Anecdotal data from dermatologists in the Tamil Nadu capital highlighted a surge in consultations for Urticaria in the past two years.
Published Dec 26, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 26, 2024 | 7:00 AM
Urticaria rising in Chennai as stress, pollution, and heat take their toll. (iStock)
In recent years, Chennai residents have been struggling with an increase in the number of Urticaria cases, a skin condition characterised by red, itchy welts.
Anecdotal data from dermatologists in the Tamil Nadu capital highlighted a surge in consultations for Urticaria in the past two years, attributing it to a mix of stress, immune dysfunction, and environmental triggers.
While the global prevalence for Chronic Urticaria (CU) is 0.5–1 percent, Chennai-based experts believe the city’s unique climatic and urban challenges could be contributing to the rise.
Dr Ritika Shanmugam, a Bengaluru-based dermatologist, told South First that Urticaria is an auto-immune condition.
“Urticaria is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body itself. It manifests as red, raised, and itchy welts. Acute cases last less than six weeks, while chronic cases persist longer. Triggers include foods, medications, and physical factors like sun exposure or extreme temperatures. However, 90 percent of cases are idiopathic, meaning the exact cause remains unknown. This can be highly stressful for individuals, emphasising the need for prompt dermatological consultation.”
Dr Shishira, another dermatologist, spoke to South First to emphasise the fact that hives were not always caused by external factors alone.
She said: “It’s often misunderstood that hives result solely from external triggers like heat or allergies. Stress, immune system dysfunction, and internal triggers are equally significant. The severity varies, and identifying underlying causes is key to effective management.”
She noted that in Chennai, the high coastal moisture should, in theory, act as a protective factor for the skin rather than a trigger.
“Chennai’s coastal environment, with its high humidity, typically prevents excessive skin dryness, which is a known contributor to irritation. This suggests that the rising cases of hives in the city might not be definitively tied to environmental aspects alone. Instead, they could stem from underlying immune system imbalances or lifestyle stressors,” Dr Shishira added.
A notable case from Chennai involves a 27-year-old male diagnosed with severe exercise-induced Urticaria accompanied by muscle injury.
The patient developed Urticaria within 30 minutes of strenuous exercise, experiencing itchy welts and requiring medical attention. Upon moderating exercise intensity and receiving appropriate treatment, his condition improved, highlighting the importance of recognising and managing exercise-induced triggers While Urticaria is often overlooked, its impact on the daily lives of residents is becoming increasingly evident.
With the city’s unique climate and rising stress levels among residents, medical experts point to a combination of environmental and internal factors contributing to this rise say experts.
Raghavan (42), a software engineer, shared his ongoing battle with hives.
“I’ve been living in Chennai my entire life, but over the last two years, I’ve noticed my skin reacting more to the environment. After spending a few hours outside in the sun, I get these red, itchy patches on my arms and neck. Initially, I thought it was just the heat, but now it happens even when I stay indoors under the fan,” he told South First.
“It’s frustrating because it disrupts my focus during work. I’m constantly worried about what I eat or touch, fearing it might trigger another episode,” he added.
He said despite multiple consultations with dermatologists, the triggers remained unclear and the condition continues to disrupt his daily routine.
Sangeetha, a 35-year-old homemaker, also described her experience adding that she found it difficult to even complete household chores.
“The humid weather here has always been tough, but recently, I’ve started experiencing random flare-ups on my skin. It gets so itchy that I can’t do household chores comfortably. Even cooking is a challenge because exposure to steam or heat makes my skin worse. Dermatologists tell me it could be stress-related, but I don’t feel particularly stressed. I just want to figure out what’s causing this so I can get some relief,” she said.
She has visited several skin specialists, but her condition persists, adding to her frustration and discomfort.
Vikram, a food delivery worker, explained the difficulties of managing Urticaria while on the road for hours daily.
“Pollution, heat, and dust make my skin react badly. I get these red spots on my hands and face, and they itch terribly. I’ve had to stop wearing gloves because they make my hands sweat more, which worsens the condition. Sometimes, the irritation is so bad that I take a day off, which affects my earnings.”
Multiple trips to dermatologists have helped manage his symptoms to an extent, but finding lasting relief has been a challenge.
Priya Ravi, a college student from Pune currently residing in Chennai, said, “I’ve always had sensitive skin, but over the past few months, it’s been unbearable. I avoid wearing certain clothes because the fabric irritates my skin, and I’m constantly applying soothing creams to stop the itching. I think it might be due to the high humidity in Chennai, but it’s impacting my social life.”
“I hesitate to go out with friends because I’m embarrassed about the red patches on my face and arms,” she added. Like others, Priya has sought advice from multiple dermatologists but feels the condition continues to affect her quality of life despite treatments.
These individuals’ experiences underscore the challenges of living with Urticaria, even with access to medical care. Dermatologists agree that while identifying triggers and managing stress are key steps, chronic cases often require a combination of tailored treatments and long-term monitoring to provide relief.
Dr Sachith Abraham, a dermatologist, emphasised the importance of tailored treatment plans for managing Urticaria effectively.
He told South First: “Urticaria is rarely life-threatening but can vary in severity. For the 10 percent of patients who face chronic daily symptoms, long-term medication might be necessary but it’s crucial to pair this with regular monitoring and a personalised approach. Identifying triggers, managing stress, and exploring newer treatment options like biologics can provide relief and minimize the risk of side effects from prolonged medication.”
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
