Hives (Urticaria) | Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Hives or Urticaria is a condition characterized with pale, swollen, and red bumps or wheals (plagues) appearing on the skin all of a sudden which is mostly a result of an allergic reaction but can sometimes stem out of unknown factors as well. 

Hives can cause itching which may also sting or burn. They can be seen on any part of the body, such as the tongue, ears, throat, lips, or face. Hives differ in their sizes which can go as small as a pencil eraser and as big as a dinner plate. They can also join together to cover larger areas. They usually stay for a few hours and take about a day to start fading.

Factors Causing Hives

Hives usually result due to the body’s reaction to an allergen resulting in the release of histamine along with other chemicals under the skin. These chemicals and histamine can result in inflammation, which can, in turn, lead to fluid accumulation below the skin, also called as wheals. Some of the factors that might act as triggers are:

• Latex

• Foods, like eggs, wheat products, strawberries, food additives, or nuts

• Medications, like antibiotics and ACE inhibitors

• Infections, like common cold, hepatitis B, or influenza 

• Changes in temperature

• Intestinal parasites

• Dust mites

• Pollen

• Insect stings or bites

• Sunlight exposure

• Chronic illness, like lupus or thyroid disease

• Certain plants, like poison oak, poison ivy, or nettles

Treatment for Hives

For treating the most uncomplicated episodes of this condition, the doctor may prescribe calamine lotion or antihistamine medications like clemastine, chlorpheniramine, or diphenhydramine. Most people may experience drowsiness after taking the medication. It is not easy to relieve itching as scratching can elevate the severity of the condition.
 

Oral steroids are also prescribed to individuals falling under the severe category of hives. Some of the other treatment methods would include ultraviolet radiation, tricyclic antidepressants, antifungal antidepressants, etc. Evidences that support these treatment methods are not many. 

Topical therapies are also available, but they are mostly ineffective. They include lotions or creams that help in numbing the nerve endings for reducing the itching sensation. Applying cool compresses have also been found to be useful for soothing hives rash.
Get yourself checked regularly and have your blood tests within 3 months.
Now get your sample collected from your home. Hi-Tech clinical lab with state of the art infrastructure at Polo Labs.