What can be done to relieve nettle rash?
This itchy rash, which can drive sufferers to distraction, may have a wide variety of causes including medication, viruses, or even an after-work beer. It's usually referred to as nettle rash. This week's health tip knows how to recognise the symptoms and what to do about them.
12.04.2023
Itchy, irritated skin is often a sign of nettle rash (also known as urticaria). According to aha Swiss Allergy Centre, approximately one person in five suffers from nettle rash at some time in their life. It generally affects adults, with women being twice as likely to suffer from it as men.
In the case of acute nettle rash, the swellings develop suddenly and generally disappear after a few hours or days.
In chronic nettle rash, the symptoms may persist for six weeks or more, but this period may include days or even weeks when there are no symptoms.
It is more difficult to pinpoint the causes of chronic nettle rash. External stimuli, such as major differences in temperature, in association with physical or mental stress are often responsible for the rash. Allergies are rarely the cause.
With chronic nettle rash, treatment tends to focus on relieving the itch since the cause is difficult to pin down. Antihistamines therefore form the basis of the therapy which generally lasts for a number of weeks or months.
Symptoms
Doctors differentiate between two kinds of nettle rash, depending on how long the symptoms persist.In the case of acute nettle rash, the swellings develop suddenly and generally disappear after a few hours or days.
In chronic nettle rash, the symptoms may persist for six weeks or more, but this period may include days or even weeks when there are no symptoms.
Causes
The commonest causes of acute nettle rash are bacterial and viral infections, adverse reactions to medication, and food allergies.It is more difficult to pinpoint the causes of chronic nettle rash. External stimuli, such as major differences in temperature, in association with physical or mental stress are often responsible for the rash. Allergies are rarely the cause.
Treatment
Antihistamines, taken in the form of tablets or drops, are usually effective in treating acute nettle rash. Sufferers can also apply body lotion to the skin to keep it moisturised.With chronic nettle rash, treatment tends to focus on relieving the itch since the cause is difficult to pin down. Antihistamines therefore form the basis of the therapy which generally lasts for a number of weeks or months.
Tips
- If the nettle rash is due to a food allergy or intolerance, it makes good sense to change the diet. SWICA's experienced dietary assistants will be happy to help. SWICA provides generous contributions towards dietary analysis and advice. More information can be found here.
- If the nettle rash is triggered by physical or mental stress, relaxation techniques (e.g. autogenic training) can be useful.
12.04.2023
In the event of further health-related questions, SWICA customers can contact the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge on +41 44 404 86 86. A telemedicine practice licence allows santé24 physicians to provide additional medical services in cases that are suited to a telemedicine approach. SWICA customers can also use the BENECURA medical app to carry out a digital SymptomCheck and receive recommendations about what to do next. During a subsequent phone call with santé24, customers can decide for themselves whether to release their information from SymptomCheck to santé24.
