Live Clarityn Clear.
ALLERGIES
Other Allergies: Urticaria (hives)
Raised, itchy lumps in the skin are due to an allergic condition called urticaria which is also known as hives. It is like the itchy red patches and white blisters that you can get after touching a stinging nettle. The reaction and swelling in the skin is mainly due to certain cells releasing histamine.
As a result, antihistamines such as Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) tablets and syrup are very effective treatments for this condition. There may also be an accompanying condition called angio-oedema which results in swelling of the eyes. Hives attacks are quite common and may affect as much as one in six of the population at some stage of their lives.
Clarityn Allergy tablets and syrup contain loratadine. Always read the leaflet.
What causes it?
There are a wide variety of trigger factors for hives ranging from contact with pets or chemicals, ingestion of foods or drugs and physical causes such as changes in temperature.
Food allergies or intolerances are quite common particularly to dairy products, grains and shellfish but can be caused by any food type.
Contact urticaria can also be triggered by chemicals such as preservatives, bleach or ammonia products. Bee or wasp stings are also associated with causing widespread itchy rashes.
Many medicines can result in rashes. Penicillin gives rise to rashes in around 10% of the population. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may also trigger urticaria.
Some people find that changes in temperature and pressure can bring on a rash. Other physical causes include sweating, scratching, ultra-violet light and water.
Skin prick testing and blood testing are useful methods for finding which allergen triggers your symptoms. Then you can take steps to avoid it.
Back to top
What are the symptoms?
Raised itchy lumps or weals seen on the body or limbs are classical signs of urticaria. They usually last for several hours, and can last up to 24 hours. There can also be swelling of the eyes or lips. *
For example, if you are allergic to dogs, you will rapidly develop a red itchy rash if you are licked by a dog.
In the case of food allergy, you will rapidly develop swelling of the lips or inside of the mouth if you eat something you are allergic to, followed by widespread rashes all over your body*. Food intolerances have less sudden reactions but have been linked to a number of conditions including IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
*Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) is not indicated for the treatment of angio-oedema or anaphylaxis.
Back to top
How is it treated?
In the long term, it pays to find out the cause or trigger factor which gives rise to your symptoms - then take steps to avoid it. In the short term, it makes good sense to take an antihistamine such as Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) which does not normally make you feel drowsy.
Back to top
Taking treatment and driving
If you drive it is a good idea to ask your pharmacist for a non-drowsy treatment. Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) tablets do not normally make people feel drowsy; and have been shown to have no adverse effects on reaction times and driving ability. However, as with all antihistamines, there may be very rare exceptions when people do experience drowsiness and care should be taken when using tablets for the first time.
Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) tablets are available in cartons of 7 and 30 tablets. The 30 tablet pack is only available from pharmacies.
Back to top
Performance at work
Raised itchy lumps all over the body can make life very uncomfortable for the unfortunate urticaria sufferer who may need to take time off work until the condition is under control.
Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) is non-drowsy and has been shown to help people work as normal. It has even been tested on pilots where it was found to not impair their performance and alertness in the cockpit - which is reassuring for people doing other jobs with skill or safety implications.
However, as with all antihistamines, there may be very rare exceptions and care should be taken when tablets are used for the first time.
Back to top
Performance at school
The symptoms of urticaria can cause children to miss school which may have an impact on their progress and development.
Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) has been shown to have no adverse effects on concentration and performance.
However, as with all anthistamines, there may be very rare exceptions and care should be taken when tablets are used for the first time.
Clarityn Allergy tablets and syrup contain loratadine. Always read the leaflet.
Back to top
Do's and Don'ts
Find out what you are allergic to - ask your doctor to arrange a skin prick test or choose from one of the over-the-counter or online allergy tests available
When you find out what you are allergic to, take steps to avoid the allergen. If you develop an infection and you are allergic to penicillin, be sure to tell the doctor who is treating you
If you have sensitive skin, wash yourself with low alkali soap bars and choose hypoallergenic (non-sensitising) cosmetics - usually without perfumes.
Don't use products after their expiry date.
