Urticaria is a skin condition that is characterized by the appearance of reddish or pinkish bumps that produce itching and inflammation in the affected area. Generally, it is caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods or medications, among others.
Why is urticaria generated?
Histamine is the hormone responsible for the hives rash. This is released when the immune system suffers a hormonal imbalance that can be caused by a period of stress.
Once the cells of our body have secreted histamine, a fluid comes out of the small blood vessels which, when accumulated under the skin, causes the formation of hives.
Types of hives
Acute urticaria, when the symptoms are temporary and the lesions last a maximum of six months. It is estimated that it affects 20% of the world population.
Intermittent urticaria, when the hives appear in the form of outbreaks and disappear in a matter of minutes, hours or days without a trace.
Chronic hives, if the hives develop over a period of more than six weeks without remitting symptoms. Emotional stress is one of the causes associated with this third type.
What can we do to control it?
As one of its causes is submission to certain situations that may be stressful for us, the way to control it is directly related to various relaxation techniques that we follow to reduce stress.
Deep and controlled breathing exercises help alleviate different symptoms of stress such as tachycardia. As we fill our lungs with air, these symptoms reduce, as does the release of histamines, which are responsible for the appearance of the spots.
Performing daily exercise helps to eliminate tensions in the body. Through different studies, it has been shown that yoga helps the body to relax since all the muscles are stretched, eliminating tension. Also, if it is accompanied by meditation, its results will be most beneficial and positive for health.
To alleviate the burning and itching sensation that hives generate, we can use an antihistamine, either in cream or oral tablets, which will help the symptoms disappear after approximately half an hour.
