Question 1

What is Urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts or bumps that appear suddenly on the skin. It is caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells in response to allergens such as pollen, plants like nettle, insect stings, foods, or medications. The Respiratory Allergy Panel is the most important test for identifying environmental triggers that cause urticaria.

Question 2

What causes urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Urticaria is caused by the release of histamine from mast cells in your skin when your immune system reacts to specific triggers. Common triggers include environmental allergens like pollen, grasses, and plants such as nettle, as well as certain foods, medications, insect stings, latex, or physical factors like pressure, temperature changes, or sunlight. In some cases, infections, stress, or underlying autoimmune conditions can also trigger hives, though many cases have no identifiable cause.

Question 3

What is the best test for urticaria?

Accepted Answer

The Respiratory Allergy Panel is the most important test for urticaria because it detects specific IgE antibodies to environmental allergens that commonly trigger hives, such as pollen, grasses, trees, mold, and plants like nettle. These regional panels are customized to test for allergens specific to your geographic area, making them highly effective at identifying your triggers. For example, the Respiratory Allergy Panel Region III covers southeastern allergens, while Region XVII covers Pacific Northwest allergens. If you suspect a specific plant allergen, the Hemp Western Water IgE test can identify sensitivity to that particular trigger. Identifying your specific allergens helps you avoid exposure and prevents future hive outbreaks.

Question 4

When should I get tested for urticaria?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience recurring episodes of hives that keep coming back without an obvious cause, if your hives last longer than six weeks (chronic urticaria), or if you notice hives appearing after spending time outdoors or in specific environments. Testing is also important if you have severe reactions with swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, if antihistamines are not controlling your symptoms, or if the hives are significantly impacting your daily life and sleep. Early identification of your allergen triggers allows you to take preventive measures and avoid future episodes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Urticaria appears as raised, red or skin-colored welts or bumps on the skin that are intensely itchy and can vary in size from small spots to large patches. The welts often have defined edges and a pale center, and they can appear anywhere on the body, changing location and disappearing within 24 hours only to reappear elsewhere. You might also experience a burning or stinging sensation, and in some cases, deeper swelling called angioedema can affect the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet. The hives can be triggered suddenly after exposure to allergens, physical stimuli, or sometimes without any identifiable cause.

Question 6

Who is at risk for urticaria?

Accepted Answer

People with a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, eczema, or hay fever are at higher risk for developing urticaria. Those who have experienced previous allergic reactions to foods, medications, or insect stings are more susceptible, as are individuals with autoimmune conditions or chronic infections. Women are more likely than men to develop chronic urticaria, particularly during childbearing years. People who spend significant time outdoors in areas with high pollen counts or allergenic plants, or those with high stress levels, also face increased risk of developing hives.

Question 7

What happens if urticaria is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If urticaria is left untreated, acute hives can progress to chronic urticaria lasting months or even years, significantly impacting your quality of life with constant itching and discomfort. Repeated scratching can lead to skin infections, scarring, or thickened skin. In severe cases, untreated allergic reactions can progress to angioedema with dangerous swelling of the throat, tongue, or airways, potentially causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. Chronic hives can also lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and interference with work and social activities. Identifying and avoiding triggers through testing helps prevent these complications and reduces the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

Question 8

Can urticaria be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Urticaria itself is diagnosed through visual examination of the characteristic skin welts by a healthcare provider, not by blood tests alone. However, allergy blood tests are essential for identifying the specific environmental or plant allergens triggering your hives. IgE blood tests measure your immune system response to specific allergens like pollen, grasses, mold, and plants such as nettle. These tests help pinpoint your triggers so you can avoid them and prevent future episodes. Regional respiratory allergy panels are particularly useful because they test for multiple allergens common to your geographic area in a single comprehensive test.

Question 9

How is urticaria treated?

Accepted Answer

Urticaria is primarily treated with antihistamines to block the histamine release that causes hives and reduce itching and swelling. For acute cases, over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine are often effective, while chronic urticaria may require prescription-strength antihistamines or higher doses. If antihistamines are not sufficient, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids for short-term use, leukotriene inhibitors, or immune-modulating medications like omalizumab for severe chronic cases. The most effective long-term treatment involves identifying and avoiding your specific allergen triggers through allergy testing, which can significantly reduce or eliminate hive outbreaks.

Question 10

How can I prevent urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Preventing urticaria starts with identifying and avoiding your specific allergen triggers through allergy blood testing. Once you know your triggers, avoid exposure to those environmental allergens by staying indoors during high pollen counts, using air purifiers, keeping windows closed, and showering after outdoor activities. Wear protective clothing when working in gardens or areas with allergenic plants like nettle. Keep a symptom diary to track when hives appear and what you were exposed to beforehand. Avoid known food triggers, take antihistamines preventively during allergy season if recommended by your doctor, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and avoid tight clothing, extreme temperatures, and harsh soaps that can irritate your skin.

Question 11

What can I do at home for urticaria?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can relieve urticaria symptoms by applying cool compresses or taking cool baths to soothe itching and reduce swelling. Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to avoid irritating your skin and triggering more hives. Take over-the-counter antihistamines as directed to control symptoms. Avoid scratching the welts, as this can worsen irritation and lead to infection. Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers and soaps, and avoid hot showers or baths that can trigger histamine release. Identify and eliminate potential triggers from your environment, reduce stress through meditation or gentle exercise, and keep your home clean to minimize dust and allergen exposure.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Urticaria (Hives) Blood Test

What is Urticaria?

What causes urticaria?

What is the best test for urticaria?

When should I get tested for urticaria?

References

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