Hives, also known as urticaria, is a skin condition characterized by itchy, red, raised bumps that can be caused by allergens or non-allergenic factors. Antihistamines can help manage symptoms, but avoiding triggers is the best approach.
Urticaria is a skin condition more commonly known as hives. It is a rash of varying intensity, with characteristic itchy bumps that may be bright red and are raised. Most people with hives experience it in reaction to an allergen of some kind, but there can be many non-allergenic causes as well. There are many different causes and a large proportion of hives have an unknown or idiopathic cause. Hives are generally not dangerous, although they may be indicative of a different condition that can be harmful in the long run.
Another name for hives is urticaria, and many people describe moderate cases as the reaction to being stung by nettles. In more severe cases, however, large raised, red bumps can cover the body and the itching can become unbearable. The redness of hives is caused by capillaries leaking into the dermis layer and lasts until the fluid is reabsorbed and the leakage stops.
Allergic urticaria can be caused by any number of allergens, both topical and internal. Many people have allergic reactions to foods and medicines and, if they ingest them, they break out into hives of varying degrees of severity. In some cases their allergy can be so severe that even brushing against the allergen can cause an intense case of hives. An intense allergic reaction occurs, with massive amounts of histamine released to the area, causing an itchy response. As a result, taking an antihistamine can help reduce itching and can eventually make the rash go away.
An outbreak generally won’t last long, with the average rash lasting only one to two hours. Some cases may only last a few seconds before fading away. Often, however, the rash recurs, so that within minutes to hours of fading, a new rash will appear. In severe cases, the rash can last for a long time, although it is very rare for hives caused by an allergy to last longer than four to six weeks. If a rash persists, it’s likely not allergic and could be indicative of an underlying problem.
Hives are often the most frustrating aspect of an allergic reaction for a person. For many people, the discomfort of a red, swollen mass of skin is worse than any pain or discomfort that accompanies an allergy. Even the itching in some cases can be practically unbearable, and there is little that can be done about it. While antihistamines can help in less severe cases, more intense hives can be extremely difficult to manage.
Consequently, the best way to manage hives is not to develop them in the first place, although in the case of viral or idiopathic urticaria, this may not be possible. For severe allergy sufferers, avoiding allergens is the best way to manage hives. Being extremely careful when dealing with foods that trigger an allergic response, and making sure you pay attention to medications that cause hives, is a necessary step to avoid the itching and swelling of this unfortunate ailment.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
