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 Hives (Urticaria) are a type of rash, sometimes caused welts, which can last from a few hours, to days, weeks, months or even years at a time. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and may move from one area to another.
Hives are small in size and are typically raised, red lesions which turn white when presses. Hives can also feel very itchy for the sufferer.
Acute Hives are the most common form of Urticaria and can come and go quite rapidly, sometimes lasting a few minutes and sometimes days. Typically hives last no longer than six weeks however. Acute hives can be triggered by the following;
- A virus, such as a cold or flu.
- A food, such as a new food or a food that is rarely eaten.
- A drug or over the counter preparation, such as a vitamin, aspirin or herbal remedy.
- An insect sting.
- Exercise.
- Latex rubber product, such as rubber gloves or a balloon.
Chronic Hives are not as common and can last more than six weeks, occuring daily for months or years. Chronic hives points to an overreaction of a persons immune system, where the body is reacting against itself due to a disease or arthritis. As there is often no allergic reaction it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of chronic hives. Blood testing can be carried out to detect disease, but the results usually do not provide any concrete cause.
Treating Hives
Hives usually disappear with the use of an antihistamine medication, and in some cases corticosteroids are used in conjunction with the antihistamine.
Chronic hives will usually disappear on their own, but to relieve itching during the suffering an antihistamine is once again a common treatment.
In extreme cases with extensive swelling or breathing difficulties, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, where an injection of adrenaline, antihistamines, corticosteroids and life-saving treatment will be employed.
In all cases of Hives, the best treatment is to try and find the cause of the urticaria and avoid the substance, irritant or allergen.
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