Is antihistamine therapy for urticaria effective?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 25-year-old male. I have been suffering from urticaria for a long time. I did not remember exactly how long, but it has been approximately four months since I started suffering from this issue. My father and brother also suffered from this, but only once or twice; for me, this is a normal thing.

My skin has become so sensitive that even soft rubbing can cause redness, itching, and swelling. I had not taken any treatment yet because I was told that this would be cured automatically within a short span of time. But in my case, it is getting worse day by day.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have new-onset urticaria. Since it has gone on for longer than six weeks, it is now considered chronic urticaria. It is a common condition. Most people will experience at least one episode of urticaria during their lifetime.

There are many causes of urticaria, such as

Infections-viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Drug allergies.
Food allergies.
Insect bites or stings.
Physical causes, like exposure to cold.

The exact cause cannot be identified in about 50 % of the cases. Please try to see if you have changed any cosmetics (hair dye, creams, powders, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, etc.). Have you started any new medicine or supplements (including herbal, over-the-counter, etc.)? Any recent change in your occupation, use of latex, etc.

Any urine infection-burning urine, etc. Any use of food colors? If no answer can be obtained, I suggest checking a complete urine examination. Also, I would try a course of deworming treatment. Albendazole chewable tablets (brand name Zentel) 400 mg. Take it in two doses. The first and second doses should be separated by a week. Take after food, only two doses are required.

For symptom relief, try antihistamines. I suggest a non-sedating antihistamine taken once a day in the morning. If this alone helps, fine; if not, take a different antihistamine at night. Take them daily for a few weeks, and then start cutting back slowly and observe. If your itching and urticaria do not respond to anti-histamines, you may need to take corticosteroids.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.