What causes hives or urticaria? Dermatologist explains

Urticaria, also known as hives or tagulabay, isn't just any red mark that may appear on your skin.

In an episode of "Pinoy MD," Dr. Jean Marquez said urticaria is a reaction of the mass cell to produce histamine in response to many triggers.

The histamine would then cause the swelling of the blood vessels and the blood penetrates through to the skin, which later on causes the red marks.

"Hindi siya mangungumpisa mangangati tapos mamumula so makikita mo na lang na bigla may mga pantal ka na urticaria," Marquez said.

"Pwedeng nawawala spontaneously and hindi siya nag-iiwan ng peklat unlike ibang allergies katulad ng contact dermatitis or contact allergy, o kaya hika sa balat, o kaya tinatawag  na bungang araw, pwede mag-iwan ng bakas."

["It won't start with itchiness then it will turn red so you will just suddenly see that you have urticaria marks. It can also disappear spontaneously and won't leave scars unlike other allergies such as contact dermatitis, contact allergy, skin asthma or miliaria rubra that leaves scars."]

Marquez said that there are two kinds of urticaria: the acute urticaria and chronic urticaria.

The acute urticaria is temporary and symptoms last for less than six weeks. Chronic urticaria, meanwhile, occurs when symptoms last more than six weeks.

Some of the most common causes of urticaria are medicine, hot or cold weather, stress, and food.

Aside from knowing the triggers, Marquez said that it's also important to go see a doctor to avoid any life-threatening situation such as the blockage of airways.

"'Pag mayroon ka nito, bibigyan ka ng antihistamine para hindi na siya mag-worsen. 'Pag ito ay sobrang lala at nahihirapan ka na hindi ka nag-re-respond sa antihistamine then you can be given steroids," Marquez said.

["If you have it, you'll be given antihistamine so that it will not worsen. If it is bad, you are having a hard time and you do not respond to antihistamine, then you can be given steroids."]

—Kaela Malig/MGP, GMA News