Urticaria or hives is an allergic condition of the skin characterized by itching, eruptions, rawness, and burning. Depending upon frequency and duration it can be acute, sub-acute, chronic, drug induced or recurring type and can disappear and recur frequently. The urticarial rash can be circular or irregular affecting one or any part of the body. Some of the triggering factors for hives are emotional stress, bee stings, insect bite, exposure to cold, heat or sun, medications like antibiotics, pollen, dust, pet dander, certain foods like fish, eggs, peanuts etc.

Hives is not a life-threatening condition but sometimes a hyperallergic condition called anaphylaxis can develop. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include breathing difficulty, swelling of hands, feet, mouth or eyes.

Homeopathic management of urticaria is curative rather than suppressive. Along with removing the chronic tendency, it is also helpful in managing the acute phase of the disease. Duration of treatment varies from person to person based on the intensity and frequency of the condition. Avoiding the triggering factors along with lifestyle modifications, the treatment approach becomes easy and within shorter duration person attains a healthy state.

The Homoeopathic remedies beneficial in treating urticaria or hives are APIS, CARBO VEG, NUX VOMICA, SULPHUR, URTICA URENS, COLOCYNTH, LYCOPODIUM, NATRUM MUR, PULSATILLA, PHOSPHORUS, NATRUM CARB etc.

Urticaria treatment with homoeopathy is more personalised. Depending on whether the disease is acute or persistent, experts propose different treatments. Apart from the symptoms, a person's health (both physical and mental), age, and other criteria are considered before recommending a treatment. Apis mellifica, rhus toxicodendron, camphora, sulphur, arsenicum album, copaiva officinalis, antimonium crudum, and bovista lycoperdon are some homoeopathic treatments used to cure urticaria.

What is Urticaria?

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a common skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of itchy, raised welts on the skin. These welts, or wheals, can vary in size and shape and often have a red or pale color. Urticaria occurs when certain substances, such as allergens or other triggers, cause the release of histamine and other chemicals in the skin, leading to an allergic reaction

symptoms of Urticaria>

• Itching
• Swelling
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Transient nature
• Angioedema

causes of Urticaria

Allergic reactions: Allergies to certain foods (such as shellfish, nuts, or eggs), medications (such as antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), insect bites or stings, pollen, latex, or other substances can trigger urticaria.

Medications: Some medications, including antibiotics (such as penicillin), aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain blood pressure medications, can cause an allergic reaction leading to urticaria.

Physical triggers: Urticaria can be triggered by physical stimuli, such as exposure to cold or hot temperatures, sunlight (solar urticaria), pressure on the skin (pressure urticaria), vibration, or sweating (cholinergic urticaria).

Infections: Certain infections, particularly viral infections like the common cold, hepatitis, or mononucleosis, can be associated with urticaria.

Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or thyroid disease, can cause chronic urticaria.

Stress and emotional factors: Emotional stress, anxiety, or intense emotional states can sometimes trigger or exacerbate urticaria.

Underlying medical conditions: Urticaria can be associated with underlying medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, liver or kidney disease, and certain cancers.

Food additives: Some food additives, such as preservatives, coloring agents, or flavor enhancers, may trigger urticaria in sensitive individuals.

Contact with irritants: Contact with certain chemicals, plants (like poison ivy), or other irritants can cause urticaria in susceptible individuals.