Western medicine treats urticaria primarily through medication and lifestyle modifications to alleviate symptoms and control the condition. Urticaria is a common skin condition characterized by red or skin-colored patches accompanied by intense itching. The core of Western medicine's treatment for urticaria lies in reducing symptoms with antihistamines and preventing recurrence by identifying and avoiding triggering factors.
Medications for treating urticaria primarily include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. Antihistamines are first-line treatments for acute urticaria, relieving itching and redness by blocking the action of histamine. For chronic urticaria, if antihistamines are ineffective, doctors may recommend corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to control symptoms. For some types of urticaria triggered by food or medication, doctors will advise patients to avoid these triggering factors to reduce the occurrence of symptoms.
Patients may encounter some misconceptions during the treatment of urticaria (hives). For example, some patients may believe that urticaria is a mild illness that does not require special treatment. However, uncontrolled urticaria can lead to serious complications such as difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's advice. Some patients may mistakenly believe that all urticaria is caused by food allergies, leading to unnecessary dietary restrictions. In reality, the causes of urticaria are diverse, including physical and environmental factors, so a comprehensive approach is necessary during treatment.
[Management Tip:]
1. Take your doctor's prescribed medications regularly, especially antihistamines.
2. Record possible triggering factors, such as food, drugs, or environmental factors.
3. If severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing occur, seek medical attention immediately.
