Viral Infection Triggers Urticaria

Viral Infection Causes Hives! Allergy Specialist and Chair of the Allergy and Asthma Association Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay, noting that hives, also known colloquially as kurdeşen, is a common symptom of viral infections in both children and adults, stated that infections can trigger hives and that those with hive rashes should undergo Covid testing. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay stated that hives, known colloquially as kurdeşen, are pale red swellings that form in groups anywhere on the skin, resemble angioedema, but the swelling occurs beneath the skin surface rather than on the surface, and hives are frequently seen together with angioedema. Emphasizing that acute hives are a common symptom of viral infections in both children and adults, he noted that viral infections cause hives more often in children.

'This Should Be Considered in Early Diagnosis of Children with Covid-19!'

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay, stating that more than 50% of hive rashes appear before or simultaneously with classic symptoms of Covid-19, and that these rashes aid in disease diagnosis, said: 'The presence of hive rashes, particularly in patients who have had recent contact with Covid-19 patients, should definitely raise suspicion of the disease. For this reason, testing for Covid-19 infection in every patient presenting with hives is very important. Dermatologists and clinicians should take this into account in early diagnosis of children with Covid-19. Because these children could transmit the infection to parents and grandparents who may be at high risk for infection.'

'Covid-19 Infection with Hive Rashes Has a Milder Course'

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay said: 'Low eosinophil count may indicate that the infection is progressing more severely. It has been observed that normalization of eosinophil counts leads to clinical improvement. One study reported that Covid-19 patients with hives showed better recovery, and the reason for this was elevation of eosinophil levels in the blood. Hive disease developing in patients with Covid-19 infection was observed to improve within less than one week. As a result, hive rashes may originate from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Testing for Covid-19 infection in every child and adult presenting with hive rashes would be very beneficial. Particularly in those with hives accompanied by fever and a history of contact with someone infected with Covid-19, testing for Covid-19 infection would prevent disease transmission.'