What is hives?

  Urticaria is a common allergic disease of the skin and mucous membranes, the onset of which is caused by transient temporary edema of the skin tissue. There are many triggering factors: food, drugs, infections, inhalants, contacts, physical factors, psychological factors, etc. The disease can also be associated with connective tissue disease, hyperthyroidism, malignant tumors in the body, etc. Urticaria in children is most commonly triggered by food, drugs and infectious factors. The child first feels itchy skin, followed by large erythematous patches and wind clumps on the itchy area. The lesions are light red, bright red, or pale white, varying in size and shape, and can sometimes be palpable as large, confined or generalized lesions. The rash is accompanied by pronounced itching, which can affect daily life and sleep in severe cases. If the digestive tract is involved, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur. If the bronchi and larynx are involved, throat congestion, chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or even asphyxia may occur. Fever and gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in children. Some children may also have edema of the hands, feet, eyelids, or even the entire face. The duration of the disease is variable, and those who recover within a few days or 1-2 weeks are called acute urticaria. If the disease is recurrent and lasts for more than 2-3 months, it is called chronic urticaria. Removal of the allergenic cause and oral antihistamines are the main treatments.