What is hives?
Hives, also known as Urticaria, are itchy, raised welts that are found on the skin. They are usually red, pink, or flesh-colored, and sometimes sting or hurt. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food or a reaction to an irritant. In many cases, hives are an acute problem that may be alleviated with allergy medications. Most rashes go away on their own. However, chronic cases, as well as hives accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, are bigger medical concerns. |
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What is the Causes and Risk of hives?
Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that you have encountered or swallowed. When you are having an allergic reaction, your body begins to release histamines into your blood. Histamines are chemicals your body produces in an attempt to defend itself against infection and other outside intruders. Unfortunately, in some people, the histamines can cause swelling, itching, and many of the symptoms that are experienced with hives. In terms of allergens, hives can be caused by factors such as pollen, medications, food, animal dander, and insect bites
It should be noted that hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies. It is not uncommon for people to experience hives as the result of stress, tight clothes, exercise, illnesses, or infections. It is also possible to develop hives as the result of excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures or from irritation due to excessive sweating. As there are many potential causes, many times the actual cause of hives cannot be determined.
People who are known to have allergies are more likely to get hives. You may also be at risk to develop hives if you are on medication or if you are unknowingly exposed to things you may be allergic to, such as food or pollen. If you are already ill with an infection or a health condition, you may be more vulnerable to developing hives.
How to treat Hives?
The first step in getting treatment is to figure out if you actually have hives. In most cases, your doctor will be able to determine if you have hives from a physical exam. Your skin will show signs of the welts that are associated with hives. Your doctor may also perform blood tests or skin tests to determine what may have caused your hives — especially if they were the result of an allergic reaction.
You may not need prescription treatment if you are experiencing a mild case of hives not related to allergies or other health conditions. In these circumstances, your doctor might suggest that you seek temporary relief by:
How hives are diagnosed?
Your doctor will need to ask many questions in an attempt to find the possible cause of hives or angiodema. Since there are no specific tests for hives. Testing will depend on your medical history and a thorough exam by your primary care doctor or dermatologist.
Skin tests may be performed to determine the substance to which you are allergic. Routine blood tests are done to determine if a system-wide illness is present.
Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that you have encountered or swallowed. When you are having an allergic reaction, your body begins to release histamines into your blood. Histamines are chemicals your body produces in an attempt to defend itself against infection and other outside intruders. Unfortunately, in some people, the histamines can cause swelling, itching, and many of the symptoms that are experienced with hives. In terms of allergens, hives can be caused by factors such as pollen, medications, food, animal dander, and insect bites
It should be noted that hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies. It is not uncommon for people to experience hives as the result of stress, tight clothes, exercise, illnesses, or infections. It is also possible to develop hives as the result of excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures or from irritation due to excessive sweating. As there are many potential causes, many times the actual cause of hives cannot be determined.
People who are known to have allergies are more likely to get hives. You may also be at risk to develop hives if you are on medication or if you are unknowingly exposed to things you may be allergic to, such as food or pollen. If you are already ill with an infection or a health condition, you may be more vulnerable to developing hives.
How to treat Hives?
The first step in getting treatment is to figure out if you actually have hives. In most cases, your doctor will be able to determine if you have hives from a physical exam. Your skin will show signs of the welts that are associated with hives. Your doctor may also perform blood tests or skin tests to determine what may have caused your hives — especially if they were the result of an allergic reaction.
You may not need prescription treatment if you are experiencing a mild case of hives not related to allergies or other health conditions. In these circumstances, your doctor might suggest that you seek temporary relief by:
- taking antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine
- avoiding irritating the area
- avoiding hot water, which may aggravate the hives
- taking a cool or lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda
How hives are diagnosed?
Your doctor will need to ask many questions in an attempt to find the possible cause of hives or angiodema. Since there are no specific tests for hives. Testing will depend on your medical history and a thorough exam by your primary care doctor or dermatologist.
Skin tests may be performed to determine the substance to which you are allergic. Routine blood tests are done to determine if a system-wide illness is present.