Hives (known medically as urticaria)

Hives (known medically as urticaria) are smooth, raised, red, pink or white bumps of varying sizes that can appear suddenly anywhere on the body. They can cause discomfort and itching and can be made worse by scratching.           There are two kinds of hives: Allergic urticaria. Caused by the body’s overreaction to substances it encounters (allergic reaction). Nonallergic urticaria. Caused by factors other than an allergic reaction. Individual hives usually last a few hours or a day and go away on their own. However, episodes can continue for varying periods of time. When hives occur deep in the skin, the condition is known as angioedema. There is no specific test to diagnose hives caused by allergic reactions or other factors. Diagnosis is based on: Close examination of the skin’s appearance and the eruptions themselves A detailed medical history, including exposure to potential allergens or irritants Ruling out disorders or diseases that may cause hives The best treatment option for hives is to identify and remove the cause. Medications, such as antihistamines, may be recommended to relieve symptoms. However, treatment for hive-related conditions usually focuses on avoiding the situation or “trigger” that leads to an episode of hives. Though they vary among individuals, these may include: Allergens (e.g., foods, pollens, pet dander, insect stings) Autoimmune diseases Infections Irritants (e.g., cosmetics) Other factors (e.g., extremes in temperatures, sunlight, tight-fitting clothing) "Discover Everything You Need To Know About Hives"   Hives, also known as Urticaria, nettle-rash or welts, are red skin welts with whitish centers. Hives are basically a reaction to histamine, a substance secreted by mast cells that are distributed throughout the body when you come in contact with a foreign material.   When histamines are released, they will dilate the blood capillaries, which cause the skin to become red and warm. This is why you form red, itchy bumps as a reaction to something your body is not familiar with or does not like.   These skin outbreaks can remain for different amounts of time, anywhere between just a few seconds to several days. They can vanish and come back without any warning.         Symptoms of hives include:   Circular, raised welts that look similar to mosquito bites The welts are red on the outside of the circle and white in the center Itching Each welt only lasts around 24 hours Welts appear in clusters or patches One patch of welts will fade as a new one appears The rash may last for days or weeks When your body comes in contact with something it does not like, your skin erupts into hives that are raised above the skin level with intense itching.   These welts usually worsen when you scratch them or expose them to heat. Hives can appear on any part of the skin and can be localized to one spot, or they can spread over your entire body. Causes of Hives Allergens, including food Environmental factors: such as pollen, dust, and change in temperature Emotional factors: such as stress, anxiety, etc. Drugs: such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and vaccinations Synthetic products: such as deodorant, perfume, and other synthetic substances Infections and infestation from fungi, bacteria, viruses, pets and insects Systemic and general diseases: such as thyroid, cancer, etc. Most people never find the cause of their hives, It stays a mystery. But there is no need to continue to search for the reason or put up with the itchy, painful blisters any longer. There is a way to rid yourself of hives, no matter what the cause may be. Vigorous drying with a towel after a bath should be avoided as well as the use of harsh soaps and frequent bathing. This helps to reduce dry skin in those people susceptible to hives, particularly those with dermatographism (hives caused by friction between clothes and the skin). Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can also benefit those who suffer from pressure urticaria, as tight clothing can trigger a new outbreak. Other treatment options include: Applying calamine lotion to affected areas. Avoiding activities that cause sweating. Staying calm. Stress may worsen the itching. Taking cool baths or applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort. Hot baths and showers should be avoided because these can trigger a recurrence. In addition, patients with hives should not drink alcohol and should avoid scratching their skin. These activities can worsen itching in some cases.   After an episode of allergic urticaria, medications called antihistamines may be recommended to relieve symptoms. Antihistamines block the release of histamines into the body, which occurs as the result of an allergic reaction. Older antihistamines used to cause drowsiness but there are newer ones on the market that cause little or no drowsiness. Physicians may prescribe a combination of two or three antihistamines for the treatment of hives.