Chennai, the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu, is witnessing a notable increase in cases of Urticaria, a skin condition marked by red, itchy welts. Local dermatologists report a surge in consultations over the past two years, attributing the rise to a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and immune system factors.
While Urticaria is common worldwide, with chronic cases affecting 0.5–1 percent of the population, experts in Chennai suggest that the city’s unique urban and climatic conditions could be amplifying the problem.
Urticaria: An Autoimmune Reaction
Dr. Ritika Shanmugam, a Bengaluru-based dermatologist, explained that Urticaria is an autoimmune condition where the immune system erroneously attacks the body. Symptoms include raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly. Acute Urticaria lasts for less than six weeks, whereas chronic cases can persist for months or even years. Known triggers include food, medications, and environmental factors like extreme heat or sun exposure. However, Dr. Shanmugam pointed out that 90 percent of Urticaria cases are idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is often unclear.
“Living with an unpredictable condition like Urticaria can be extremely stressful, especially when the cause is unknown,” Dr. Shanmugam said, stressing the importance of seeking timely dermatological advice.
Internal and External Triggers in Chennai
Dr. Shishira, a Chennai-based dermatologist, further emphasized that Urticaria is not always triggered by external factors. “While heat and allergies are commonly associated with the condition, stress and immune system dysfunction play a significant role,” she explained. “Understanding internal triggers is crucial for effective management.”
Although Chennai’s coastal humidity is typically considered protective against skin dryness, which is a common irritant, Dr. Shishira noted that the region’s combination of pollution, heat, and rising stress levels could be contributing to the increase in Urticaria cases.
Real-Life Experiences: Chennai Residents Share Struggles
A case study from the city highlights the impact of exercise-induced Urticaria. A 27-year-old male, diagnosed with severe hives after strenuous physical activity, developed welts within 30 minutes of exercising. His symptoms subsided after reducing exercise intensity and following prescribed treatment. This case illustrates the importance of identifying specific triggers, including physical activity, in managing the condition.
For many Chennai residents, Urticaria is affecting daily routines. Raghavan, a 42-year-old software engineer, has noticed his skin reacting to environmental changes. “I’ve lived here my entire life, but in the last two years, I’ve started getting itchy, red patches on my arms and neck, even when I’m indoors under the fan,” he said. Despite numerous consultations with dermatologists, Raghavan remains uncertain about the triggers and struggles with the persistent condition, which disrupts both his work and personal life.
Sangeetha, a 35-year-old homemaker, shared a similar experience. “I’ve always found Chennai’s humid weather challenging, but recently, random flare-ups have made it difficult to carry out household tasks. Even cooking has become a struggle, as heat exacerbates the itching,” she said. Despite visiting several specialists, her condition persists, leaving her frustrated.
Vikram, a 40-year-old food delivery worker, faces daily challenges managing Urticaria while exposed to pollution and heat. “The dust, heat, and pollution make my skin react badly. I get these red spots, and the itching is unbearable. Sometimes, the irritation is so bad I have to take a day off work, which affects my earnings,” he explained. Although treatment has helped to some extent, lasting relief remains elusive.
Priya Ravi, a college student, also struggles with the condition. “I avoid wearing certain clothes because the fabric irritates my skin, and I’m always applying soothing creams,” she said. “It’s impacting my social life. I don’t want to go out with friends because of the red patches on my face and arms.” Like others, Priya has sought medical advice but continues to deal with the persistent symptoms.
Medical Insights: Tailored Treatment and Long-Term Management
These personal accounts highlight the growing challenge of Urticaria in Chennai, a condition that, while not life-threatening, significantly impacts the quality of life for many. Dermatologists agree that managing stress, identifying triggers, and maintaining a consistent treatment plan are key to controlling symptoms.
Dr. Sachith Abraham, a leading dermatologist, emphasized the need for individualized treatment. “For the 10 percent of patients with chronic symptoms, long-term medication is often necessary,” he said. “However, this must be coupled with regular monitoring, stress management, and exploring newer treatment options like biologics to reduce the risk of side effects from prolonged medication.”
As Urticaria continues to affect more Chennai residents, medical experts stress the importance of a holistic approach that considers both environmental and internal factors in managing the condition effectively.
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