Everything good usually has a downside. The rapid development of our civilization in recent decades has been no exception. It has brought with it a sharp increase in the prevalence of allergies among the population.



An allergic reaction of our body to any factor (allergen) can manifest itself in different ways: runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes. Quite often, allergy sufferers develop blisters, swelling or severe itching and burning, or urticaria.


Dr. Avner Reshef from the Allergy and Immunology Department and the Quincke's Edema Treatment Center at the Sheba Medical Center - Tel Hashomer talks about what urticaria is and how to combat it.


Urticaria, or urticaria in Latin, is a skin disease of allergic origin. It is characterized by a rash that causes itching and burning, like a nettle burn (hence the name). It is a common occurrence - experts say that 20-25% of the population will experience bouts of urticaria during their lifetime.


Hives can occur when consuming certain foods (eggs, seafood, smoked meats, etc.), medications, contact with pollen or insect bites (hello, spring!), as well as exposure to cold or sunlight, etc. In children, the disease often occurs due to infection with a mild viral infection.


Special types of urticaria are rare. These include, for example, a reaction caused by exposure to the sun or, conversely, cold water, touching ice and even ice cream.


As a rule, urticaria passes within 24 hours, but sometimes it reappears or continues for several days or even weeks. In more than 50% of cases, patients also develop swelling of various parts of the body, most often in the face (lips, eyelids).


Despite the fact that urticaria does not cause harm to the body and does not leave scars on the skin, it causes great suffering - due to itching and an "unaesthetic" appearance. Constant itching does not give patients a moment of peace and literally drives them crazy, does not allow them to sleep, work and do everyday things.


Sometimes urticaria can become chronic (if it lasts more than 6 weeks) and turn into a painful disease that affects not only the body but also the state of mind. The causes of chronic urticaria are usually unknown. In very rare cases, it occurs against the background of autoimmune diseases.


What treatment methods exist for urticaria?


First of all, it is recommended to find out the cause of the disease and try to avoid contact with the allergen. However, unfortunately, it is possible to determine the pathogen only in 5% of cases of chronic urticaria. Therefore, the main goal of therapy is to reduce symptoms during attacks.


The most common treatment for acute and chronic urticaria is second-generation antihistamines (non-hypnotic, such as Telfast, Aerius, Histazine). This approach is preferred by many specialists worldwide today, and according to research, 95% of patients are satisfied with the results of taking antihistamines. These drugs block the action of histamine on the skin, thereby significantly reducing symptoms such as redness, itching, and swelling. In cases that are difficult to treat, the doctor may recommend increasing the dosage by 3-4 times.


In severe forms of the disease, when antihistamine therapy is insufficient or when swelling occurs in the face and mouth, the possibility of using steroid hormones (cortisone) for several days should be considered. Steroids should not be used for a long time, as they cause severe side effects: increased blood pressure, blood sugar levels, etc.



In special situations, when the disease does not go away for a long time and does not respond to treatment, it is possible to use drugs that affect the immune system. In recent years, it has been proven that immunosuppressant drugs (Cyclosporin, Methotrexat) in low doses can stop the disease, but such treatment should be carried out under the careful supervision of specialists. In Israel, a new drug has now begun to be used - Xolair (omalizumab), injections of which are given every 4 weeks.


The effectiveness of alternative treatments has not yet been proven, but they can be used in addition to a course of conventional therapy.