Angioedema Vs Urticaria: Know the Differences

Angioedema Vs Urticaria: Angioedema and Urticaria, or hives, are both skin responses that induce swelling. They differ in the location and appearance of the swelling. Angioedema affects deeper tissues like the dermis and subcutis, causing softer, puffier swelling around the eyes, lips, hands, feet, and genitals. Urticaria, on the other hand, is characterised by raised, itchy welts on the skin's surface (epidermis), which can arise anywhere on the body. While angioedema and urticaria can occur together, they can also develop separately. ACE inhibitors, for example, can cause angioedema, whereas urticaria is frequently caused by allergic responses to food or insect bites.

Difference Between Angioedema and Urticaria

Angioedema and urticaria are both conditions related to allergic reactions and involve the skin and underlying tissues. Here are definitions and differences between the two:

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What is Angioedema?

Angioedema is deeper swelling that occurs beneath the skin, often affecting the face, lips, throat, hands, or feet. It can also happen in the abdomen or other areas. Angioedema can be a symptom of urticaria, but it can also occur on its own due to various causes. In rare cases, angioedema involving the throat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

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Key Features of Angioedema:

• Affects deeper skin layers and tissues under the surface, resulting in a swollen and edematous look. Imagine an overinflated balloon beneath the skin.
• Often affects the lips, eyes, hands, feet, and genitals. Swelling in the airway can potentially cause difficulty breathing (a medical emergency).
• Along with swelling, a burning or stinging feeling may occur, but itching is typically less severe than with urticaria.
• Episodes usually last 24-48 hours and end on their own, although some cases may continue longer.

What is Urticaria?

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin condition that causes raised, itchy, red welts. These welts can appear anywhere on the body and typically last for hours or days before fading. They can come and go, and while uncomfortable, they're usually harmless.

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Key Features of Urticaria:

• Affects the top skin layers, resulting in elevated, itchy wheals. Imagine little, raised welts on your skin.
• Can occur anywhere on the body, frequently migrating and changing positions over time. Common locations include the arms, legs, chest, and buttocks.
• The most common symptom is intense itching, which is accompanied by redness and, in rare cases, burning. Wheals can emerge and fade in minutes or hours.
• Acute urticaria often disappears within 6 weeks, however chronic urticaria might last for months or years.

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Similarities Between Angioedema and Urticaria

• Angioedema and urticaria can be caused by allergic responses.
• They can occur concurrently, resulting in a severe allergic response or anaphylaxis.
• Both might result in irritation and discomfort.
• Both may be caused by immune system reactions, however the causes differ.
• Angioedema and urticaria can be caused by particular drugs, foods, insect bites, or environmental causes.
• In severe situations, these illnesses can be fatal if they affect the neck and cause trouble breathing.
• Antihistamines and corticosteroids are commonly used to treat both diseases.
• Some people may experience both in reaction to stress or emotional issues.
• Both illnesses have an occasional recurrence.
• While they frequently occur independently, they can coexist in the same person.

Although angioedema and urticaria can occur concurrently, they are separate responses. Urticaria, often known as hives, produces raised, itchy welts on the skin's surface. Angioedema, on the other hand, produces deeper swelling in the lower skin layers, most commonly around the eyes, lips, hands, and feet. While both can be provoked by allergies, infections, or physical stimulation, angioedema can also be caused by drugs or hereditary disorders. In essence, the difference between angioedema and urticaria is based on the degree of swelling, with angioedema affecting deeper tissues and urticaria creating raised welts on the skin surface.