If you are confused between the two similar but different diseases; dermographism and hives, this post will clear up the confusion. By understanding the differences between these two, you will be better equipped when choosing dermographism treatment or angioedema treatment.

Let us first get to know the similarities between the two diseases : dermographism and angioedema are both skin problems with similar triggers e.g. extreme temperatures, allergies, pressure, stress, and have they both have similar treatments.

Sometimes, they accompany each other but usually they outbreak seperately.

The major differences between these two are: dermographism is a subtype of hives(urticaria), whereas angioedema is a different disease. Dermographism is itchy, while angioedema is characterized by painless swelling. Angioedema can be deadly but dermographism is only painful. Angioedema is mostly a hereditary problem while dermographism is usually acquired.

It doesn’t matter if you are suffering from hives or angioedema, neither one is a pleasant experience. Many patients feel desperate and hopeless. However, if you learn the basics of these diseases and how to treat them properly, you can make your life much easier.

Let us first consider the differences: angioedema is deep inside the skin and usually not visible with naked eye, whereas hives are on the dermis or upper layer of the skin. Hives rashes are itchy while angioedema swelling is not itchy, but can be painful in some cases.

Angioedema can be lethal, but hives do not threaten the patient’s life. As far as the similarities are concerned, both of these diseases have pretty similar triggers and causes e.g. allergies, pressure, stress, extreme temperatures as well as similar treatment

Do read my next post equating dermographism and angioedema which will be here in the upcoming week.

Today’s blog will show a brief comparison between hives and dermographism. By learning about this you will be able to understand and differentiate these two skin problems. This will  help in giving hives treatment or dermographism treatment, not matter which disease are you suffering from.

Let us first understand the difference: Hives is the commonly used name for urticaria and dermographism is a subtype of urticaria. Hives welts can be scattered anywhere on the body and may vary in size from the size of a pinhead to covering a whole body part.

On the other hand, dermographism rashes appear in the form of writing usually on forearm and legs. The similarities between them include: welts of both the diseases are itchy in nature, and their treatment is similar. Furthermore, the triggers and causes are also alike.

To find out about the comparison of hives and angioedema, see my next post .

The two most feared diseases related to skin are undoubtedly urticaria and angioedema. Though there are many similarities between these two, there are some major differences between them. Certain symptoms, help in distinguishing between them, and can be beneficial in the urticaria treatment as well as angioedema treatment.

Let us first consider the differences: urticaria is on the dermis or upper layer of the skin, whereas angioedema is deep inside. Urticaria wheals are itchy while angioedema swelling is not itchy but can be painful in some cases. Angioedema can be deadly but urticaria does not threaten the patient’s life. As far as the similarities are concerned, both the disease have pretty similar triggers and causes e.g. allergies, pressure, stress, extreme temperatures. Their treatments are also similar to some extent.

Next weeks post will be about hives and dermographism with some amazing surprises.

As promised in the last blog, today’s post will explain the differences and similarities between urticaria and dermographism. You will learn some important and helpful details here.

Urticaria is a skin disease evident by the outbreak of red itchy wheals on any part of the skin. On the other hand, dermographism is a subtype of urticaria. This is why dermographism is also called dermographic urticaria. Dermographism is also called skin writing as the rashes appear on the skin in form of writing while urticaria wheals are unordered and can be widespread. The itching caused by both is similar and the treatment is also nearly the same.

Next week’s post will compare the two most painful and deadly diseases, urticaria and angioedema,please add it on your calendar to-do list so you don’t forget to read it.

To some people, it will be a surprise that urticaria and hives are the two names of one disease. Actually urticaria is the medical name, while hives is the commonly used name for red itchy wheals that can outbreak anywhere on your skin.

Similarly urticaria treatment or hives treatment are also the same. The most common and popular treatment is the intake of antihistamines. Actually antihistamines are drugs which counter the effect of histamine release by the mast cells. Mast cells are a part of the defense mechanism widespread in the human skin and when disturbed they release these fluids which result in itchy rashes and wheals which are usually red or pink in color.

If you want to read the similarities and differences between urticaria and dermographism, do not forget to read the next post due next week.

As promised earlier, today’s post is about some simple steps which can be helpful when battling angioedema. Usually angioedema swelling is painless, but when it is painful it can be literally intolerable. Let us see what steps can help reduce the pain.

If you are in the middle of angioedema treatment, but the swelling is getting out of control, try to cool down the affected area and if there is difficulty in breathing, go out in the open, fresh air and take large slow breaths. You may take H1 antagonists with antihistamines. In case of acquired angioedema, epinephrine has proven itself to be a lifesaving drug.

Everyone wants to learn the similarities and differences between two analogous diseases; the post next week will explain the comparison between hives and urticaria, a must read for patients.

Angioedema is a painful and life threatening disease and unfortunately its treatment is also very difficult. If you are prone to angioedema or have a family legacy of this ailment, you need to be extra vigilant because hereditary angioedema treatment is the most difficult of all.

Those individuals, who have a family history of angioedema, should consult an angioedema specialist at a younger age. When they are young the treatment can be easy and the disease will respond well to the medication. Avoid the allergens, triggers and causes that may result in the outbreak of angioedema. Stress and some mechanical occupations can also cause angioedema, if you are prone to angioedema avoid such activities.

Angioedema swelling is usually painless, however, in some cases it can be painful. If you want to know how you can reduce this pain, read my post next week.

This post describes the pathophysiology of angioedema. If you or any of your friends or family is a victim of this deadly disease you must read this post and learn what  the biochemical, physical and chemical changes that angioedema can cause are. This will be a great help in angioedema treatment, especially hereditary angioedema treatment.

Acquired angioedema is not as hazardous as hereditary angioedema (HAE) and does not cause much damage.

However, hereditary angioedema which is caused by the C1 inhibitor deficiency can be lethal and extremely hazardous. There are three types of hereditary angioedema: Type I caused in response to decreased levels of C1 inhibitors which is nearly 85% of the original, while in Type II C1 inhibitors stay at normal levels but decreased function which is nearly 15% and Type III is caused due to an X-linked leading fashion so it mainly affects females.

Various drugs, alcohol and foods can be the trigger for angioedema.

That’s all about angioedema pathophysiology. Next week I will post some great tips for safety from angioedema , a must-read for sufferers.

Angioedema is characterized by swelling around different parts of the body, usually on the face around the eyes and lips. The swelling is usually painless but angioedema, especially hereditary angioedema (HAE) can be fatal. Therefore a timely diagnosis and proper angioedema treatment should be carried out.

Angioedema has urticaria (hives) as the most common related condition. Hives are the red itchy wheals that can erupt anywhere on the body. However, there are certain other disorders that may also occur in relation to angioedema including abdominal pain which usually resembles acute abdomen, vomiting and cramping in the belly.

High blood pressure is also expected in severe cases. Angioedema swelling can occur anywhere but it can cause upper airway compromise, which can be deadly and must be treated as medical emergency.

Make sure you do not miss my next post in a week about angioedema pathophysiology ,which will have excellent information, for those who are suffering from this deadly disease.