What are hives?
Hives, also often called hives, are swellings on the skin which might be often itchy. Often they're pink or red, but they don't must be. Hives occur when skin cells called mast cells release histamine, a chemical that causes small blood vessels (capillaries) to leak fluid. When this exudative fluid collects within the skin, it forms the swelling we all know as a hive.
Hives will be triggered by physical aspects comparable to heat, cold, exercise, sunlight, stress, constant pressure on an area of skin (comparable to from a belt or shoulder strap), a sudden increase in body temperature (from a fever or a hot bath). can or shower) or from irritating chemicals, cosmetics or soaps applied to the skin. Hives may also be an indication of a whole-body allergic response to something that was:
- breathed – Pollen, animal dander, molds
- injection – Insect stings or bites, especially bee stings, or injection medication
- ate – Foods (tree nuts; fish and shellfish; dairy products; legumes, especially peanuts), foods, drugs comparable to penicillin or aspirin.
Hives likely affect about 20% of individuals within the United States sooner or later of their lives, with the very best variety of episodes occurring in people between the ages of 20 and 30. In rare cases, allergic reactions that trigger hives can trigger a series response throughout the body, resulting in a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Sometimes, the hives last for six weeks or longer, a condition called chronic (or idiopathic) urticaria. Often, there isn't any known cause for this chronic condition, and it often goes away by itself after several weeks.
Symptoms of hives
Hives appear as “whales” (swellings) on the skin, sometimes pink or red and surrounded by a red rash. Usually round or oval, hives are sometimes itchy. Hives vary in size, and a few may coalesce to form large areas of swelling. Hives can affect the skin on any a part of the body, especially on the trunk, thighs, upper arms and face. Most individual hives disappear quickly, but recent crops may appear every 24 to 72 hours if the person continues to be exposed to the environment or a substance that triggers hives.
If hives are an early sign of a systemic response, other symptoms include swelling of the tongue, lips or face. wheezing dizziness chest tightness; and difficulty respiratory. If these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention. You can develop anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.
Diagnosis of hives
Your doctor will ask about your history of allergic reactions, and your recent exposure to pets, plants, insects, or recent foods or medications. During a physical exam, your doctor can often distinguish between hives and other skin conditions. In addition, he'll check for other signs of a serious allergic response.
If this condition occurs steadily, your doctor may order a blood test or skin test for allergies. If your doctor suspects you're having anaphylaxis, he or she's going to start treatment immediately and closely monitor your blood pressure and respiratory.
Expected duration of the hive
Individual hives often go away inside eight to 12 hours, but recurrent hives may keep reappearing for weeks or months. In cases of chronic urticaria (hives), the condition may last for six months or more.
Prevention of hives
You can prevent hives by identifying and avoiding certain situations or substances that trigger your skin's response. If your doctor determines that you could have an allergy to insect venom, you might be advised to hold an epinephrine kit for emergency injections to forestall anaphylaxis. If you're employed outside or play a sport, keep the drugs in an appropriate place. Keep an antihistamine in your medicine cabinet and take it at the primary sign of hives or itching. Older adults and other people with heart disease should double check with their doctor before taking an antihistamine.
Treatment of hives
To relieve probably the most severe episodes of hives, your doctor may prescribe a topical lotion or an antihistamine, comparable to cetirizine (Zyrtec, others) or loratadine (Claritin, others). Many over-the-counter antihistamines can be found. Generic versions work in addition to brand-name drugs. It is essential to remove the itch because the itch can trigger more hives and itching.
If these medications usually are not effective, you might be given prescription medications comparable to cyproheptadine (Periactin), hydroxyzine (Atarix or Vestaril), or desloratadine (Clarinex).
In cases which might be more immune to treatment, H2 receptor blockers could also be added. These include nizatidine (Axid), famotidine (Pepcid) or cimetidine (Tagamet). Doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan) at bedtime is very helpful for individuals who have trouble sleeping due to itching.
When other options fail, drugs that suppress or alter the immune system could also be prescribed. These include omalizumab (Xolair), montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate) or corticosteroids (comparable to prednisone).
When to Call a Professional
Call your doctor immediately should you've began taking a brand new medication or have been bitten by an insect. Get emergency treatment should you experience wheezing, dizziness, chest tightness, difficulty respiratory, or hives with swelling of the tongue, lips, or face.
Assessment
Most easy cases of hives go away quickly, and the affected skin returns to normal inside hours. Even when you could have episodes that repeat for several weeks, for no apparent reason, they often stop coming back after a number of months. Consult your doctor if the hives persist for several days or if the itching interferes together with your ability to sleep or perform normal day by day activities.
Additional information
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)
https://www.aaai.org/
American Academy of Dermatology
https://www.aad.org/