Urticaria Cure

Urticaria Cure: Hives, medically referred to as Urticaria, is a widespread allergic reaction presenting as inflamed, pink, itchy bumps that arise any place on the body. It is categorized as Acute Urticaria or Chronic Urticaria based upon the time frame of the breakout of hives. Chronic Urticaria, also referred to as Nettle Rash or Uredo, persists for longer than six weeks. Acute Urticaria only appears for few hours to a few weeks.

At this point in time, prevention and avoidance are the only known cures for Urticaria. Triggers, usually allergens, should be restricted. Eliminating select foods from the diet (eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, wheat, etc.) can lessen a person's histamine response. Reducing participation in various activities and trying not to enter into situations which cause anxiety can also help. Additionally, pharmaceuticals that are known to bring about the onset of hives (aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], and painkillers [codeine]) should not be taken.

Although dietary and lifestyle changes may help with Acute Urticaria because it is most likely the result of an allergic reaction, Chronic Urticaria is much harder to treat. Half of all cases of Chronic Urticaria (CU) result form an autoimmune disorder, and the remaining 50% are diagnosed as ideopathic, meaning a cause cannot be determined. For them, cure is even harder to find.

For those who have been diagnosed with Chronic Ideopathic Urticaria unique diets, such as the Histamine-Restricted Diet and the Low Salicylate Diet may also be advocated. Often a diary is kept so patients can work more closely with their doctors to discover and discard any and all catalysts.

Just as there are no cures for any of the other forms of Urticaria, there is no cure for Autoimmune Chronic Urticaria (ACU). Antihistamines, and autoimmune suppressants can be taken for treatment of ACU, and corticosteroids (Prednisone) may be used. Nothing, however, has been proven to supply lasting results.

The latest research demonstrates that cyclosporine is one of the most successful drugs for the treatment of people with ACU. Dr. Malcolm Greaves (a leading researcher of CU) detected that in cases of ACU where Cyclosporine was prescribed, at least 75% of patients treated for 2-3 months experienced total or near total remission. One third of those patients remained in remission, one-third had a mild relapse and in one-third the relapse was severe following the withdrawl of Cyclosporine.1

While Western medicine has not yet found a cure for Urticaria, various homeopathic "cures" are being promoted. Detox diets, chemical free cleansers, acupuncture, anti-hive formulas and Urticaria kits all assert their ability to alleviate and or eliminate symptoms.

Summary: Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin disorder that shows up as pink-red, irritated bumps of differing size. They can and do appear any place on the body, and the duration of the outbreak can last for a few hours or a few weeks. There are numerous symptom treatments, but no known cure.

References
(1) -Malcolm Greaves. "Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria." 2003. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 3(5):363-368. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/461843