Hives, also known as  urticuria  is a skin disorder that is characterized by formation of white or red welts on the surface of the skin. The sizes of the welts may vary and can last for up to six weeks or more. The disease is not life threatening but the general discomfort associated with it can interfere with your daily activities. The symptoms of hives are treated by taking anti-histamines and anti-itching medications.

Let s take a look at the symptoms:
1. Development of red or white welts, especially on torso, arms and the face
2. The welts may cause severe itching
3. Painful swelling on various parts of the body such as cheeks, lips and the insides of the throat
4. You may experience tightness in the chest and feel dizzy

What might be the causes?
Hives occur when certain cells are triggered into releasing histamine (an organic nitrogenous compound). The various factors that trigger this condition are:
1. Insects bites or parasite bites
2. Continuous scratching at the same spot
3. Various pain medications
4. Prolonged exposure to sunlight
5. High levels of stress
6. Excessive consumption of alcohol

This disease can lead to severe complications which have been listed below:
1. Severe allergic reaction: Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that causes the bronchial tubes to narrow down thus, obstructing normal breathing. It is a condition that may, in certain cases, lead to death as well. Hence, you need prompt medical attention if you suffer from this complication.

2. Breathing complications: Swelling on the inner parts of the throat may obstruct normal breathing and cause you to pass out. It can also increase the risk of certain immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease (a disorder caused by eating gluten rich foods in excess).

Treatment
The treatment for this disorder includes taking anti-histamine medications that help in blocking histamine (organic compounds which help to regulate physiological functioning) in the body. You may also be administered anti-inflammation medications to reduce inflammation. Wear loose clothing and stop scratching away at the affected regions of the body to make sure you do not aggravate the condition.

Hives Rash or Urticuria - 6 Cause Behind Skin Disorder

There are mainly three kinds of burns. The degree of burns is determined by the extent of damage that the burn causes. First degree burns are minor while third degree ones are extremely severe. Variety of factors could lead to a burn. They may be chemical, electrical, fire and even sun induced. Boiling or scalding liquids might result in burns as well. The burn type isn t necessarily determined by what causes it. Scalding hot water might cause all the three types of burns; based on the duration of the skin being in contact with the water and how hot the water is. 

Electrical and chemical burns need immediate tending to by a doctor as it might affect the internal body without it being apparent as the damage to the skin is not much. There are also fourth-degree burns. This type of burn includes all of the symptoms of a third-degree burn and also extends beyond the skin into tendons and bones.

First-degree burns: These result in the least skin damage and are also known as  superficial burns  as they only affect the skin s outermost layer. Redness, pain, minor swelling and inflammation are all the symptoms of a first degree burn. As a first degree burn heals, dry skin and peeling takes place. As the skin peels, the symptoms and signs disappear as the burn only manifests on the top most skin layer. It usually takes a week or little more for a first degree burn to heal without any scarring. If the burnt area affects over three inches of skin, or is on the face, then a doctor should be consulted. Home care generally suffices for a first degree burn. Healing time accelerates with rapid treatment of the burn.
Second-degree burns: They are serious as the extent of damage is deeper than the topmost layer of the skin. The skin becomes extremely sore with the formation of red blisters. The blisters might pop open and as time passes, the wound may develop a scab. Proper bandaging is required to reduce chances of an infection. Home remedies should be avoided. The burns usually heal within three weeks.
Third-degree burns: They are the most severe. They extend through each layer of the skin. They might not cause any pain due to the severity of burn as the nerves might get damaged. There might be extreme scarring if corrective surgery isn t done.

Burns - Understanding Its Degrees!

Psoriasis is a chronic dermatosis characterised by an unpredictable course of remissionn & relapse. It is an non-infectious skin disaease chracterised by scaly, silvery patches mainly on the scalp and extensior surface of the body. Its exact cause is unkown. In ayurveda, it is closely resembles with ekakushta. The features of ekakushta explains in ayurveda classics resembles with the symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis is the challenge for modern science. There is no definite treatment for psoriasis in modern science till today. The drug available in the market use to treat psoriasis are not very effective and have local and systemic effects.

In ayurveda, vata pitta and kapha dosha is the main contributory factor for the disease. Due to vitiation of three dosha, the disease manifest and main line of treatment for psoriasis is panchkarma and internal medicine. It is considering the best approach for skin disorder in ayurveda. A case report of 42-year old male, presented with well demarcated red scaly, silvery patches mainly on both legs, hands, scalp, chest and back with itching, and also nail and joint involvement has been presented in this article.

Etiology of Psoriasis: 

Unknown but many factors have been associated-

Genetic: may be autosomal dominant

Triggers: physical trauma ,infection and drugs.

Biochemical change: like increase level of arachidonic acid and Cgmp.

Immunological factors: helper T cells PLAY A KEY ROLE.

Epidemiology: 

Roughly, 1% of population is affected. Can occur at any age and affected both sex. Most patients as worse in winters.around 7 million people are affected in developed country.

Histopathogenesis:

Increased epidermal cell proliferation.

Retention of nuclei in stratum corneum.

Proliferation of fibroblast.

Dilated and tortous capillary loops.

Shortened epidermal turnover time from normal of 60 to 10 days.

Clinical features: Usually chronic indolent lesions which persist for month. Lesions are mildly papule or plaque.erthematous plaque lesions with characteristic slivery, large, loose scales. The patients of psoriasis may also suffer from depression and low self-esteem.

In a patients with psoriasis always check for nail and joint involvement.

Nail: 10 to 15% of the patients have nail involvement. Pitting, nail plate thickening, subungual debris, discolouration of nail plate and oil spot seen in the nails.

Joints: 10% patients have joint involvement.

Sites: Scalp, pressor points & extensor. Sometimes generalised.

Chronic recurrent psoriasis is difficult to treat. Modern science treat with PUVA and corticosteroids but these drugs having local and systemic side effects like liver and kidney failure etc. So, it is the time to find out the effective and safe treatment for Psoriasis. Medicines which are used in ayurveda are safe and practised since many years. A huge numbers of drugs are prescribed in ayurveda for the treatment of kushta.

Case details: A 42-year old male patient, hindu brahman by religion, presented on 10 april 2016 with well demarcated raised red scaly, silvery patches on chest, back and both legs and hands. He complained of itching all over the body and on scraping, white powder like substances fall down and leaves a bleedy surface. On history, patients had complaints since 20 years and diagnosis of psoriasis by allopathic physician. Since 20 years he has been taking allopathy and homoepathy patients from various practioners of U.P and delhi. He is brahman and lives in well known temple of delhi and visit homes of peoples for religious ceremony. He is afraid that if the disease is spreading continously, then he is unable to work as priest because people neglect him due to disease. The disease is spreading all over his body and also involves nail and joint. Destruction of nail plates of hand and legs was also developed. For this, patients took allopathic treatment for such a long time but do not get relief.

The patients visit our clinic for the first time. He told use that his problem not solves since 20 years and spreading continuously. So, he is unable to trust us. So, we first give him counselling because reassurance and emotional support are invaluable. Physical and mental rest enhance the effects of the treatment. It is also important to tell him that the disease is not contagious and is benign.

SYMPTOMS OF THE PATIENTS :

Itching all over body

Silvery patches, especially, on legs ,chest ,back but now spreading in his hand and scalp.

Destruction on nail plates

Swelling and pain in left middle fingers and flexor deformity in proximal interphalangeal joint

Swelling in right middle metatarso phangeal joint and pain

Some blood test of the patients were done like CBC, LFT, KFT, SR, URIC ACID to assess outcome.

His general health was good and both physical and all blood test were within the normal limts.we advise patients for panchkarma and oral medication but patients refuse for panchkarma so we start his oral or internal medication. 

Investigation Done :

CBC(Complete Blood Count)

LFT(Liver Function Test)

KFT(Kidney function Test)

Sr. Uric Acid

Investigation was done to rule out any other pathology. Investigation were within normal limit.

Internal Medication :

Medication are given into two phase. In First Phase, we are given panchsakara churna - one spoon two times daily for anulomana and pachan, Panchnimba churna- one spoon two times daily with luke water, panchtikta ghrita gugulu - two tab two times daily, and one oil for local application containing jyotishmati,bakuchi, and chakramad for five days. We told patient to apply the oil firstly only on legs for 5 days. Patient taking the same for 5 days and come on 5th day, we see the fabulous result, the rashes which are developed within 4 to 5 months just disappear and other rashes are also subsiding.

After 5 days, in second phase, we continue the same treatment and also added haridra khand - one spoon two times daily, gugulu tiktam kashaya - three spoon two times daily (one hour before food for 15 days). The patient came back on 20th day, with great result, the rashes were almost 60 % subsiding and pain and swelling in finger and ankle also reduce to great extent. Now, patient is not taking any pain killer for pain. Patient also get improvement in nails of legs.

We prescribe the same medicine for one month that time and ask him to do some physiotherapy additional for finger deformity. After that patient came with 70 to 75 % relief in symptoms and patients also tell that during the treatment, he will not develop any additional rashes.

During the treatment, we also told the patients to follow some dietary changes and live according to the rules of Ayurveda.

Result: Psoriasis is a disease with unkown etiology and triggered by many factors. In modern science, treatment of psoriasis is a challenge. They do not have any safe and proper medicine for psoriasis. But, ayurveda treatment gives satisfactory results as well as the quality life to the patients. Ayurveda removes toxin out of the body and corrects the formation of aama. Ayurveda gives the prevention as well as the treatment. So, by following the dietary and lifestyle change we prevent the reoccurrence of the disease.

Ayurveda For Psoriasis 

Ayurveda believes health is managed by 3 components i.e. pitta, vata and kapha dosha. The type of skin that a person has also depends on which of these is predominant. Accordingly, in people where pitta is dominant, it is warm to the touch and more prone to breakouts and moles and freckles. In people where vata is dominant, the skin is thin and remains cool, gets dehydrated easily and is easily affected by dry weather. In people with kapha dominance, the skin is thick and greasy and is more tolerant to sun exposure.

Allergy is when the body responds adversely to a component which might have reached the system either through air, food or contact. Various substances cause allergies and with most allergies, skin rashes are common, can be of mainly 4 types:

Contact dermatitis: When the skin comes in touch with an allergy-causing agent, the skin breaks out into a rash. The inducing agent could be rubber, chemicals, metals, pets, etc.
Bites and stings: When insects such as bees or other insects sting or bite, the surrounding area develops a rash.
Warm weather: When the weather is too warm, there is prickly heat effect, which produces a rash.
Food induced: When certain food items like peanuts or eggs are consumed, some people develop a skin rash.
Whatever the reason, the mode of management would be to try to achieve a balance between the three components.

Poppy seeds: A paste of poppy seeds powder mixed with lemon juice and water can help get rid of rashes.
Buttermilk and baking soda: Use a cotton swab to apply a mixture of buttermilk and baking soda on the affected skin area and see the rashes disappear. The soothing effect and relief will be felt immediately.
Basil leaves, garlic and olive oil: Crush some basil leaves and add some garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil to form a smooth paste. Apply over the skin rash for 1 to 2 days until the rashes disappear.
Oatmeal bath: Adding a cup of uncooked oatmeal into the bath water and using this water for a bath after 5 minutes is a great way to get rid of rashes and their redness and itching.
Essential oils: Almond oil, chamomile oil, and tea tree oil can be mixed in equal proportions to get relief from rashes of almost all causes.
Cold tea bags: Using cold tea bags on the skin helps relief of the rashes through tannin contained in the tea, which has great healing properties.
Just as skin rash is very common, so is the treatment. These substances are readily available in the kitchen and so treating a skin rash is very easy.

Rashes on Skin - Ayurvedic Remedies for Treating it!

Skin allergies causing dermatitis are very common and can be caused by allergic reactions to food substances like peanuts or eggs. However, it is more common when there is physical contact with some allergens, for example, nickel (used in belts and artificial jewellery; rubber in watch straps or wristbands). The person would usually develop an itch and rash, which could be localised or generalised.

Ayurveda believes in a two fold management of allergic dermatitis. While the first one is aimed at improved skin care routine, the second one is aimed at using natural remedies for managing dermatitis (rash and eczema).

Skincare

Avoid soap or use a mild soap, as it removes the acidic layers of the skin, which are essential for preventing infections.
Use cold plain water in summer or take a warm bath during the winter season.
Use a smooth, soft towel, and avoid rubbing.
For dry skin, apply oil on your skin for an hour before taking bath. Alternately, add olive oil or neem oil to your bath water.
Do not take frequent, long, or hot baths.
Avoid stepping out during extreme weather.
Keep away from blankets and woollens.
Ensure your diet does not contain usual allergy-producing stuff like peanuts, eggs, milk, cheese, fish, etc.
Avoid artificial jewellery, rubber footwear, fur, and synthetic fabrics which can increase the rash and eczema.
Overall, get enough physical and mental rest, avoid taking the stress, and sleep well and eat well.
Avoid scratching the affected skin.
Preferably wear cotton and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes.
In addition to the above overall skin care measures, the affected area needs to be given additional care and treatment to relieve the symptoms.

With its soothing properties, honey is proven to be very effective in treating many skin conditions. It can be diluted with water and applied on the affected area.
This provides relief from the itching, which is very common with blisters. This is especially useful in the area under the eyes.
Crushing a cup of oatmeal and adding it to the bath water helps in cleansing the skin and removes the dead skin. It also provides relief against irritation, soothes the skin, and provides relief from the itching.
The juice of the tender leaves of tephrossia purpurea (sarapunkha) and terminal catapa (jangali badam) can be applied to the affected skin, which provides great relief. Twice a day, after meals, tries panchanimbaadi choornam.
A paste of sesame oil, juice of arka and turmeric can be applied on the affected part.
Mix two teaspoonful of pancha tikta ghrita guggul in warm milk and have it on an empty stomach. This mixture is an effective remedy for eczema.
Kadirarista mixed with water in equal proportions can be consumed twice daily after meals.
The next time you are faced with allergic skin reactions, try these measures and see the benefits for yourself.

How Ayurveda Can Help in Allergic Dermatitis Treatment

Urticaria, also known as Hives and Nettle Rash. It is an allergic disorder. It is similar to the rashes that are caused due to touching a nettle plant. This allergic reaction can be caused due to a variety of reasons, thus increasing the difficulty in identifying the exact cause of the allergy. Homeopathic medication has proved to be very efficient in treating urticaria. Some of the best homeopathic remedies include:

1. Apis Mellifica: Described as one of the best solutions to urticaria, this medication is commonly prescribed with regard to treatment. The characterising symptoms of this medication is eruptions accompanied by inflammation and sting. It is similar to the sting of a bee where there is redness and swelling. Exposure to heat in any form is intolerable as the eruption are aggravated. The slightest of touch can cause burning or itching and the patient usually remains thirsty.

2. Dulcamara: This is a medication that is usually prescribed for Urticaria, caused due to cold air or wet weather or dampness. Consumption of sour food or indefinite diet can cause the eruptions. Even though the skin is often dry, there is redness and itching.

3. Natrum Mur: One of the frequently used medicines for urticaria, this medicine is prepared from common salt. It is used in cases where the eruptions are triggered by exposure to the sun, thereby resulting in intense itching. The skin has an oily or greasy feel. Most likely locations of occurrence include margins of hair or bends of joints.

4. Ledum Pal: This medication focuses on the eruptions that occur on the legs and feet. There is a possibility of the infection spreading from the lower to the upper regions at a later stage. Increase in itching can result from the warmth of bed or on scratching. Colder conditions provide a soothing sensation

5. Astacus Fluviatilis: This is an effective medication that be used to treat, both acute and chronic urticarial forms. Rashes are visible on the entire body and are at an increased sensitiveness to air. It is recommended for liver diseases and liver-related symptoms that are accompanied by urticaria.

Best Homeopathic Remedies for Urticaria

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