Hives - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Hives are also known as Urticaria in medical terminology. It is characterized by an outbreak of pale red bumps and swollen wheals (plaques) on the skin. It is the body’s reaction against certain allergies for unknown reason.

Hives on the skin usually cause stinging or burning sensation. They can appear on any part of the body such as the ears, throat, tongue, lips and face. It usually varies in size from a dinner plate to a pencil eraser, sometimes they also join together to form plaques (larger area of hives). Angioedema is a form of hives which is characterized by swelling beneath the skin rather than the surface. Signs of angioedema include swelling around the lips, eyes, feet, hands and genitals. The swelling stays for a maximum of 24 hours after which it disappears.

It has often been observed that hive causes also include allergic reactions. If you are sensitive to any type of food item, medication, plant, insect bite, etc. You may experience itching on the skin. Although if the itching is followed by symptoms like:

• Nausea and dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Spinning
• Irritation in throat
• Vomiting

One should immediately consult a healthcare advisor as it can be due to a serious allergic reaction.

• Hives are generally caused due to allergic reactions resulting from sunlight exposure, insect stings, chemicals found in certain foods or medications which release a chemical called hisamine.
• Acute urticaria (hives which last for more than six weeks) are caused due to the consumption of certain foods, infections, medications and insect bites.
• The most common food products that cause hives are milk, berries, eggs, tomatoes, fish, chocolates and nuts. Some food additives also contribute in causing hives.
• Angioedema and chronic urticaria are caused due to cancer, infection, hepatitis and thyroid diseases.
• Physical urticaria is caused due to exercise, sweating, pressure, vibration, sun exposure, heat and cold.
• > Drugs such as codeine, blood pressure drugs, ibuprofen and NSAIDs (Non anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause hives
• Dermatoraphism is a form of hives which occurs by scratching or stroking the skin.

Hives are diagnosed by performing routine blood tests and skin tests. This is usually performed under the supervision of a certified gynecologist.

Angioedema and hives are usually treated with the help of antistamines, oral corticosteroids, biologic drugs, omalizumab (Xolair), epinephrine injections and cortisone medications. It is vital to seek medical help if you experience wheezing, dizziness, difficulty breathing, tightness of the chest and swelling in the face, lips and tongue.

Applying wet clothes or cool compresses on the affected areas, working or sleeping in a cool room, wearing loose fitting clothes can provide comfort and reduce the symptoms of hives.

Home remedies are known to have instant effects on the skin of an individual. In the case of Hives, most of the time home remedies will treat the unbearable itchy skin. Here are some of the things you can try at home:

1. Cold compress technique: It is one of the simplest yes effective for itchy skin. Dip your towel in a bowl of chilling water or keep ice in between a dry one, dab the towel on the affected area in the frequent internals of 1-2 mins for the next 15 mins. Since it has no side effects, you can use it as much as you want.
2. Anti-itch solution bath and moisturizer: Products like oatmeal and baking soda can give you relief from itching. Just add a handful or two in your bath water and see the effects. You can also use products like aloe vera and witch hazel post-bath to moisturize. They are known for their anti-inflammatory and cooling properties which are best suited for itchy Hives. It is advisable to do a patch test before applying it to the whole body.
3. Chemical cosmetics: Soaps, moisturizers, and other skincare cosmetics often contain chemicals that may irritate your skin and cause a flare in the itching. Use products that are designed to use during Hives or which are suitable for sensitive skin ( for example calamine lotion). It is advisable to avoid any product which contains artificial fragrances.
4. Keep it cool: Body heat or warm temperatures can make the Hives itching worse. Keep your surroundings cool and put on a cold compress in case the itching is unbearable. Wear lightweight breathable clothes for better ventilation.

In the case of acute Hives, the symptoms may last for only a couple of days or maybe a week. They started to fade on their own as they came. This can be due to any seasonal viral or mild allergic reaction.

In the case of chronic Hives or chronic urticaria, the itching can last up to six weeks or more. It is quite rare as it is not associated with any underlying medical condition.

There is no specific food item that can cause itching. But if you are allergic to any consumables then that case it can trigger Hives. Allergies to food items like dairy, seafood, nuts, poultry products, etc. can cause episodes of itching.