If you have bumps that are red or skin-colored and appear and disappear quickly, it is unlikely that these are just bug bites.

The skin rash could be hives, and hives can cause mild to severe itching.

About 20% of people will experience hives, also known as urticaria, at some point in their lives. The itching may get worse if you scratch, drink alcohol, exercise, or are stressed out emotionally.

This blog explains what hives (urticaria) are and how they are related to other allergic conditions.

What are Hives or Urticaria?

Itchy, raised welts on the skin are hives, which are also known as urticaria. They are typically flesh-colored, red, or pink, and occasionally sting or hurt. Hives are typically brought on by an allergic reaction to a medication, food, or environmental irritant.

Hives are frequently an acute (temporary) condition that can be treated with allergy medications. The majority of rashes heal on their own. However, more serious medical issues include persistent (continuous) cases and hives accompanied by severe allergic reactions.

Signs and Symptoms of Hives

The signs and symptoms can last for minutes, months, or even years.

Despite their resemblance to insect bites, hives, or urticaria, differ in several ways:

• Any part of the body can experience hives; They may alter their form, move around, disappear, and reappear in brief intervals.
• The bumps, which look like red or skin-colored “wheals” and have clear edges, typically appear suddenly and disappear quickly as well.
• A process known as “blanching” occurs when the center of a red hive is pressed, turning it white.

 

What Triggers Hives?

Hives are typically brought on by an allergic reaction to something you’ve eaten or encountered.

Your body begins to release histamines into your blood whenever you experience an allergic reaction.

Your body makes chemicals called histamines to try to protect itself from infection and other outside threats.

Unfortunately, the histamines can cause swelling, itchiness, and many of the hives symptoms in some people.

Hives can be brought on by a variety of allergens, including pollen, medications, food, animal dander, insect bites, and medications.

In addition to allergies, other factors may also be the cause of hives. Hives can be brought on by a variety of factors, including exercise, stress, wearing restrictive clothing, illness, or infection.

Hives can also result from irritation from excessive sweating or from prolonged exposure to hot or cold temperatures. The actual cause of hives is frequently elusive due to the numerous potential triggers.

What is the main cause of Hives (Urticaria)?

According to Ayurveda, an excessive intake of Lavana salty, Katu (pungent) food, Sasharp (mustard), Arnala, and Shukta (sour gruels) are the causal factors (Nidan) of urticaria (Sheetpitta).

• The exposure to Sheet Maruta Samsparsha
• Diwaswapna, or daytime sleep
• Sheet Paneeya Samsparsh, or “Cold Substances in Contact,”
• Asatmyak Vaman is an incorrect emesis.
• Keetak Dansha is the insect bite.
• Shishir Varsha Ritu Viparyaya, which translates to “Altered Features in the Winter and Rainy Season.
• Krimi Sansarg (Contact with Insects That Are Dangerous)

 

Urticaria is categorized as:

1. Urticaria with a short duration of less than six weeks is called acute. Psychological factors, food allergies, respiratory allergens, and any infections or medications will all be the causes.

2. Rarely, chronic urticaria results in rashes that last for more than six weeks, months, or years. Autoimmune, idiopathic, and hereditary causes will all be present.

Classification of Urticaria (Sheetpitta) As Per Ayurveda

Kushta Roga, which translates to “skin diseases,” is where Ayurveda explains all skin conditions.

However, specific explanations are provided for specific allergic conditions like Sheetpitta, Udard, and Kotha.

In Ayurveda, the terms “Satmya” (tolerance) and “Asatmya” (tolerance) are used to describe allergic manifestations. Urticaria is correlated with Urticaria because of its symptoms and similar symptomatology.

Ayurveda breaks down the three types of urticaria (Sheetpitta, Udard, and Kotha) into their own categories.

Udard, Kotha, and Utkotha are all alternative names for Sheetpitta. Due to its similar symptoms, this group is Sheetpitta-correlated with urticaria.

1. Tod’s (Pricking Sensation) Sheetpitta Vata Dominance Vidah, or the “Burning Sensation.”

2. Udard Kapha Predominance, Kandu (Itching), and Vidah

3. Vidah, Kotha Raktadushti (Sensation Burning).

4. Utkotha The recurrence of Kotha on multiple occasions.

 

How many types of  Hives or Urticaria are there?

 

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are the most common cause of hives. Any allergen to which you may be sensitive can cause these, including:

medications (primarily antibiotics, cancer drugs, and ibuprofen)

insect bites or stings,

pet dander, pollen, and dust mites.

Mild cases of hives caused by allergies are typically treated with long-term or short-term allergy medications and avoidance of the trigger.

 

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. Hives are frequently accompanied by difficulty breathing, severe swelling, dizziness, or nausea or vomiting in this condition.

 

Chronic Hives

Hives that last for an extended period of time without necessarily having a known cause are known as chronic hives. This condition, which is also known as chronic urticaria, is characterized by persistent hives that can make life difficult. These can last anywhere from a few weeks to years or even several months.

If you have welts that persist after six weeks, you might have chronic hives. This type of hives can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat, but they are not life-threatening. They might also be a sign of something else wrong with your health, like:

 

Dermatographism

This type of acute hives is regarded as mild. Lupus, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease It is brought on by excessive scratching or persistent pressure on the skin. Without treatment, dermatographism typically resolves on its own in a short amount of time.

 

Temperature-induced hives

Hives triggered by changes in temperature Sometime, people who are sensitive to such changes can get hives. Exposure to cold water or air can cause hives that are cold-induced, while exercise can make hives that are exercise-induced. Solar hives can also be brought on by tanning beds or direct sunlight for some people.

 

Infection-induced hives

Hives caused by an infection Hives can be brought on by either a viral or bacterial infection. Urinary tract infections and strep throat are two common types of bacterial infections that can cause hives. Hives are frequently brought on by viruses that cause colds, infectious mononucleosis, and hepatitis.

 

Ayurvedic treatment for Hives (Urticaria)

Acharya Chakradutta described the Shamana Chikitsa of Sheetapitta in a clear and systematic way, placing a significant emphasis on Doshagati, or the movement of doshas. He has advised that people with Sheetapitta can be given either Sheeta or Ushna aahara and Paniyas with Doshagati’s due consideration. Sodhana (purificatory), Shamana (palliative), and Bahi Parimarjana Chikitsa (external therapies) were all described by Acharya Bhavaprakasha. As a result, we at Ayushakti Ayurved provide certain treatment measures for urticaria (hives) based on the principles of Ayurveda. In addition to purificatory treatments, these treatment options include both internal and external therapies and medications.

 

TREATMENT FUNDAMENTAL

• PITTA  AND KAPHA REDUCING  (Reducing Heat)
• BLOOD CLEANSING ( Blood Purification)
• BLOOD LETTING (Removal of toxin from blood)
• AAM ELIMINATION ( Expel toxins)
• IMPROVING IMMUNITY (Balancing doshas and metabolic fire)

 

Detox Therapies (Panchkarma)

Detox is the Ayurvedic cleansing process for body, mind and emotions that helps you to create holistic health and well-being in your life.

Digestive impurities such as mucus and metabolic toxins pile up in the veins, intestine, liver and joints. They circulate throughout the entire body and block the system. Continuous build-up of these impurities can cause physical and mental disorders and disease.

A Detox helps to clean out toxins. 

Ayushakti’s detoxification Panchkarma treatments are highly focused on relieving the root cause of any chronic problem by cleansing, repairing and rejuvenating the deeper tissues and cells in your body.  Click here to check out our Panchkarma Detoxification Plan 

 

External Therapies for Hives (Urticaria)

• Abhyanga (oleation) with Kshara, lavana, taila
• Lepa (anointment) with Durva and Nishi
• Parisheka with Ushnambu (hot water)