Hives

Hives are itchy, red and raised areas of the skin of different sizes and shapes. Some people also know it as urticaria.

It can occur on the trunk and other part of the body.

Exercise, scratching, emotional stress and alcohol beverages may worsen the itching.

Hives are an allergic reaction to food or medicine.

Hives are tendency to change size fastly and to move around; it is disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places.

It is produced by histamine. Certain people can develop hives from sunlight, vibration, cold, pressure and exercise. Hives can be small like mosquito bite or big like a dinner plate.

Causes and risk factors:

Hives are produced by histamine and allergies to foods and medications. Hives may develop from-

Infections like illness or mononucleosis
Sun exposure or extreme cold
Emotional stress
Excessive perspiration
Medications
Pollen
Insect bites
Shellfish, nuts, milk, eggs, fish and other foods
Animal dander
Infections caused by viruses

Symptoms:

Itching and swelling into skin or red colored welts. These welts may spread to larger areas of raised skin. They can also change size or shape, disappear or reappear within few hours. When you press the center of a red welt it turns in white color.

Diagnosis:

Skin or blood test may be performed to confirm of hives.

Treatment:

Antihistamines are commonly used for treatment of hives. It helps oppose the effects of the histamines leaked by mast cells. Diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine are available without prescription.

These can be taken in doses of 25 milligrams of diphenhydramine and a dose of 4 milligrams of chlorpheniramine, three times a day. Antihistamines that need a prescription include cyproheptadine and hydroxyzine. Topical therapies include lotions and creams. Use topical therapies to reduce itching.

One should avoid tight-fitting clothes.
One should take antihistamines to reduce swelling and itching.
One should apply cool compresses to the welts to reduce pain.
One should avoid hot baths, in case of severe hives.
One should apply calamine lotion on the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.
In case of severe hives, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine.

Preventions:

One should avoid tight-fitting clothes.
One should avoid hot baths.
People who are experience symptoms of Hives such as tightness in your throat, wheezing, and shortness of breathe and face swelling should call the health care providers

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