28. Rash/ Hives/Urticaria

Question 1

What ?

Answer 1

Itchy rash
Appear any time anywhere of the body
Lasts hours or days

Question 2

Why caused?

Answer 2

Triggers
Caused by allergic reaction to food, plants,animal, soil
Drug reaction

Question 3

Red Flags?

Answer 3

Rash within 20 minutes of eating or taking a new medicine, OR
swelling of your lips, mouth or airway making it hard to breathe.
If hives occur with swelling of your tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or low blood pressure, anaphylaxis

Question 4

Symptoms?

Answer 4

Round or form rings, a map-like pattern or giant patches
Can affect any part of your body
May be widespread across your skin.
stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing or dizziness.

Question 5

How are hives treated?

Answer 5

Cool cloth, bath or shower
If the reaction is mild, simple measures such as a cool bath or shower may be all that is needed.
Antihistamines:Since the skin reaction is caused by histamine release, most people benefit from taking antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine to ease the itch
Avoid the causes/triggers like certain food or cosmetics
Avoid Medicine: Aspirin and other NSAIDs should be avoided

For chronic situation refer to dermatologist

Question 6

Anaphylactic situation ?

Answer 6

Anaphylactic situation ?
Adrenaline (Epinipherine/Epipen) should be found at ED
Epinephrine opens airways, raises blood pressure and reduces hives and swelling.