Hives or Urticaria is a skin infection with pale red bumps that involves itching. It occurs suddenly on the skin that causes an itching and burning sensation. Hives or urticaria is generally an allergic reaction that occurs due to medications, sunlight, insect bites. Angioedema is a type of hives that may involve swelling beneath the skin. Hives and angioedema can block the airways passage of the lungs, throat and make it difficult to breathe.

What causes hives

• Hives are skin infections caused due to allergic reactions, insects bite.  Due to allergic conditions, histamines begin to release from the cells.  Fluid exudes from the blood vessel, due to the presence of histamines swelling in the skin may occur.
• The food products like milk, berries, tomatoes, eggs may cause hives.
• Angioedema and chronic hives occur due to cancer, thyroid, infection.
• Drugs like codeine, ibuprofen may cause hives.

Types of hives

• Allergic reactions: hives are generally allergic reactions that cause itching and swelling in the body. Hives may occur due to exposure to any elements that involve a sensation in the skin.
• Chronic hives: hives are not life-threatening. They may be the reason for discomfort if it doesn’t go away within six weeks. Chronic hives are the symptoms of underlying health issues, include: thyroid, lupus; type 1 diabetes
• Anaphylaxis: it is a severe and fatal allergic condition. People may experience nausea, vomiting, swelling accompanied by hives.
• Dermatographism: the mild hives that occur due to scratching on the skin. It may disappear in a short period.
• Physical urticaria: the symptoms include: scratching and rubbing, pressure, change in temperature, higher body temperature.

Treatment of hives

Routine blood tests and skin tests help in performing the diagnosis of the hives. In case of mild hives, doctors suggest medicines that relieve the burning and swelling sensation. Medicines that include:

• Taking antihistamines tabs, like cetirizine or diphenhydramine.
• To avoid hot water,
• Use colloidal oatmeal while taking a lukewarm bath.
• Anti-inching lotion also helps in hives.
• Medicines like Pepcid and Zantac work in preventing the swelling of hives.

Foods involving hives

foods that are associated with hives include eggs, nuts, shellfish, tomatoes, berries, milk, chocolates.

Prevention of hives

Although hives are caused by allergic reactions. They can also occur due to reasons include:

• Stress
• Medications
• Cold temperatures

Although doctors prescribe medicines to prevent hives, there are home remedies and natural remedies to prevent the itching and discomfort of hives. Home remedies include:

• Loose-fitting clothes
• Stay cool
• Stay moisturized
• Take bath
• Avoid allergens

Risks of treatment

Swelling of the mouth, face leads to severe allergic conditions. Doctors suggest medicines to feel better. While taking those steroid medicines, complications that occur include;

• Trouble sleeping
• Headache
• Mood swings
• Acne

Symptoms of hives in children

Symptoms of hives in children include:

• They look like mosquito bites.
• They appear whether all over the body or in one part of the body.
• They are itchy and swelling.

Some bacterial infections include urinary tract infections and strep throat.

Hives in children are dangerous

Hives in children are also not life-threatening just like adults. But, if facial swelling occurs, it is necessary to bring the child to the doctor. As it may cause complications that include trouble breathing, itching lips. The condition may lead to severe allergic infection.

Cura Multispeciality Hospital’s Department of Allergy and Immune System

Allergy is a condition when hypersensitivity of the immune system reacts to foreign elements that may include pollen, dust, insect bites, medicines, food.  Accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and tests to confirm the allergic conditions are significant while dealing with an allergy.   At Cura hospitals, the allergy department is entirely equipped with clinical facilities along with the set up of immunotherapy too. Our efficient nurses and technicians consistently assist the physician in the clinic. We care for your cure.