Elveblest

Elveblest is the Norwegian and Danish term for urticaria, commonly known as hives in English. It describes a skin condition characterized by transient, pruritic welts or wheals that appear on the surface of the skin and often itch intensely. Individual wheals typically last less than 24 hours, but new ones can emerge as others fade. Angioedema, swelling of deeper skin layers, may accompany the wheals in some cases. When symptoms persist for more than six weeks, the condition is described as chronic urticaria.

Most cases are idiopathic, but triggers can include foods, medications (such as NSAIDs or antibiotics), insect stings, infections, physical stimuli (pressure, cold, heat, sunlight), stress, or autoimmune factors. The condition can affect people of any age and may occur in episodes over time.

Diagnosis is usually clinical. In persistent or unclear cases, tests may be performed to identify underlying triggers or to rule out other conditions, such as urticarial vasculitis or anaphylaxis risk. Routine skin biopsy is rarely necessary. Laboratory work may include a complete blood count and inflammatory markers; specialized allergy testing is not always informative in chronic urticaria.

Management aims to relieve symptoms and avoid triggers. First-line treatment consists of non-sedating second-generation antihistamines (for example cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine). Dosing can be increased up to several times the standard amount if symptoms persist. Short courses of oral corticosteroids may be used for severe flares. In refractory cases, additional therapies such as leukotriene antagonists, H2-blockers, or immunomodulatory treatments may be considered under specialist care. Prognosis varies; many cases resolve within weeks to months, while chronic urticaria can last longer and require ongoing management.