Hives (Urticaria): a very common skin issue
Urticaria is the medical term for hives.Hives are pink welts or swellings that can itch, burn or sting.They can appear on any part of the body. Hives are usually the result of an allergic reaction;however, there are many non allergic causes as well.About 10-20% of people will experience at least one episode of hives once in their lifetime.Hives will usually disappear within few hours;but may also last a few days, or recur continuously over months or years.New hives may develop as old ones fade.Hives can vary in size from as small as a pen tip to as large as a plate!
The cause of hives is a substance called histamine.Histamine is released from cells in the skin and causes blood vessels to leak, causing these swellings.Allergic reactions, certain foods, or chemicals in medicines are common causes of hives.Finding the exact cause may be difficult.
When hives form around the eyes, lips or genitals, the swelling caused may be excessive.Severe cases of hives may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing.If this occurs, emergency care is required.
WHAT ARE ACUTE HIVES?
Acute hives are usually the result of an allergic reaction.This type of hives typically lasts less than 6 weeks.These hives may appear within minutes to two hours after swallowing certain foods or medications, and can also be caused by infection ( especially in children).Contact hives can occur when certain chemicals come into contact with the skin.People with this type of reaction often can easily identify and eliminate the cause.
Insect bites, internal disease, pressure, cold, or sunlight are other triggers for hives.
CAN HIVES BE CAUSED BY FOODS?
Yes.It is possible.The common foods that cause hives in children are milk, eggs and peanuts.In adults, nuts, shellfish, and eggs are the common sources.Fresh foods cause hives more often than cooked foods.Food additives, food colourings and preservatives are common triggers for non-allergic hives.
CAN HIVES BE CAUSED BY DRUGS?
Yes.Almost any medication can cause hives-antibiotics, pain killers, antacids, vitamins, herbal and traditional supplements, eye and ear drops, laxatives etc.It is best to tell your dermatologist about all the medications and supplements that you use to help identify the possible cause of your problem.
WHAT TYPE OF INFECTIONS CAN CAUSE HIVES?
Many infections may cause this problem.Upper respiratory tract infections (colds and coughs) are a common cause of hives in children.Other viruses, including hepatitis, may cause hives, as can a number of bacterial and fungal infections.
WHAT ARE CHRONIC HIVES?
Hives lasting for longer than six weeks are deemed as chronic.The root cause is more difficult to identify.Your dermatologist will take a thorough medical history from you and perform a full physical examination on you to help identify a cause.Causes may include hidden infections, autoimmune diseases or other internal problems.Blood tests and a skin biopsy may be necessary.
WHAT IS PHYSICAL URTICARIA?
Sunlight, heat, cold, pressure, vibration, or exercise may cause physical urticaria. Sun hives (solar urticaria) form within minutes of sun exposure and typically fades within one to two hours. Cold hives ( cold urticaria) appear when the skin warms after exposure to cold and prolonged chilling.
HOW ARE HIVES TREATED?
The best treatment for hives is to find and eliminate the cause whenever possible.Antihistamines provide relief and work best if taken on regular basis as prevention.There are many antihistamines available. No one antihistamines works for everyone.Your dermatologist may use combinations to control the hives. You may require anti-inflammatory and immune-modifying medications in some instances.
