Galvanic Urticaria

Galvanic urticaria is a unique skin condition that can cause uncomfortable hives or welts when the skin comes into contact with certain metals. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Galvanic urticaria in simple, plain English. We’ll explore its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, drugs, and provide detailed descriptions to make it easy to understand.

Types of Galvanic Urticaria:

1. Immediate-Onset Galvanic Urticaria: This type causes hives to appear almost immediately after contact with the metal.
2. Delayed-Onset Galvanic Urticaria: With this type, hives may take hours to appear after metal exposure.

Common Causes:

Galvanic urticaria happens when metals trigger your skin to react. Here are 20 common causes:

1. Nickel: Found in jewelry, snaps, and zippers.
2. Copper: Present in coins, pipes, and cookware.
3. Zinc: In galvanized metal, sunscreens, and ointments.
4. Aluminum: Found in antiperspirants, cookware, and foil.
5. Iron: Present in some dietary supplements.
6. Gold: In jewelry and dental work.
7. Silver: Used in jewelry, cutlery, and coins.
8. Brass: Found in musical instruments and decorative items.
9. Bronze: Used in sculptures and medals.
10. Stainless Steel: Present in kitchen utensils and appliances.
11. Lead: In old pipes and batteries.
12. Tin: Used in cans and alloys.
13. Chromium: Found in stainless steel and some paints.
14. Titanium: Used in medical implants and jewelry.
15. Pewter: Found in some dishes and figurines.
16. Mercury: In dental amalgams and thermometers.
17. Cadmium: Used in batteries and pigments.
18. Platinum: Found in jewelry and catalytic converters.
19. Palladium: Used in dental work and electronics.
20. Cobalt: Present in some alloys and blue pigments.

Common Symptoms:

Galvanic urticaria can cause various symptoms, including:

1. Itchy Hives: Raised, red, and itchy welts on the skin.
2. Swelling: Affected areas may become swollen.
3. Burning Sensation: Skin may feel hot or burning.
4. Pain or Discomfort: Hives can be painful or uncomfortable.
5. Redness: Skin may turn red around the hives.
6. Blistering: In severe cases, blisters can form.
7. Flushing: Skin may turn red and warm.
8. Stinging: Hives can cause a stinging sensation.
9. Tingling: Skin may tingle or feel numb.
10. Rash: An itchy rash may develop.

Diagnostic Tests:

If you suspect Galvanic urticaria, your doctor may perform these tests:

1. Patch Testing: Small metal samples applied to your skin to see if they trigger a reaction.
2. Blood Tests: To check for elevated levels of certain antibodies.
3. Skin Prick Tests: Tiny amounts of metal are applied to your skin to check for a reaction.
4. Physical Examination: To observe and diagnose hives and their characteristics.
5. Elimination Diet: To identify dietary triggers if suspected.

Treatment Options:

Managing Galvanic urticaria involves avoiding triggers and relieving symptoms. Here are 30 treatment options:

1. Avoid Trigger Metals: Identify and avoid metals that cause reactions.
2. Topical Steroids: Creams or ointments to reduce inflammation.
3. Oral Antihistamines: Medications to relieve itching and swelling.
4. Cold Compress: Applying a cold cloth to hives for relief.
5. Oral Corticosteroids: Prescribed for severe flare-ups.
6. Anti-Itch Creams: Over-the-counter creams to soothe itching.
7. Moisturizers: Keep skin well-hydrated to prevent flare-ups.
8. Oral Immunosuppressants: In severe cases, to reduce the immune response.
9. Epinephrine Autoinjector: In case of anaphylactic reaction (rare).
10. Allergen Immunotherapy: Desensitization to specific metal allergens.
11. Cool Showers: To relieve itching and cool down the skin.
12. Avoid Sweating: Excess sweat can worsen hives.
13. Loose Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, breathable fabrics.
14. Avoid Scratching: Scratching worsens symptoms.
15. Oral Leukotriene Modifiers: To reduce inflammation.
16. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep skin healthy.
17. Avoid Harsh Soaps: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps.
18. Hypoallergenic Cosmetics: To prevent skin irritation.
19. Acupuncture: Some find relief from this alternative therapy.
20. Stress Reduction: Stress can trigger flare-ups, so practice relaxation techniques.
21. Aloe Vera Gel: Applying to hives can soothe the skin.
22. Baking Soda Bath: May help reduce itching.
23. Wet Wraps: Applied to hives for relief.
24. Oatmeal Bath: Soothes irritated skin.
25. Essential Oils: Some find relief with oils like lavender or chamomile.
26. Herbal Supplements: Consult a healthcare professional before trying.
27. UV Therapy: Under medical supervision for severe cases.
28. Witch Hazel: Applying can reduce itching.
29. Turmeric Supplements: Some believe it helps reduce inflammation.
30. Probiotics: May help support a healthy immune system.

Drugs for Galvanic Urticaria:

1. Cetirizine (Zyrtec): Over-the-counter antihistamine.
2. Loratadine (Claritin): Non-prescription antihistamine.
3. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Over-the-counter allergy medication.
4. Prednisone: Prescription corticosteroid.
5. Epinephrine (EpiPen): Emergency medication for severe reactions.
6. Ranitidine (Zantac): Histamine H2-receptor antagonist.
7. Fexofenadine (Allegra): Non-prescription antihistamine.
8. Omeprazole (Prilosec): Proton pump inhibitor for acid reflux.
9. Hydroxyzine (Atarax): Antihistamine with sedative properties.
10. Montelukast (Singulair): Leukotriene receptor antagonist.

Conclusion:

Galvanic urticaria can be a challenging condition, but with the right knowledge and management strategies, you can minimize its impact on your life. If you suspect you have Galvanic urticaria, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance on managing your symptoms. Remember to avoid the metals that trigger your reactions and explore the various treatment options available to find relief from this skin condition.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.