Hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques on the skin that appear suddenly either as a result of the body’s reaction to certain allergens, or for unknown reasons.
Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting.
They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears. Hives vary in size (from a pencil eraser to a dinner plate), and may join together to form larger areas known as plaques.
They can last for hours, or up to one day before fading.
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What Causes Hives and Angioedema?
Allergic hives and angioedema form when, in response to histamine, blood plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin. Histamine is a chemical released from specialized cells along the skin’s blood vessels.
Acute urticaria:
Hives lasting less than six weeks. The most common causes are certain foods, medications, or infections. Insect bites and internal disease may also be responsible.
The most common foods that cause hives are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Fresh foods cause hives more often than cooked foods. Certain food additives and preservatives may also be to blame.
Chronic urticaria and angioedema:
Hives lasting more than six weeks. The cause of this type of hives is usually more difficult to identify than those causing acute urticaria.
For most people with chronic urticaria, the cause is impossible to determine. In some cases, though, the cause may be thyroid disease, hepatitis, infection, or cancer.
Home remedies
In the majority of cases, people use home remedies to treat hives and do not seek further medical attention or intervention. Effective home remedies to treat hives include:
1. A cold compress:
A person can apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area. This can provide relief from itchiness and help reduce inflammation. A cold compress can be used as often as necessary.
2. Bathing in an anti-itch solution.
Oatmeal and baking soda baths can soothe skin and reduce irritation. Adding witch hazel to a bath is another effective home remedy.
3.Applying aloe vera.
The healing properties of aloe vera may soothe and reduce hives. It is advisable, however, to do a skin test before applying aloe vera to the entire area that is affected.
4. Avoiding irritants.
This includes perfumes, fragranced soaps or moisturizers, and staying out of the sun. A person should also stay cool and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
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