Hives - Symptoms & Treatment

Hives or urticaria is a relatively common form of allergic reaction that causes raised red skin welts. Hives are a common reaction, especially in people with other allergies like hay fever. Urticaria is also known as nettle rash or uredo. Hives are a sign that the whole body is experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction. Hives occur when the body's capillaries and tiny veins get leaky. Urticaria is generally caused by direct contact with an allergenic substance, or an immune response to food or some other allergen. Hives can be caused by stress. Hives is the most common rash for which people seek emergency medical care. One of every 5 people will have hives at some time in their lives. When people get hives, they often think it is an allergic reaction. But hives can be triggered by physical factors such as heat, cold, exercise, sunlight, stress, sustained pressure on a skin area, a sudden increase in body temperature (from a fever or a hot bath or shower) or from an irritating chemical, cosmetic or soap applied to the skin. Hives can occur anywhere on the body and vary in size and shape. They can be small like a mosquito bite or big like a dinner plate. Hives are classified as acute or chronic depending on the length of the episode.

Hives can also be caused by a number of other regulatory systems in the body in response to different types of triggers. A bunch of hives might be on a person's face, then those might go away. Later some more may appear on a person's arms. The border of a hive is described as polycyclic, or made up of many circles, and changes as fluid leaks out and then is absorbed. In rare cases, allergic reactions that trigger hives set off a chain reaction throughout the body, resulting in a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Hives are produced by histamine and other compounds released from cells called mast cells. Acute nettle rash can be divided into allergic and non-allergic (physical) nettle rash. Both types present immunological reactions. Some patients get hives occasionally only when they ingest a specific food or food additives. Other get hives as a chronic problem which can go-on for years. Swelling deeper in the skin that may accompany hives is called angioedema. This may be seen on the hands and feet as well as on mucous membranes.

Causes of Hives

The common causes and risk factor's of Hives include the following:

• Direct contact with an allergenic substance, or an immune response to food or some other allergen.
• Animal dander (especially cats).
• Extreme cold or sun exposure.
• A number of other regulatory systems in the body in response to different types of triggers.
• Nervousness or stress.
• Infections caused by viruses.

Symptoms of Hives

Some sign and symptoms related to Hives are as follows:

• Itching.
• Hives usually appear first on the covered areas of the skin such as the trunk and upper parts of the arms and legs.
• Swelling of the surface of the skin into red- or skin-colored welts with clearly defined edges.
• The eyes may appear swollen shut.
• Hives are usually patchy at first, but the patches may run together until the hives cover most of the body.
• Chest tightness; and breathing difficulties.

Treatment of Hives

Here is list of the methods for treating Hives:

• Hives are usually treated with an antihistamine, such as Benadryl or the prescription Atarax.
• Apply calamine lotion.
• If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids.
• Cool compresses or baths may help with the discomfort.
• Occasionally for severe hives, doctors may prescribe an oral corticosteroid drug - such as prednisone - which can help lessen swelling, redness and itching.
• For more severe cases, an injection or short course of a corticosteroid may be needed to rapidly reduce swelling and itching.

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