Hives

Those red and slightly raised bumps on the skin may not be mere pimples. Hives, known in the medical field as urticaria, have diameters varying from a few to a couple of inches. They can appear on any area of the body, although they spring up mostly on the arms, legs, and trunk.

One distinct characteristic of hives is the tendency to move about and change their sizes, disappearing from its original site, only to reappear in another area, usually within a few hours. This means that an outbreak, which seems alarming at one time, may be entirely gone before the end of the day, only to reappear the following day. Thus, patients who may not be able to show their doctors the evidence of having hives, diagnosis can still be made according to the history of their symptoms. However, photos of the rashes, especially when they are at their worse, can be a huge help during diagnosis.

Hives are brought about by the release of certain chemicals, such as histamine, into the skin and bloodstream by mast cells. Also, an allergy to specific food and medication causes hives. A lot of these allergens were already identified, such as: food, medications, other allergens, physical factors, and dermatographism.

Some people are more prone to developing the condition than others. The most common risk factors include: having suffered hives in the past, having other symptoms of allergies, having a medical condition linked with hives, having a history of hives in the family.

Hives can fall in either of two categories: acute hives or chronic hives. Acute hives normally last from not more than one day to until six weeks. Chronic hives, on the other hand, are known to last beyond six weeks – at times, appearing for several months to years.

The red bumps, which come with the condition, appear in batches and are usually itchy. They tend to look like mosquito bites. Finding out the cause of the occurrence can be very confusing. The doctor will need the patient’s medical history, including a detailed discussion on the various medication, herbal products, and vitamins taken by the patient. A list of potential irritants, which the patient may be frequently exposed to, will also be asked. The doctor may also recommend the patient to undergo allergy tests for better diagnosis.

Mild cases of hives are not fatal, and can often be treated at home. However, for those who feel symptoms like difficulty breathing, swollen throat, or light headedness, emergency care should be sought. Hives which seem to be unresponsive to the prescribed treatment, or persist longer than the normal duration, should be brought to the doctor’s attention at once.

For mild hives, standard form of treatment is antihistamine, known to hinder histamine’s release from producing symptoms. Nonprescription medications include: loratadine, diphenhydramine, clemastine, and chlorpheniramine.

For severe hives, doctors may recommend the use of an oral corticosteroid medication, like prednisone, which can reduce redness, itching, and swelling. Patients who have severe attacks may require adrenaline injections, and immediate medical attention. Those who suffer frequent attacks, even with treatment, may be asked to have adrenaline ready for emergency situations.

To lower one’s risks of getting hives, the following precautionary measures should be considered: avoiding known and potential triggers, and keeping a diary of possible food allergies.

Relief from symptoms of mild hives may be achieved through applying cold compress, taking cold showers, using nonprescription antihistamines, wearing light and loose clothes, and not irritating the affected areas.

Hives may be unsightly and bothersome. However, it is comforting to know these are ever serious, and can be prevented through simple and practical means.