What are Hives?
Hives, also known as urticaria, are red, itchy welts on the skin. They occasionally sting or hurt and are typically red, pink, or flesh-colored. One of the most irritating skin problems, they are typically caused by an allergic reaction to a substance, such as a drug or food, or by an irritation to the environment.
Urticaria are frequently an immediate (temporary) issue that can be treated with allergy medicine. Most rashes disappear on their own. Hives that are accompanied by a serious allergic reaction and chronic (ongoing) occurrences, however, are more serious medical issues.
Types of hives
They can be caused by a variety of things in addition to allergies. Knowing the cause can help in finding solutions to stop this reaction and stop the spread of hives.
Allergic hives
Allergic hives are the most typical causes of hives. Any allergy to which you may be hypersensitive can trigger them, including:
- Foods such as nuts, milk, egg
- Insect bites
- Medications primarily antibiotics, cancer drugs
- Pollen
- Physical hives
Physical hives can result from excessive sun, cold, or water exposure. Physical exertion-related body heat can also set off a reaction.
- Chronic hives
Chronic hives are ongoing cases that do not always have a clear cause. This condition, also known as chronic urticaria, is characterized by recurring hives that can interfere with daily activities. They could also be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as:
- celiac disease
- lupus
- type 1 diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis
- thyroid disease
Anaphylaxis
An extremely serious, potentially fatal allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. Hives are a common symptom of this disorder, which is also recognized by breathing issues, nausea or vomiting, extreme swelling, and dizziness.
Also Read: All About Cold Sores: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Home Remedies
Dermatographism
This type of acute hive is regarded as mild. Excessive scratching or constant pressure on the skin causes it. Dermatographism usually goes away on its own after a short period of time.
Temperature-induced hives
Temperature changes can sometimes cause hives in people who are sensitive to them. Cold water or air exposure can cause cold-induced hives, whereas physical activity can cause exercise-induced hives.
How to prevent hives
You can aid in preventing hive reactions by making adjustments to your lifestyle and taking preventative measures. To avoid getting hives if you have a known allergy, do the following:
- Eat nothing that you are allergic to.
- Regularly wash your hands.
- Observe good hygiene.
- In order to avoid infections, get vaccinated.
- Avoid making contact with ill or hive-exhibiting people.
- Steer clear of strong soaps that could irritate.
- Don’t wear anything too tight.
What causes hives?
Hives are often caused by an allergic reaction to something that they have eaten or come into contact with. When one has an allergic reaction, his body starts to release histamines into the blood. Then the body creates histamines in an effort to protect itself from illness and other external invaders.
Unfortunately, some people can develop swelling, itching, and many of the symptoms associated with hives as a result of the histamines. Hives can be brought on by allergens such as pollen, drugs, food, animal dander, and insect bites.
Aside from allergies, other factors can also result in hives. Hives are frequently brought on by stress, wearing restrictive clothing, exercising, being ill, or contracting an infection. Additionally, excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures, as well as irritation from excessive perspiration, can cause hives to appear.
Risk Factor of Hives
Risk factors include –
- Food allergies are most commonly associated with nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat, and soy.
- Cold, heat, pressure, vibration, friction, and sunlight
- Drug allergies, including those caused by certain antibiotics (such as cefaclor), anticonvulsants, antifungals (such as clotrimazole), ibuprofen, or sulfonamides.
- Stress
- Exercising after excessive eating
- Having infections or diseases such as Chronic kidney disease, Hepatitis B or C, Dermatitis herpetiformis, and lupus. Source
Diagnosis
Your doctor will likely examine your welts or swollen regions and inquire about your medical history to determine whether you have hives or angioedema. A skin test for allergies or blood testing may also be required.
Treatment
If you have moderate hives unrelated to allergies or other medical conditions, you might not need prescription medication. Your doctor may advise you to find short-term respite in these cases by:
- Taking antihistamines like cetirizine or diphenhydramine
- Avoiding stimulating the region
- Avoiding hot water, which could make the hives worse
- Taking a bath with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda that is chilly or lukewarm
- Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that necessitates immediate medical care.
Home Remedy of Hives
- Applying a cold compress: To treat the affected region, one can use a cool, wet cloth. The itching may go away, and the swelling may be lessened. As often as required, a person can apply a cold compress.
- Applying aloe vera: Aloe vera’s therapeutic effects could relieve and lessen hives. To be safe, it is advised to perform a skin test prior to covering the entire affected region with aloe vera.
- Avoiding irritants: This includes using scented soaps or moisturizers, perfumes, and avoiding the sun. Additionally, one should keep cool and dress comfortably.
How to prevent hives
You can aid in preventing hive reactions by making adjustments to your lifestyle and taking preventative measures. To avoid getting hives if you have a known allergy, do the following:
- Eat nothing that you are allergic to.
- Regularly wash your hands.
- Observe good hygiene.
- In order to avoid infections, get vaccinated.
- Avoid making contact with ill or hive-exhibiting people.
- Steer clear of strong soaps that could irritate.
- Don’t wear anything too tight. Source
Want to know about other skin disorders? Check out Skin Problems on Health Views Online.
