doctor about this. Perhaps the rash appeared after communicating with a sick person, after contact with animals, after eating new drinks or foods. Pregnancy is also a trigger for unexpected rashes.

If measures are not taken in time and not diagnosed, then the pathology will develop, which means the treatment will take longer.