Hives is the generic term for Urticaria and are a kind of skin rash notable mainly for outbreak of swollen, pale, dark red, raised, itchy bumps. Hives are commonly caused by allergic reactions; however there are many non-allergic causes as well. Hives are a form of allergic reaction and sometimes the first manifestation of a severe reaction. Hives can appear anywhere on the surface of the skin. Whether the trigger is allergic or non-allergic, there is a complex release of inflammatory mediators, including histamine from cutaneous mast cells, resulting in fluid leakage from superficial blood vessels. Hives may be few millimeters in size, or several inches in diameter and vary in shape also. Allergic reactions, chemicals in foods, insect stings, sunlight exposure, or medicines can cause histamine release in body. Sometimes it's impossible to find out exactly why hives have formed. Individual hives are painful, and last for few hours to a few days or usually less than a day. They leave a bruise as they heal. Angioedema is a related condition also caused due to allergic and non-allergic causes, though fluid leakage is from much deeper blood vessels and swelling is not external. Hives and angioedema form in response to histamine, blood plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin.
Certain diseases cause hives as a symptom of the disease. Other diseases may cause hives as a result of suddenly released immune complexes that trigger the release of histamine from mast cells. Occult infections, infections that a person may not know they have, are a fairly common cause of hives however hives are caused due foods, especially peanuts, eggs, tree nuts, milk, shellfish, wheat, and soy, medications, especially antibiotics like penicillin and sulfa drugs, additives in foods or medications, such as the food dye tartrazine, infections, especially viral infections, insect bites and stings, latex, exercise, stress, exposure to heat, cold, or water, emotional stress, physical stress, lifestyle, and smoke.
The best way to avoid itching of hives is to preven0t them from occurring in the first place. Otherwise it is best to look for any changes in environment; drugs, soaps, perfumes, foods, pets or anything new to after which the first eruption was seen. It is not easy to identify and avoid substances that irritate skin or that cause an allergic reaction but these can include foods, medications, pollen, pet dander, latex and insect stings. Covering the affected area with bandages, ice and dressings can help soothe the skin and prevent scratching or rubbing. Wet compression helps a lot. Also if bath water is sprinkled with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal, it relieves itching. Avoid clothing and jewelry that's rough, tight, and scratchy or made from wool. This will help in avoiding irritation. Use over-the-counter antihistamine drugs can help. A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Allegra, Xysal or Claritin may help relieve itching. The best way to prevent hives is by identifying and avoiding the particular circumstance or substance that triggered the skin reaction.
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