Hives

The immune system releases histamine when it senses a threat in the body. These chemicals work to protect the body from illness. However, sometimes the immune system releases histamine when there is no real threat, which is exactly what happens to people with allergies.

Hives are often the result of an allergic reaction to:

• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Latex
• Certain foods
• Bug bites
• Medication
• Plants

Hives may also develop as a result of environmental and internal factors, including:

• Stress
• Extreme heat or cold
• Stress
• Sunlight
• Tight clothing

Hives often look like clusters of raised, pale red bumps. They can appear anywhere on the body and range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Hives are usually itchy but can also burn or sting. In some cases, hives can also feel warm to the touch.

A soothing anti-itch lotion or cream works to decrease the itching associated with hives to provide temporary relief.

Non-drowsy or prescription antihistamines may prevent and reduce the severity of hives.

For severe hives, your dermatologist may prescribe a corticosteroid cream to help reduce inflammation, itching, and swelling.

Phototherapy may be used to treat chronic hives that don’t respond to other treatments.

Hives can be classified as either physical, infectious, chronic, drug, stress, temperature, or food related. Acute urticaria lasts less than six weeks. In acute urticaria, the cause is easily identifiable and can be readily eliminated. Sometimes, hives can be perplexing because no cause is ever found and the eruption proves to be no more than a temporary nuisance.

In rare instances, trouble with breathing or swallowing can occur with a hive reaction. This is considered serious because a life threatening respiratory or blood pressure issue can occur, something we refer to as an anaphylactic reaction. If you experience dizziness or difficulty with swallowing or breathing after an insect bite or a meal, it is important to let our office know immediately or to go to the nearest ER immediately.. An EpiPen™ should be carried by you at all times. This will help you in such an emergency, when there is no other available person or persons to assist you.

• Food. The most common foods that cause hives are peanuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, soy beans, berries and milk. Fresh foods cause hives to develop more often than cooked foods. Hives also can form after shellfish, dairy, or citrus ingestion. A careful history is crucial to eliminating these sources from the diet.
• Drug ingestion. There are many types of medications that can induce hives. These include penicillin, sulfa, codeine, morphine, and aspirin. Hives can also be triggered by blood pressure medication, antacids, ear and eye drops, laxatives and vaginal douches. When experiencing hives, it is important to relate the various medications that you are taking so as to find and eliminate the source of the rash.
• Infections. Viral infections, such as mononucleosis and bacterial infections, such as strep throat, are common causes of hives. Hepatitis and fungal infections can also be triggers. If you have suffered a recent infection or been exposed to somebody with an infection, let your doctor know so that he or she can review your medical history in a thorough manner.