Important Facts About Hives

Hives are white, light pink, or red welts that form on the skin, usually as the result of an allergic reaction. They come in a wide range of sizes, with the smallest being about 2 mm. Hives are often very itchy; they can also burn or sting. They can form on any area of the body but are most commonly found on the upper arms, upper legs, and trunk of the body. Normally, each welt lasts less than 24 hours, with new hives forming as the older ones vanish. Hives are quite common and usually subside without treatment, although most sufferers prefer to do something to alleviate their symptoms. Serious cases, although rare, require a doctor's care.

Many people who contract hives have them for a relatively short time, and they never return; this is considered to be an acute form of the condition. Those whose outbreaks last longer than six weeks or recur over the years are diagnosed with chronic hives.

Risk Factors

Hives are a common condition that can strike anyone at any time, but there are risk factors that increase the likelihood of an outbreak. A personal or family history of hives or allergies is a good indicator that you are at risk for developing hives. In addition, you're more susceptible to hives if you have lupus, lymphoma, or thyroid disease. Children and young adults are more likely to have acute hives, while the chronic form is more common in women.

Triggers

There are many triggers for hives. Some of the most common triggers are painkillers, antibiotics, insect bites, animal dander, pollen, mold, and food allergies. Infections, scratching, stress, extreme temperature swings, and pressure can also cause hives to form. Although raw food is more likely than cooked food to cause hives, it's also possible for food additives to trigger an outbreak.

One interesting type of hives is known as dermographism, which is triggered when the skin is scratched. Shortly after the scratch occurs, hives appear along the scratch line.

Diagnosis

If you suffer from hives, it's best to see a dermatologist for treatment. Before your appointment, make a list of possible causes and try to see how the welts react to heat, cold, pressure, or vibration. You can relay these findings to your doctor, who will then try to ascertain what is causing the problem. You'll probably have to undergo allergy skin tests or lab tests. If there's a reason to suspect the condition is hereditary, your doctor may order additional tests. In chronic cases, a biopsy may be necessary.

Treatments

If necessary, your doctor will advise you to take an antihistamine; it's also possible that you'll leave with a prescription for an oral corticosteroid such as prednisone.

Cool showers and cool compresses may relieve a mild case of hives. In addition, loose clothing would be helpful; tighter clothes could just make things worse by causing more friction and subsequently more hives. Avoid coarse fabrics, and don't scratch the affected areas. Some people suffering with hives find it helpful to avoid strenuous activity.

In most cases, hives are harmless; however, they can be life-threatening if the swelling causes the throat or tongue to block the airway. If you feel lightheaded or have trouble swallowing or breathing, call 911.

Sources:

Hives (Urticaria) in Adults: Condition, Treatment, and Pictures
Hives and Angiodema
Urticaria - Hives