Hives are raised, itchy welts caused by hypersensitivity to a substance. They may occur suddenly and for no apparent cause, and can be triggered by medications, food, contact irritants, infection or disease, the environment, and stress. Complications can include anaphylaxis, and treatment options include over-the-counter anti-itch cream and antihistamines.
Hives are raised, itchy welts on the surface of the skin caused by hypersensitivity to a substance. When the body encounters a substance it is allergic or sensitive to, it releases histamines and other chemicals into the bloodstream. As a result, capillaries and tiny veins leak. The leaking fluid becomes trapped in the skin and lining membranes, causing the localized swelling seen with hives. The bruises, which are also called wheals, may stay small or they may become large enough to join together. The center of the welt whitens, or turns white, when pressed.
When hives occur around the face, particularly around the lips and eyes, it is referred to as angioedema. Angioedema can also occur on the hands, feet, and throat. Hives can come and go suddenly, often for no apparent cause. It is estimated that up to 70% go undiagnosed as to the cause, because they can appear hours after exposure to the irritant.
Up to 20% of people will get hives at some point in their lives, but surprisingly, girls are more prone to them than boys. Family history also plays a role in determining whether a person is prone to developing hives. If you have a genetic tendency to food allergies or sensitivities, chances are you’ll develop them sooner or later.
Hives are a manifestation of an inflammatory response in the body. Substances that trigger this response can come from many different sources. Common triggers include medicines, food, contact irritants, infection or disease, the environment, and stress.
Medications, such as antibiotics, often trigger hives. Foods such as shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, nuts, berries, and food additives are the most common histamine triggers. Some contact irritants that can elicit a reaction include animal dander, moth scales, animal saliva, and insect stings and stings.
Inhaled irritants can also cause hives – this is often common with people who suffer from hay fever. Mold and pollen are other inhaled allergens that can cause them. Diseases, infections, and parasites such as mononucleosis, strep throat, and giardia can also cause an inflammatory response.
There are many other physical causes of hives, or uticaria, as doctors call them. These include cold uticaria, which is caused by contact with cold water or air. Dermatographia is a rarer cause, affecting only 5% of people. People suffering from dermatographia get hives just by rubbing or patting the skin.
Pressure ulcers are caused by tight clothing or jewelry. Heat, exercise, or emotional stress can cause cholinergic uticaria. Aquagenic uticaria results from exposure to sweat and water. One of the rarer forms of solar uticaria, which is caused by sun exposure.
Although hives can vary in how itchy they are, they are usually uncomfortable to experience. They are harmless but may indicate a serious allergy or underlying disease. Chronic uticaria should be investigated by your doctor.
Complications can include anaphylaxis, which is swelling of the airways. This can be the result of a severe allergy and should be treated right away. Symptoms of a serious reaction include tightness in the throat, shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue or face, wheezing, and loss of consciousness.
Home treatments for bruises include over-the-counter anti-itch cream and antihistamines such as Benadryl. For those seeking medical treatment, Atarax, a more potent antihistamine, may be prescribed. Newer H2 blocker antihistamines such as cimetidine have been shown to be helpful in treating allergies and the resulting hives.
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