HivesTreatment
What are Hives?
Hives are typically itchy red welts or bumps on the skin’s surface that may appear due to an allergic reaction, often to food or medicine. Hives may also appear without any apparent cause, or may flare up in cold weather. When hives result from an allergic reaction, a serious medical condition may exist that requires prompt medical attention, particularly if you are also having difficulty breathing.
Often hives symptoms can be eased via an over-the-counter antihistamine, possibly combined with an over-the-counter antacid. Your pharmacist can advise you on how to safely combine an H1 blocker and H2 blocker
In some cases, however, hives can develop into a chronic condition lasting for one or more weeks. When that occurs you should contact our hives treatment experts to obtain the relief you need.
What Causes Hives?
Hives may be triggered by:
- Stress or anxiety
- Extreme exposure to sun or cold
- Excessive perspiration
- Exercise
- Illnesses, including autoimmune diseases and leukemia
- Infections
- Water exposure
Hives may also be triggered by a variety of substances, including:
- Animal dander, especially from cats
- Bug bites
- Eggs
- Insect bites
- Medicines
- Milk
- Nuts
- Pollen
- and by other foods
Hives
Symptoms
- Itching
- Swelling of the skin’s surface into welts that may be red or skin-colored (known as wheals)
- Wheals may grow larger, spreading and combining into large areas of raised, flat skin.
- Wheals may change shape, appearing and reappearing within hours or even minutes,
- Wheals typically disappear within 48 hours.
- Dermatographism is a form of hives resulting from pressure on the skin, which produces hives promptly in the area under pressure, or when scratched or rubbed. This is also known as skin writing, dermographia, or dermatographic urticaria.
Treatment and Prevention
Remember that hives may disappear without requiring treatment. Here are some easy ways to treat typical symptoms:
- Avoid hot baths or showers.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to help avoid skin irritation
- Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend an antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Benadryl; be sure to follow the written guidelines for safe use.
- Additional oral medicines may be prescribed if your condition becomes chronic.
Severe cases of hives can be dangerous, causing swelling of the throat, thereby restricting or blocking your breathing. In such emergencies you may require an adrenaline or steroid shot.
When to Call 911
If your reaction is severe, especially if swelling occurs in your throat, you may need an emergency shot of adrenaline or steroids to prevent your airway from being blocked. Contact 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you are experiencing wheezing, shortness of breath, fainting, swelling of the tongue or face, or tightness in your throat.