Urticaria - symptoms, triggers and practical ways to cope

Urticaria is one of the most common skin reactions, manifesting as itchy, raised blisters on the skin. It can appear suddenly and resolve in a short period of time, but in some people it recurs and becomes chronic. In this guide, we discuss typical symptoms, the most common triggers, and practical tips for self-care and prevention. Remember that this information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical consultation.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria manifests itself as raised, red or pink blisters on the skin that may cluster into larger patches. The lesions usually itch intensely, and are sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation. Characteristically, the blisters often appear and disappear in different areas of the body in a short period of time - even within a few hours.

Types of urticaria

• Acute urticaria - lasts less than 6 weeks, often associated with a reaction to food, drugs or infection.
• Chronic urticaria - lasts longer than 6 weeks, sometimes more difficult to link to a specific factor.
• Physical urticaria - triggered by physical stimuli, such as pressure, cold, heat, exertion or contact with the sun.

The most common triggers of urticaria

Although it is difficult to clearly identify the cause in any individual, there are several groups of factors that are often cited as triggers of the reaction:

• Foods (e.g., nuts, fish, seafood, strawberries).
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics, painkillers).
• Viral and bacterial infections.
• Contact with environmental allergens (e.g., pollen, animal dander).
• Physical stimuli: cold, heat, pressure, physical exertion.
• Stress and fatigue.

Symptoms that are easy to spot

Urticaria produces symptoms that are visible to the naked eye and can be felt on a daily basis:

• Red, raised blisters or patches on the skin.
• Intense itching, often intensifying in the evening or at night.
• Variable localization - lesions appear and disappear in different places.
• In some cases, swelling of the lips, eyelids or hands (angioedema).

Practical tips on how to cope

• Avoid factors that noticeably trigger symptoms (e.g., certain foods, cold, pressure).
• Note when and in what situations changes occur - it's easier to find a pattern.
• Dress in airy, loose clothing made of natural materials.
• Take care to get regular sleep and reduce stress, which can exacerbate symptoms.
• Consider using apps that support skin analysis, such as Medmetrix, to more quickly assess the nature of changes.

FAQ - the most common questions

Does urticaria always mean allergies?

No. Although allergens are a common cause, urticaria can also be triggered by infections, stress or physical factors.

How long do the lesions last?

Single blisters usually disappear within a few hours, but in some people new lesions appear constantly, which can lead to a chronic course.

Can AI technology help with urticaria?

Yes, analyzing skin images in tools such as Medmetrix supports the process of self-observation and allows us to better track the nature of changes over time.

Want to better understand your symptoms?

Take advantage of Medmetrix's free AI analysis. Take a photo of the changes, and the algorithm will indicate whether they are worth paying special attention to.

Summary

Urticaria is a common, usually temporary skin reaction that can become chronic in some people. Although the causes are sometimes diverse, many can be linked to specific situations or factors. Regular self-observation, keeping notes and using support tools such as Medmetrix can help better manage the problem and respond more quickly to worrisome changes.