Is There A Urticaria Cure
Urticaria Cure: Urticaria, a.k.a. Hives, is a common allergic reaction that causes swollen, red, itchy bumps to appear any where on the body. It is classified as either Acute Urticaria or Chronic Urticaria depending on the duration of the bout of hives. Chronic Urticaria, also called Nettle Rash or Uredo, lasts for more than six weeks. Acute Urticaria lasts from a few hours to a few weeks.
At present, the only known cure for Urticaria is prevention and avoidance of known triggers, typically allergens. Removing certain foods from the diet (eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, wheat, etc.) can reduce the body’s histamine response. Limiting exposure to certain activities and avoiding stressful situations can also help. In addition, prescription drugs that can cause hives (aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], and painkillers [codeine]) should not be taken.
Acute Urticaria is thought to be caused by allergic reactions while the causes of Chronic Urticaria is unknown. Doctors believe Chronic Urticaria is the result -in some cases- of an autoimmune disorder, while the remainder of cases have not been diagnosed. Certain diets may be recommended in order to help reduce breakouts. Diets may include a Histamine-Restricted Diet or the Low Salicylate Diet.
While prednisone and antihistamines may be prescribed for short-term relief, they have not been found to provide long-term results. In fact, there are no known cures for Urticaria.
For those with ACU or Acute Urticaria, cyclosporine has been a promising treatment. Dr. Malcom Greaves, a CU researcher found that 75% of people given cyclosporine over several months found total or near total remission. Of those, 1/3 of the people remained in remission, 1/3 experienced mild relapse and 1/3 had severe relapses during withdrawal.
Homeopathic treatments include detox diets, chemical free cleansers, acupuncture, anti-hive formulas and Urticaria kits. Their purpose is to help reduce or get rid of symptoms.
Summary: Urticaria is a condition that presents as itchy, red welts (hives) of varying size and duration any place on the body. While there is an abundance of treatment options, there is no known cure.
References
References (1) -Malcolm Greaves. “Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria.” 2003. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 3(5):363-368.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/461843
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