As with all allergy related skin conditions, it is important that the individual suffering from hives be as informed as possible about the condition. Expert medical advice is also an important part of treating any allergic condition that has the potential to become anaphylactic.
Urticaria and the Symptoms
Urticaria, commonly called hives or welts, is a rash of raised red, itchy spots with a paler center. The spots can range in size and shape, and can change their size, shape and location during the attack.
Hives can last from minutes to days or weeks. Each individual welt, however, should not last longer than twenty-four hours. The itching can also range from mild to severe.
Acute cases of hives usually last less than six weeks and the cause is often identifiable. Chronic hives last more than six weeks and the cause is usually very difficult to identify.
Physical hives are caused by something outside of the individual – things such as air temperature, sunlight, exercise or irritation of the skin.
Causes of Hives
Acute cases of hives are usually caused by food triggers, medication, an infection, or contact with a substance such as latex. If the hives are localized (located on one area of the body), it is usually an indication that the cause is contact with some substance or material at the skin level. Hives that are generalized, or all over the body, are usually the result of an allergic response.
The cause of chronic hives is often not possible to determine, even with extensive testing and detective work. Often, however, individuals affected by chronic hives indicate that one or more of the causes of physical hives is a factor in bringing on an outbreak.
Hives are not contagious – the affected individual does not need to be isolated from other people.
Diagnosis of Urticaria
Sometimes, the cause of the hives is easy to identify because they will occur as soon as the offending trigger is eaten or touched. However, in some cases, the medical expert and patient will need to do medical testing and detective work.
The physician will usually need to take a complete history of the patient and his/her family. The patient may also need to keep a food diary if allergy is believed to be the cause. An allergist can confirm this type of allergy.
In some cases, the cause of the hives is not identifiable.
Treatment of Hives
The main treatment for acute hives is to remove the trigger, if it is known. For itching, an antihistamine will probably be recommended. Cool baths or ice packs also help to relieve itching and discomfort.
For chronic hives, the main concern is to make the individual as comfortable as possible. A medical expert can help the sufferer to work out the best medications and dosages for his/her case.
An individual suffering from hives should avoid irritating clothing, lotions, soaps and detergents. Harsh substances and rough materials may aggravate the condition.
If any of the symptoms of anaphylaxis appear, it is extremely important to seek medical attention immediately.
Hives can be an uncomfortable condition, but it is possible to treat it until the hives go away. A medical expert can help with a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Website: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, updated March, 2005. Visited June 1, 2009.
Website: The Hospital for Sick Children, 2004 - 2009. Visited June 1, 2009.
Website: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2007. Visited June 1, 2009.
For another article about allergic skin conditions see Basic Information About Eczema and Basic Information About Contact Dermatitis.
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