Diseases similar to urticaria (English)

Almost every person strives to be healthy. Therefore, small manifestations on the skin can cause a lot of trouble. Not only can a similar rash be the cause of any illness, it causes unprecedented discomfort and panic. Therefore, before dealing with skin rashes, it is worth determining what could be the cause of this aesthetic imperfection and taking decisive measures to combat it. It may be a similar rash, but it can be easily treated.

How to distinguish rashes?

The causes of rashes are countless. A dermatologist can definitely say what caused the skin rashes, and he cannot always be sure of his diagnosis. Therefore, it is almost impossible for an ordinary person to understand the allergic, viral, cold, fungal or other nature of a rash. How to distinguish rashes? It is necessary to consult a specialist. For each disease it is purely individual. Allergies are completely different from rubella, and psoriasis is very easy to distinguish from herpes. Therefore, before you panic and fight rashes with improvised methods, you should carefully study not only the appearance, but also the localization of the rashes, take into account the time of their appearance and probable changes from the moment of manifestation. Pretty soon you can determine what was the main provocateur of the rash and eradicate it.

Rash that looks like goosebumps

If an adult develops a rash that looks like goosebumps, the cause may lie in follicular hyperkeratosis. At the same time, these rashes appear and then go away. In rare cases, they may be present on the body for several months. Most often, localization occurs in the hairline area. The muscle tissue contracts as a result of receiving a nerve impulse from the spinal cord, resulting in a rash similar to goosebumps.

If the rash does not go away for a long time, then the reason may lie:

Lack of vitamins A, C, E.
Insufficient hygiene procedures.
Horny skin and poor exfoliation of scales.
Genetic inheritance of hyperkeratosis.
Improper metabolism.

A rash similar to goosebumps goes away quite quickly after starting to take vitamin complexes, increasing physical activity and stabilizing nutrition.

Rash that looks like bites

Often, both adults and children develop a rash similar to bites. Taking drugs internally and applying external lubrication with various ointments does not lead to anything good. Even a dermatologist cannot make a definitive diagnosis. The answer lies on the surface: allergies to food and medications. But it is difficult to guess how it manifests itself. A diet and oral absorption of absorbent drugs are advisable. A rash similar to bites can go away within a month, and sometimes even longer.

Rash similar to chicken pox

Most often, a rash similar to chickenpox appears in young children. There may be several reasons for this and accompanying symptoms as well. Often the problem lies in enteroviral pharyngitis, roseola vesicularis and allergies. Much depends on the location of the acne, temperature readings and the presence of other symptoms that contribute to the intensification of skin rashes. A rash similar to chickenpox can be treated comprehensively.

Rash similar to hives

Most often, a rash similar to urticaria appears in children in the first years of life. The reasons for its localization may be different. But it is worth considering that a rash similar to hives spreads throughout the body within a couple of hours. In rare cases, the cause may be allergic dermatitis, most often it is an allergic reaction to medications, complementary foods or staple foods. In children with special sensitivity, such a reaction occurs to chemical powders or other detergents. For some, it goes away on its own, when taking antihistamines and following a diet, while for others, droppers, enemas and absorbent drugs are appropriate.

Rash similar to prickly heat

Depending on what additional symptoms accompany the rash similar to prickly heat, a correct diagnosis can be made. If, along with the rash, a sore throat and a significant increase in temperature are observed, then the disease the patient is experiencing may be scarlet fever. Even if the temperature has dropped and the sore throat has become minor, and allergic reactions to the medications taken have not previously been observed, contacting a therapist will be more than advisable.

A rash similar to prickly heat accompanied by a cough, runny nose and slight weakness can be caused by rubella. It can pass without fever, but requires complex treatment.

If a rash similar to prickly heat began initially in the legs and gradually spread throughout the body and is accompanied by severe headaches, then viral meningitis is possible.

In any case, if a patient has a rash similar to rubella that does not go away within several days, then contacting a doctor is mandatory.

Rash that looks like burns

Most often, a rash similar to burns is urticaria. Its distinctive feature is a temporary appearance on the skin with further disappearance. After a short period of time, it may appear again in its original place.

Rash similar to herpes

Quite often, a rash similar to herpes is a manifestation of shingles. A virus that has entered the human body severely affects it due to reduced immunity. As a result, rashes in the form of herpes appear in the chest and abdomen and spread in a circle. In rare cases, herpes zoster spreads to the hands and other parts of the body.

Pimple-like rash

There are quite a few reasons why a rash similar to a pimple appears on the body. They should be treated with special care and undergo appropriate treatment. Follicular hyperkeratosis occurs due to keratinization of the hair follicle. As a result, small acne-pimples appear on the face and body. Hives may appear on the body in the form of pimples for a short time. The reasons for its appearance are different: allergies, exposure to external factors, chemical irritants.

In cases where a pimple-like rash is accompanied by fever and itching, the cause may be hidden in chickenpox. Molluscum contagiosum can also cause a similar rash. The rash may appear on the body and face. The greatest localization is observed in the chest area. Pink and flesh-colored spots.

Wart-like rash

Wart-like rashes are almost always caused by the human papillomavirus. It can appear after contact with an infected person or as a result of contact with household items that contain infected cells. This rash appears most often in areas of the greatest sweating. In rare cases, warts go away on their own. Initially, they become inflamed, dry out and fall off.

Rash similar to freckles

There are several types of diseases that accompany a rash similar to freckles. There are also many reasons why rashes appear. Some of the most common are: improper and insufficient skin care, allergic reactions to various components, infectious and viral pathogens, diseases of the vascular system. In any case, if a rash similar to freckles appears and is accompanied by various symptoms, then you should contact not only a pediatrician, but also a dermatologist.

If a rash appears on the dermis that looks like something never seen before, you should not put off going to specialized specialists. Skin rashes never appear without a reason. And if they cause concern, then you should get rid of them as soon as possible under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Skin rashes can take a person by surprise. In addition to cosmetic dissatisfaction, they can cause physical discomfort - they cause itching and burning. In some cases, skin problems do not cause harm to the body and are treated with local therapy, and sometimes they become a sign of severe complications. That is why it is important to pay attention to changes in the skin and consult a doctor in time.

Features of the diagnosis of urticaria

Urticaria is a common skin disease characterized by the appearance of a rash similar to a nettle burn due to the impact of any external factors on the body - infectious, allergic, natural. The incidence of this disease is quite high - approximately every third resident has encountered a similar problem at least once in his life.

According to statistics, representatives of the fairer sex are more susceptible to urticaria than men. This is due to the structural features of the neuroendocrine system of different sexes.

Symptoms

The main symptom of this disease is the appearance of inflammation on the skin in the form of a rash, characterized by an elevation above the surface of the skin and clearly defined boundaries. In most cases, the rashes appear quite abruptly, they are accompanied by severe itching, and the color can vary from pink to red.

There are two types of this disease:

The chronic form is characterized by a protracted illness, frequent relapses, and the interval between skin inflammation and rest is always different.
The acute form is characterized by a sharp manifestation of the disease, which usually lasts from several days to 10-14 days.

In most cases, hives are not contagious. But if its cause is the development of an infectious process in the body, which is easily transmitted from person to person, then in this case infection is possible. And it, in turn, can manifest itself as urticaria.

The disease in question requires immediate identification of the cause of its occurrence, as well as timely treatment. Otherwise, a chronic form of the disease or other complications may develop, such as:

Quincke's edema;
anaphylactic shock;
dizziness, weakness;
infection of the body as a result of scratching the affected skin.

Causes of urticaria

Having recognized the symptoms of the disease, it is important to find out its cause - this will allow you to prescribe the necessary treatment. Urticaria can be caused by the following reasons:

spread of infection that can be caused by bacteria or viruses;
medications - vitamins, analgesics and antibiotics;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
food products - eggs, dairy products, seafood, chocolate, nuts, honey, smoked products;
various weather factors - sun rays, heat or cold;
physical causes - water, sweating, friction;
substances contained in the air - pollen, dust, fluff;
bites of insects, jellyfish and other living creatures;
as a result of interaction with Nickel, resins, dyes;
perfumes or cosmetics.

Allergic reactions to urticaria can have a cumulative effect, that is, when exposed to any factor, its manifestation is not immediately visible, but after some certain time. Therefore, the reason for its appearance should be sought in a wide time range, not limited to a few hours. Additional factors for the development of such a diagnosis:

presence of allergies;
some diseases - chronic rhinitis;
bronchial asthma; ARVI;
gastrointestinal diseases;
problems with the thyroid gland;
constant stressful situations;
change in climatic conditions when moving or on vacation;
tumors of internal organs.

The cumulative effect of urticaria may appear some time after contact with an irritating factor, so it is important to consider all possible causes of its manifestation.

Various forms of this disease

There is a classification of urticaria, which includes several types of this disease. Here are some of them.

Acute urticaria

This is the most common type. It is characterized by the rapid development of the disease and the same disappearance of the rash. Inflammation appears on the skin or mucous membranes; some of its foci may subside within 24 hours.

On average, the illness period lasts up to 2 weeks. Often the cause of this disease is an allergic reaction.

Chronic recurrent urticaria

It is characterized by a protracted course of the disease, which can last for months or years. The periods of inflammation and remission can be of different durations. Skin rashes are often accompanied by the formation of papules, swelling, including angioedema, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The chronic form may occur due to repeated exposure to allergens or due to the development of an advanced stage of the disease.

Papular persistent urticaria

The allergic reaction and rashes in this case are caused by insect bites, which most often occurs in the summer. The rash on the body has the form of papules, hard to the touch, and is most often localized on the legs, but can be located throughout the body. In some cases, scratching the damaged areas poses a risk of infection.

Demographic urticaria

Features of this type of disease:

occurs as a result of mechanical impact on the skin and the corresponding reaction of the body and its immunity, microtrauma, the influence of tight clothing, scratching of skin areas;
the main symptom is the appearance of whitish or red rashes and blisters, accompanied by mild itching;
in some cases it can become a side effect when taking medications;
As treatment measures, the doctor prescribes medications, local treatment or diet.

Solar urticaria

It occurs when the sun's rays are most active in the warm season, as well as in regions with a warm climate. Skin irritation and rashes disappear after limiting exposure to the sun. Their localization is arms, shoulders, neck. As a rule, in the warm season these are open areas of the body.

An additional factor may be the peculiarity of light skin, which is often susceptible to burns. A similar allergic reaction can occur after taking certain medications.

Cold urticaria

It appears as a result of exposure to cold. Symptoms may include skin irritation, rashes, blisters, accompanied by unpleasant itching. In some cases, angioedema may develop.

In addition to hypothermia, other factors can provoke the disease:

cold water, food, ice cream;
viral diseases, such as hepatitis;
helminthic infestations;
chronic infections;
problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Often, areas of irritation are localized on the face and hands, and in some cases throughout the body. They may go away within a few hours after exposure to cold, but you should not refuse to see a doctor. If signs of urticaria accompany the patient for several days, a medical examination is required, since such a symptom may indicate a more serious illness in the body.

Cholinergic urticaria

A rather rare disease associated with exposure of the body to the allergen acetylcholine found in the human body. A similar reaction may occur in the following cases:

excessive emotional stress;
constant stressful situations;
heavy physical activity;
the body's reaction to high temperatures, for example, in a bathhouse or sauna.

An additional factor may be a tendency to allergies.

The main symptoms are rashes on the skin in the form of small, red, swollen blisters, accompanied by severe itching. With relapses, a sharp increase in body temperature is possible. Treatment is carried out with specialized drugs, the choice of which differs from standard therapy.

There are other, less common types of urticaria:

Thermal - after prolonged contact with hot air or water - sauna, hot bath;
Physical - during heavy physical activity;
Aquagenic - upon contact with water;
Contact - when the skin comes into direct contact with an external irritant.

Urticaria in children

Urticaria in childhood is most often a consequence of food allergies, although other causes are also possible. This is due to the fact that the child’s protective functions of the body have not yet fully developed, immunity is being formed, and the body is gradually getting used to new products. Therefore, it is important to introduce the first complementary foods gradually, observing time intervals between new products, as well as monitoring the body’s reaction to them.

The symptoms of urticaria in children are not very different from those in adults - the same reddish rash, accompanied by itching. Sometimes they can be more pronounced, and the disease can be more acute.

Hives can occur in varying degrees of severity.

Mild degree characterized by a slight sensation of itching, no swelling, in general the patient’s condition is satisfactory.
Average degree The severity of the disease is characterized by increased symptoms, including itching, which causes some discomfort for the patient. Swelling, intoxication of the body, and the development of complications are possible. In some cases, attacks of suffocation may occur, which is associated with difficulty breathing due to swelling of the larynx.
Severe degree urticaria is accompanied by severe swelling, the development of complications and damage to internal organs. A transition to the chronic stage of the disease is possible.

Treatment of this diagnosis in children necessarily requires the supervision of a doctor and strict adherence to his recommendations. Medical therapy is usually prescribed taking into account the following factors:

cause of the disease;
patient's age;
characteristics of the child’s body and health status;
presence of concomitant diseases;
duration and nature of the disease;
the presence of allergic reactions to any drugs.

Timely diagnosis of such a disease

In most cases, the doctor makes the primary diagnosis after an external examination of the patient. Symptoms of urticaria in the form of rashes and redness of the skin are always on the face. In addition to the examination, the doctor draws up a medical history of the patient, in which it is important to take into account:

timing of the onset of signs of the disease;
recent dietary patterns;
possible interaction with chemicals;
presence of allergies;
taking medications.

Such information will be useful to establish an accurate diagnosis.

In addition to collecting an anamnesis and external examination - the prevalence of rashes and their nature, the doctor may prescribe allergy tests, as well as scarification, application and provocative tests. They make it possible to identify the source of the disease. Additionally, the following tests may be prescribed:

general and clinical blood tests;
blood for syphilis and hepatitis;
urine and stool tests.

As well as standard procedures - ECG, ultrasound, FGDS, fluorography.

Often a comprehensive examination is carried out with consultation of an immunologist, allergist and gastroenterologist.

When making a diagnosis, it is important to differentiate urticaria from diseases such as rubella, angioedema, allergic dermatitis and other skin diseases.

How to treat hives

Before starting treatment for urticaria, it is important to determine the cause of its occurrence and establish an accurate diagnosis. The prescription of therapy will largely depend on the source of the disease.

General treatment

Treatment of urticaria should be aimed at eliminating the cause that causes it. For example:

in case of food allergies - nutritional correction;
restriction or replacement of medications;
when exposed to environmental factors, exclude them;
avoiding contact with harmful chemicals;
treatment of the source of infection.

This will be the first step towards recovery.

Next, it is important to exclude the further development of symptoms of the disease - antihistamines are often used for this.

In most cases, complex treatment is recommended - taking medications, treating the surface of the affected skin to relieve discomfort - itching or burning, as well as getting rid of concomitant diseases.

Additional recommendations include the following:

You should avoid stuffy rooms with hot air;
When taking a shower, it is advisable to avoid scrubs, hard soaps, and hard washcloths; in some cases, it is possible to use moisturizers;
tight clothes made of synthetic materials can cause discomfort, so it is better to replace them with loose-fitting items made of cotton fabrics;
for bathing or washing hands, it is advisable to use warm water, not hot or cold, and contact with snow or ice should be avoided;
Sometimes drinking plenty of fluids and following the prescribed diet are recommended.

When treating urticaria, in addition to the basic treatment and doctor’s recommendations, some tips will be useful:

you should give up tanning;
avoid taking hot baths;
in some cases, visiting the pool, bathhouse, sauna is not recommended;
It is advisable to refrain from using various cosmetics, including decorative cosmetics.

Use of medications

Before using any medications, it is important to consult or follow your doctor's recommendations. Their independent or haphazard use in some cases can cause the opposite effect and intensify the allergic reaction, which can aggravate the situation and delay recovery.

There are some common drugs to treat this disease:

antihistamines to eliminate the causes of urticaria associated with the action of histamine - "diphenhydramine", "suprastin", "daizolin" or "fenkarol" 1-2 tablets per day after meals;
glucocorticoid or hormonal drugs that have a stronger effect - prednisolone ointment or tablets, dixamethasone solution or tablets, diprospan;
enterosorbents or laxatives to remove the source of allergy from the body - safe “activated carbon”, “smecta” or “enterosgel”.

If there are concomitant diseases, drugs for their treatment are selected individually and prescribed in combination with the main therapy.

Treating urticaria at home

Due to the fact that such a disease has a high probability of relapse, and its advanced form can become chronic, you should not abuse self-treatment. It is best to discuss all home methods for getting rid of hives with your doctor.

An additional argument for consulting with a specialist will be the fact that folk remedies may contain allergens, which will not have the best effect on the process of treating the disease.

Some home methods include:

use of St. John's wort oil for external use;
celery root in the form of freshly squeezed juice, one teaspoon each, is recommended to be consumed some time before meals;
an infusion of dry walnut leaves for oral administration is also sometimes recommended for the treatment of urticaria;
additional means for oral administration can be: infusion of oak bark, decoction of chamomile or string.

Diet for urticaria

Due to the fact that the diagnosis of urticaria is often caused by an allergic reaction to some irritating factors, diet is sometimes prescribed as measures for its treatment. It is important to note that dietary nutrition should not be prescribed independently. Such uncontrolled eating can negatively affect the condition of the human body or aggravate existing health problems. That is why the choice of diet should be agreed with your doctor.

There is a list of products recommended for consumption for such a diagnosis:

fermented milk products without additional fillers;
various cereals, excluding semolina;
refined butter or sunflower oil;
grain bread;
beef, turkey or rabbit meat;
apples with yellow or green peel, pears, gooseberries;
vegetables - zucchini, pumpkin, green beans, fresh green peas.

A logical question arises: what should you not eat if you have hives? If the reason for the diagnosis is an allergy to foods, then a diet may be helpful, and if the rash is due to the development of an infection, then severe dietary restrictions can further weaken the body.

There is a list of foods that are not recommended for urticaria:

fresh bread;
eggs;
fatty types of meat or fish;
heavy broths from meat and fish;
smoked meats, sausages, semi-finished products;
canned foods, pickles;
hot seasonings, sauces;
mushrooms, nuts;
citrus fruits, peaches, pineapples, apricots, kiwi, melon and watermelon;
grapes, all red berries, black currants;
tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, green onions;
confectionery and sweet products, chocolate, ice cream, honey;
For drinks, avoid alcohol, cocoa and black coffee.

It is advisable to adhere to such a diet for some time after recovery in order to prevent relapses of the disease and its chronic nature.

As an example menu for such a diet, we can offer the following option:

for breakfast - milk porridge with fruit, tea, a sandwich can be replaced with grain bread;
For lunch, vegetable soup with the addition of separately boiled meat is suitable to eliminate fatty broth from the diet. Boiled, stewed, or steamed meat or low-fat fish, cutlets or meatballs with a side dish are suitable as a side dish;
for dinner you can choose potato casserole, meat or fish, with boiled potatoes, cottage cheese or cottage cheese casserole with some fruits, for example, pears or baked apples;
For an afternoon snack or snack between main meals, you can choose kefir, cottage cheese, an apple with green or yellow peel.

In most patients, this disease is treatable and does not leave noticeable marks on the skin. In severe or advanced cases, there is a high risk of developing complications or a chronic course of the disease. Therefore, timely diagnosis, refusal of self-treatment and compliance with doctor’s recommendations makes it possible for a successful outcome of the disease.

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Urticaria is an acute or chronic condition, often accompanied by itching and manifesting as erythematous (red, pink), painless, blistering rashes that usually disappear within 24 hours and leave behind clear skin.

Characteristic features of urticaria include:

rashes in the form of blisters, spots and swelling,
the presence of itching (there may be only itching without a rash or a rash without itching),
painlessness of the rash (the accompanying angioedema can be painful),
individual rashes disappear within 1 day, leaving behind “clean skin.” If individual blisters last more than 1 day and/or peeling, pigmentation, etc. remain after them. residual effects, then it may be another disease resembling urticaria, for example, urticarial vasculitis.

Important

Prevalence of urticaria. Urticaria is a very common condition, affecting 15-25% of people worldwide (occurring at least 1 episode during their lifetime), with acute urticaria accounting for more than 60% of all cases.

Causes of urticaria

Hives are not always allergic, as many people believe. Most cases of the disease are associated with the action of various factors, many of which are currently generally unknown. However, scientists suggest that urticaria often occurs only as a “symptom” of another disease that is its cause. And indeed it is. Urticaria is often noted and associated with infections, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the liver, pancreas and thyroid gland, parasitic infestations, rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, tumors, etc.

It is important that the most common causes of acute and chronic urticaria are fundamentally different.

Causes of acute urticaria

Acute urticaria is often allergic and usually develops due to hypersensitivity reactions to a specific allergen from the external environment. Thus, most cases of acute urticaria and/or angioedema are allergic and proceed through an immune mechanism associated with the synthesis of class E antibodies (IgE). The most common allergens for urticaria are:

medications, such as antibiotics (penicillins, sulfonamides and others), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as aspirin), muscle relaxants, diuretics and others;
food products (both direct contact with skin and ingestion; for example, milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts, seafood, fish);
insect bites/stings;
contact with other allergens and substances (for example, latex, rubber, animal saliva, plants, etc.).

Sometimes acute urticaria occurs through other immune mechanisms (not related to IgE production):

when using a certain type of drug (for example, opioids, beta blockers, vancomycin, NSAIDs) or eating food;
use of radiocontrast agents;
for acute viral infections (especially in children);
for other reasons (rheumatic diseases, hormonal disorders, etc.)

Causes of chronic urticaria.

Unfortunately, in 70-90% of cases, the cause of chronic recurrent urticaria in adult patients remains unknown and the disease is considered idiopathic, that is, without an identified cause. In children, chronic urticaria occurs much less frequently than in adults, and its cause is identified much more often.

In 30-50% of patients, chronic urticaria/angioedema is of an autoimmune nature and may be associated with other autoimmune diseases, for example, with thyroid disease - autoimmune thyroiditis. Scientists believe that in about 40-60% of cases of chronic urticaria with an unidentified cause, the disease is associated with known or as yet unknown to science autoimmune processes, in all others it is “true” idiopathic (i.e., without an identified cause and without an autoimmune background). In addition, there are diseases that are no longer classified as urticaria, although they are very similar to it (for example, urticarial vasculitis, cutaneous mastocytosis - urticaria pigmentosa, and others).

Signs of hives

itching,
blisters,
spots,
redness of the skin (erythema),
Quincke's edema is possible,
sometimes in the area of edema there is skin tension, some soreness,
burning and pain in the area of the rash are more typical for urticarial vasculitis.

Diagnosis of urticaria

Despite the similarity of symptoms, the approach to diagnosis for acute and chronic urticaria is different. Laboratory tests are necessary in some cases to identify the cause of chronic and intermittent (episodic) acute urticaria. In most cases, the diagnosis is based on the anamnesis (history of the disease) and examination of the patient.

Contact/referral to a specialist (allergist-immunologist) is necessary in many cases of chronic urticaria to draw up a diagnostic plan (search for the main cause of the disease) and select treatment.

If allergic urticaria is suspected, an allergy test (skin tests and determination of specific antibodies in the blood) may be performed. To exclude concomitant pathology in chronic urticaria/angioedema, the spectrum of examination is determined by the allergist in each specific case individually.

Unfortunately, the cause of chronic urticaria and/or angioedema in most cases is not identified even after extensive examination. But such a patient remains under further medical supervision to detect symptoms of the disease that is causing the urticaria and adjust therapy in anticipation of spontaneous remission (cure) of the urticaria.