Hives

Hives or urticaria is a comparatively common form of allergic reaction that causes raised red skin welts. Hives are small, red swellings on the skin, occurring remarkably or in clusters. Hives generally develop in the form of one or more raised light red patches called wheals. Hives can also be caused by stress. The main cause that can be held accountable for causing red swellings is a chemical called histamine. This chemical is discharged, when the person comes in a direct contact with allergen. The swelling can also happen in the inside of the throat, that is a dangerous situation because it can close off the passage of air into the lungs.

Angioedema is alike to urticaria, but the swelling occurs under the skin instead of on the surface. Hives and angioedema can occur together, but they usually do not. Hives is the most common rash for which people seek emergency medical care.

In rare cases, allergic reactions that trigger hives set off a chain reaction throughout the body, leading in a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Occassionally, hives last for six weeks or more, a condition called chronic (or idiopathic) urticaria. Hives can occur on any skin surface, but usually spare the palms and soles of the feet.

Hives are classified as acute or chronic depending on the length of the episode. Underlying conditions (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rubella, hepatitis and infections) can also bring on an invasion of hives in susceptible people. It is believed that around one in every six people will experience at least one attack of hives at some point in their lives.

Hives may be uncomfortable, but they often are harmless and disappear on their own. Hives can be small like a mosquito bite or big like a dinner plate. Hives are privileged as acute or chronic depending on the length of the episode. The border of a hive is defined as polycyclic, or made up of many circles, and variates as fluid leaks out and then is absorbed. The most common foods which cause hives are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Fresh foods cause hives more usual than cooked foods. Certain food additives and preservatives may also be to culprit.

Medicines which can cause hives and angioedema involve aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, high blood pressure medications, or painkillers such as codeine. Generally hives can be diagnosed based on the history and physical examination. Occassionally specific allergy testing or testing for infection is needed to look for the underlying cause.

Most individual hives fade rapidly, but new crops may appear every 24 to 72 hours if the person prolongs to be exposed to the environment or substance that triggered the hives. In many cases, hives and angioedema are harmless and don't leave any lasting symptoms, even without treatment. The most common treatment for hives and angioedema is antihistamine medications.

Causes of Hives

The common causes and risk factor's of Hives include the following:

Straight contact with an allergenic substance, or an immune reaction to food or some other allergen.
Infections caused by viruses.
Certain diseases also cause hives (urticaria) as a symptom of the disease. Some of the Diseases are - Mastocytosis, Lupus, Rheumatic fever etc.
Wearing tight fit clothes.
Extreme cold or sun exposure.
Wearing jewelry that is not very suitable for your skin.
Insect bites.

Symptoms of Hives

Some sign and symptoms associated to Hives are as follows:

Itching.
Swelling of the surface of the skin into red with clearly defined edges.
Hives generally appear first on the covered areas of the skin such as the trunk and upper parts of the arms and legs.
Chest tightness; and breathing difficulties.
Unconsciousness.
Difficulty in breathing.
The rash may last for days or weeks, depending on the individual.

Treatment of Hives

Here is list of the methods for treating Hives:

Hives are generally treated with an antihistamine, such as Benadryl or the prescription Atarax.
A person suffering from hives should take an ice cold shower or bath and after that sit in front of a fan at high speed for at least five minutes. This will help him get rid of hives and will also given him some instant relief.
If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may need an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids.
For more acute cases, an injection or short course of a corticosteroid may be required to rapidly reduce swelling and itching.
Calamine Lotion : By applying this lotion it helps to get relief from the itchy feeling that comes from urticaria.

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