Understanding Hives: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of itchy, red, or pale bumps or welts on the skin. These welts can vary in size and may be accompanied by swelling called angioedema. Hives can be triggered by various factors, including allergic reactions, certain foods, insect stings, sunlight, and medications.

Types of Hives

There are several types of hives, including:

• Acute urticaria: Hives that last less than 6 weeks, often caused by foods, medications, infections, or insect bites.

• Chronic urticaria: Hives that persist for more than 6 weeks, with causes that are often harder to identify.

• Physical urticaria: Hives triggered by physical stimuli such as cold, heat, sun exposure, vibration, pressure, sweating, or exercise.

• Dermatographism: A common form of physical urticaria where hives form after firmly stroking or scratching the skin.

• Stress hives: Hives that occur due to stress, causing the body to release inflammation-causing chemicals.

Symptoms of Hives

Symptoms of hives may include:

• Raised welts of varying sizes on the skin

• Reddish welts (may be harder to see on darker skin tones)

• Intense itching, often worse at night

• Welts that appear and disappear over minutes or hours

In some cases, hives may be accompanied by angioedema, which can cause:

• Swelling of the face, eyelids, ears, mouth, hands, feet, and genitals

• Swelling on one side of the body

• Discomfort in the affected areas

• Changes in skin color

Diagnosing Hives

Diagnosing hives involves a thorough medical history and examination by a healthcare provider. Your doctor may perform skin tests to identify potential allergens or conduct blood tests to check for underlying illnesses, such as autoimmune conditions, hereditary factors, or allergies.

Treating Hives

The most effective treatment for hives is identifying and removing the trigger, although this can be challenging. Antihistamines are often prescribed to provide relief from symptoms and are most effective when taken regularly to prevent hives from forming. In cases of chronic hives, a combination of medications may be necessary. If antihistamines are ineffective, oral steroids or a biologic drug called omalizumab (Xolair) may be prescribed. Severe cases may require an injection of epinephrine or cortisone medication.

Managing Hives

While waiting for hives and swelling to subside, you can try the following:

• Apply cool compresses or wet cloths to the affected areas

• Work and sleep in a cool room

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience hives along with any of the following symptoms:

• Dizziness

• Wheezing

• Trouble breathing

• Tightness in the chest

• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or face

In conclusion, hives are a common skin condition that can be caused by various triggers, such as allergic reactions, foods, medications, or infections. While often manageable with antihistamines and trigger avoidance, severe cases may require medical intervention. If you experience hives along with difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, seek medical attention promptly.

For more information on hives and their management, consult the following reputable sources:

• Mayo Clinic: Chronic Hives

• American Academy of Dermatology: Hives Overview

• NHS: Hives (Urticaria)