When You Get Hives

Urticaria (the technical name for hives) is remarkably common. Approximately one fifth of the population will experience them at least once in their lifetime. Normally, hives is the result of an allergic reaction. That reaction will cause a release of a chemical called Histamine into the skin, causing a reaction.

The causative allergen (the item that stimulates the release) might be systemic, such as a food product or an ingested drug. The causative agent might also be a topical allergen that sits externally on the body surface. Hives may appear on any body part but usually they are found on the extremities (arms & legs) or the torso.

Some of the most common causative agents are medications, chemicals and foodstuffs, like eggs, acidy fruits, seafood, and dairy products. Then there are the living things that tend to cause hives. These include household pets (particularly cats), insect that bite, dust mites and other creatures. Wool and other rough fabrics could cause hives as could systemic dysfunctions and viral diseases.

When afflicted with any of the allergens, the skin will erupt in inflammatory type reactions that include itching, swelling (called wheals) and redness. Hives are very itchy. The wheals (red bumps) can vary in size from almost pinpoints to very large plateaus of discomfort.

Most cases of Urticaria are acute (sudden and very evident) but resolve in about 24 hours. There are, however, cases that really never go away (chronic). They can last for many weeks, resolve, then return at a later time. Some people develop a form of Urticaria that is caused by exercise. This form is more complex as are its causes, e.g. eating, then exercising immediately afterwards. The best cure for Urticaria (hives) is to identify the cause and eliminate it. If left untreated, most cases will resolve and disappear in short order, but immediate treatment will make the patient much more comfortable and probably shorten the uncomfortable time. Itching and burning may be alleviated (eased) by applying cold or slightly warm compresses to the area. Never use hot compresses as they will make the situation (especially the itching) much worse.

Often, an anti-itch or antihistaminic cream rubbed into the area will make the patient more comfortable. Aloe Vera gel will also help to ease the itch. Oral antihistamines (Chlortrimeton and Benadryl) are the most common products) might be useful, but the side effect of drowsiness is a very real problem.

If you have a chronic Urticaria, the process of elimination is the best way to determine the cause. To effect a cure, there may need to be some living changes, diet changes and environmental adjustments made.

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