What are hives? The medical term for hives is Urticaria. This is a common condition that can affect up to 20% of the population at some time in their lives. Hives can occur in a number of shapes and sizes from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. They are red, itchy lesions that are not dangerous but make many people miserable. Although hives themselves are not dangerous they may be an indication of a severe allergy which could be potentially hazardous.

Many times the cause of hives is not known but a common reason for getting them is an allergic reaction. When you have an allergic reaction your body releases histamines which causes blood vessels to contract. This results in the dilation of capillaries allowing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. This fluid building up in the surrounding tissues causes the redness, swelling, and itchiness associated with hives.

Hives can be caused by a number of different allergens including food, animal dander, mold and pollen. For some people hives may also be triggered by heat, sweating, exposure to sunlight, or even stress. If you suspect that you have hives or if you’re not sure what’s causing them you should visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to learn about various  treatment options .

Because hives are often caused by an allergic reaction, treatment will usually be in the form of antihistamines. In some severe cases oral steroids may be prescribed for short-term use. Other  treatment options include topical creams and lotions that numb the nerve endings in your skin and help to  relieve itching . There are many treatment options available without a prescription that can be very effective.

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To learn about effective treatment for hives visit http://www.squidoo.com/Treating-Hives

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They’re red and itchy. They may last for a few hours or days. They can appear anywhere in the body. They’re hives and they can make your life miserable.

Hives are raised , red, itchy areas on the skin brought about by the release of histamines and other chemicals in the body during an allergic reaction. Their size and number varies in different people and they may last for a few hours or several days. These skin changes may appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, lips, palms and soles.

“A simple hive is usually a reaction to an outside irritant, such as an insect bite. Multiple hives, called urticaria, are usually an allergic reaction to some internal agent. Hives can be due to many causes: foods (especially shellfish, nuts and berries); medications; heat, cold or sunshine; infections; insect bites; and emotional stress. When the hives continue for an extended period of time (chronic urticaria), there are probably multiple trigger factors,” according to Dr. Robert R. Walther, associate clinical professor of dermatology, in “The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide.”

“Food additives, especially colorings and preservatives, can cause hives, as well as other allergic reactions. In recognition of this, some countries require listing of all additives and their quantities on food labels. Common culprits include tartrazine (yellow dye # 5) and the preservative sodium benzoate,” added Kurt Butler and Dr. Lynn Rayner of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii in “The Best Medicine.”

Aside from being uncomfortable, hives can be dangerous. If they are caused by a particular medication which a person is sensitive to, they usually disappear within hours or days. More serious cases are caused by insect bites or stings that can lead to an anaphylactic shock. This is a life-threatening condition which is characterized by the swelling of the larynx, difficulty in breathing, cold sweat, abdominal cramps and low blood pressure.

“Without  prompt treatment (in the form of adrenaline injections and corticosteroids), coma and cardiac arrest can occur,” according to Dr. H. Winter Griffith, a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, in “The Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness & Surgery.”

The best way to prevent hives and its complications is to avoid the substance you are allergic to. If you haven’t pinpointed that cause of your problem, the following measures were suggested by Griffith:

Don’t take drugs (including aspirin, laxatives, sedatives, vitamins, antacids, pain killers or cough syrups) not prescribed for you.

Don’t take hot baths or showers.

Decrease activities until several days after hives disappear. Avoid getting sweaty or excited.

If foods are suspected as a cause, keep a food diary to help identify the offending food.

Avoid alcohol and coffee or other caffeine containing beverages. These may trigger outbreaks.

“The first line of therapy is to find and eliminate the trigger factor or factors. For symptomatic treatment until the cause can be found, the doctor may suggest cool compresses, soaking baths or lotions to alleviate itching. He or she will undoubtedly prescribe some type of antihistamine,” Walther said.

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Author: Sharon A Bell

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Bell

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