Rashes and hives can be distinguished by visual appearance and causes. Hives are raised, itchy bumps caused by allergies, while rashes are discolorations caused by various factors. Treatment differs, with hives typically requiring prescribed medication and rashes often treated with over-the-counter remedies.
It is possible to distinguish between rashes and urticaria by visual appearance, determining the possible causes of the outbreak and the patient’s reaction to treatment. Hives typically appear as raised, itchy bumps. Rashes are primarily inflammation that changes the texture and color of the skin.
One of the main differences between rashes and hives is how they appear on the skin. Red raised bumps that are hives are rashes on the surface of the skin. Rashes are a discoloration of the skin and will appear only slightly raised from the surface of the skin.
The causes of skin rashes and hives also tend to be diverse. Hives are almost always the result of an allergic reaction. In some cases they can also appear due to sudden changes in pressure, exposure to the sun or high temperatures. Rashes can also appear due to allergic reactions, but there are many other possible causes. These include menstruation, skin irritations, anxiety or a bad reaction to an immunization. A rash can also be the result of a fungal, bacterial or viral infection.
There are different types of conditions that cause skin rashes. Some of the most common include eczema, psoriasis, impetigo and shingles. Diseases mainly contracted in childhood such as measles, roseola, chickenpox and rubella can also cause skin rashes.
There are also differences in how rashes and hives are treated. There are medications available to treat both conditions; while there are several over-the-counter rash remedies, hive products are typically prescribed. Over time, hives can become resistant to drugs, while rashes are usually more sensitive to drugs.
Hives appear when an allergic reaction releases chemicals that cause the skin to swell. When the element that caused the reaction disappears, the hives also usually disappear on their own. For more severe or persistent hives, medications such as loratadine may be prescribed. Such medications may take a few days to reach their full effect. If the hives keep coming back, it may have developed drug resistance, in which case a new drug is usually prescribed.
Several types of medications can be used to treat rashes. They include antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching, extra moisturizing lotions for itching, and creams to reduce redness as well as discomfort. Severe rashes may require medical attention, although an over-the-counter product can still be used to help treat the condition.
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