Hives TCM
Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts. These welts usually start as itchy patches before turning to swollen, red bumps that vary in size and shape. They can appear and fade at random as the reaction runs its course. Those with hives often find the condition uncomfortable, as it can interfere with sleep and daily activities.
What causes hives?
Urticaria can have several underlying causes, making it a complex condition to diagnose and manage. The welts that appear with hives are caused by the release of immune system chemicals, like histamine, into the bloodstream.
That is the start of an allergic reaction, which may be triggered by:
- Bug bites;
- Extreme heat or cold;
- Food such as milk, nuts, or shellfish
- Food additives like flavourings and preservatives;
- Pressure on the skin;
- Medications like aspirin or penicillin;
- Medical conditions, such as an allergy or infection;
- Skin contact with allergens
- Sunlight;
- Viral infections.
In the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the outbreak of hives is seen as a manifestation of internal imbalances disrupting the body’s natural flow of energy, or Qi, and could also be a sign of blood flow stagnation. These imbalances are generally attributed to an external invasion of wind-heat or wind-cold induced by lung and/or spleen Qi imbalance.
If the lung Qi is deficient, the invasion may occur through the skin or respiratory tract when the individual is exposed to pollens or irritants. Conversely, when the spleen Qi is affected, it means an accumulation of damp-heat, which manifests in the skin after exposure to specific triggers like shellfish. If the hives are chronic, it could be an internal stirring of wind and heat, which is associated with blood deficiency.
Types of Hives
Hives, or urticaria, come in various forms, each triggered by different factors. Understanding the types can help you identify the cause and seek appropriate treatment. Here are the common types of hives:
Acute Hives
- Lasting less than six weeks, acute hives often result from food allergies, insect bites, medication, or infections.
- Common triggers include nuts, shellfish, antibiotics, or viral illnesses.
- They appear as red, itchy welts and usually subside once the trigger is avoided.
Chronic Hives
- These hives persist for more than six weeks and may not have an identifiable trigger.
- Often linked to underlying health conditions such as autoimmune disorders or thyroid diseases.
- Symptoms can fluctuate, with welts appearing and disappearing unpredictably.
Physical Hives
- Caused by external stimuli like pressure, heat, cold, sunlight, or exercise.
- Examples include dermatographism (caused by scratching or friction) and cold-induced hives (triggered by exposure to cold temperatures).
- These hives usually subside once the stimulus is removed.
Allergic Hives
- Directly linked to an allergic reaction, such as to food, medication, or environmental allergens like pollen or animal dander.
- Symptoms may escalate quickly, potentially leading to severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
Stress-Induced Hives
- Emotional stress can sometimes cause hives due to the release of stress hormones.
- These hives are often temporary and subside once stress levels decrease.
Signs and symptoms of hives
Symptoms of hives include:
- Batches of welts (wheals) that can appear on any area of the body;
- Flare-ups caused by allergen, exercise, heat, or stress;
- Intense itchiness (pruritus);
- Painful swelling (angioedema) around the eyes, cheeks, or lips;
- Welts that are red, purple, or skin-coloured, depending on your skin colour;
- Welts that appear and fade repeatedly, change shape, and vary in size.
Available TCM treatments for hives
TCM offers a range of treatments to address hives holistically, targeting both internal imbalances and external skin manifestations. Generally, a combination of lifestyle modifications, acupuncture, and herbal medicines is provided to manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
1. Lifestyle modifications
TCM physicians will evaluate your lifestyle and recommend simple changes to help relieve itching. Examples include:
- Applying a cold compress to the affected area of the skin (unless you have cold hives);
- Applying gentle moisturiser regularly to prevent dry skin;
- Avoiding environments with extreme temperatures or high humidity;
- Avoiding allergens and triggers;
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes made from cotton fabric.
2. Acupuncture
Research has demonstrated that acupuncture, a fundamental pillar of TCM, can help manage the symptoms of hives. The process involves inserting fine needles into specific acupoints to stimulate Qi flow and blood circulation, thus reducing inflammation and promoting overall skin health.
3. Herbal medications
Herbal medicine plays an integral role in treating hives. TCM physicians will carefully assess your body constitution to identify patterns of disharmony that may be contributing to hive outbreaks. Based on this evaluation, the physician can prescribe a specific Chinese herbal formula tailored to your unique needs, addressing imbalances and promoting overall healing.
