• Smooth, raised bumps on the skin (red or skin-colored)

• Swelling

• Inflammation

• Pain/Itchiness

• This type of skin rash usually lasts from a few hours to several weeks (usually no longer than six weeks,as anything longer would be considered Chronic Urticaria). It is very common, with 10-20% ofAmericans experience symptoms associated with Acute Urticaria each year.

• The condition frequently develops as an allergic reaction to a particular insect sting, food, medication(over-the-counter or prescription), or a viral infection.

• Patients often report symptoms associated with Acute Urticaria after being exposed to latex, housepets, horses, bee/wasp/mosquito stings, egg and dairy products, nuts, or shellfish.

• This condition differs from Acute Urticaria, as Chronic Urticaria is characterized as hives that last morethan 6 weeks (and maybe recurring throughout an individual’s life). Auto-antibodies are produced inthe body in response to the presence of an allergen. The auto-antibodies attack the body’s mast cellsand the stimulation of the mast cells results in light blood vessel leakage that leads to hives.

• Chronic Urticaria is not usually caused by a true hive, but instead a food additive; for example silicate,artificial coloring, sulfites, nitrates.

• Chronic urticaria is quite rare and is a bit more difficult to pinpoint the direct cause (as it can randomlydevelop and recur throughout life), the top rated immunologists at the

• Allergy & Asthma Center of LongIsland

• will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and work with you to come up with an effective, custom treatment plan to treat and relieve symptoms associated with Chronic Urticaria.

• Physical Urticaria typically develops from physical triggers such as sunlight, excessive heat (environmental), pressure (commonly from tight-fitting clothes), intense cold, water, vigorous exercise,or vibration from pneumatic drills.

• Hives may last from a few minutes to a few hours and may return upon interaction with the specific physical trigger(s). Many people with sensitive skin experience a form of physical urticaria as a result offriction with a particular allergen.

• Contact dermatitis elicits the same immune response as Urticaria (temporary or recurring skin rash, swelling, inflammation) and develops from any form of direct contact with an allergen. Symptoms suchas itchiness, swelling, inflammation, pain, or smooth raised bumps may appear shortly after exposure and usually go away within a few minutes or hours. Contact dermatitis can be treated throughavoidance and topical anti-itch cream (over-the-counter or prescription).

Histamine Releasing Urticaria Test (CURT):

this test is primarily utilized to determine if an individual is suffering from a Chronic Urticaria sub-group caused by the circulation of histamines that releaseauto-antibodies.

Avoidance:

Your top rated immunologist will advise you on what ingredients to avoid and how to effectively evaluate package labels that may contain an allergen that could trigger your hives.