Hives (urticaria) is a harmless type of rash or skin allergy that is usually caused by an allergy. The rash consists of circular, raised welts on the skin that are usually itchy and occur in batches. Hives can vary in size, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Urticaria usually affects the throat, arms, legs, and trunk. About 16% of the population will experience this rash at some time in their lives. Urticaria or hives is a relatively common form of allergic reaction that causes raised red skin welts that range upwards from 5 mm (about a 1/4 inch) in diameter, itch severely, and often have a pale border. Urticaria is caused by direct contact with an allergenic substance (generally a plant, such as poison ivy), or an immune response to food or some other allergen. Hives can also be caused by stress.
Hives are usually caused by being allergic to something. But they can occur when a person is exposed to anything that causes his body to release histamine. Releasing histamine causes liquid to leak from blood vessels under the skin. When this fluid collects or 'pools' together it creates the bumps that are called 'hives'.
Hives, or urticaria, usually strikes suddenly. First the skin itches, then it erupts into red welts. The itching may be severe, keeping people from working or sleeping. Hives are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.
It is very important to know the cause of allergic reaction. Once you found out the triggering agent, it becomes very easy to fight the battle.
Calming our nerves is one of the important things to do, as stress makes the matter worse. Drinking peppermint or passionflower tea is very good. You can also try chamomile, valerian and catnip which also soothe your nerves.
Although an allergic reaction to a food is usually fairly quick, and occurs within minutes to hours, it may take days or weeks for an antibiotic to trigger hives in your child.
If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. Hives in the throat can obstruct your airway, making it difficult to breathe.
In the case of severe symptoms, short courses of oral steroids may be prescribed. Both steriods and antihistamines come in topical solutions as well as systemic forms and these topical forms can also be used to treat hives.
Check medicines you are currently taking for side-effects and ask yourself if the symptoms arose since commencing the medication.
Psychological treatments such as stress management can sometimes lessen severity and occurrence. The most commonly used oral treatments are Non-sedating antihistamines, including Allegra, Claritin, Clarinex, and Zyrtec, are also used to treat hives, expecially hives that last longer than 6 weeks. Chronic hives may be treated with antihistamines or a combination of medications. When antihistamines don't provide relief, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed. Oral steroids (prednisone, Medrol) can help severe cases of hives in the short-term, but their usefulness is limited by the fact that many cases of hives last too long for steroid use to be continued safely.
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