Hives are red, raised skin rash that occur around the face,the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes. They can be ver itchy and discomforting. Hives occurs when the body reacts to an allergen and releases histamine and other chemicals from under the surface of the skin.
An allergen is something that produces an allergic reaction. It is also known as urticaria, welts, weal, or nettle rash.When an allergic reaction occurs, the body releases a protein called histamine. When histamine is released, the tiny blood vessels known as capillaries leak fluid. The fluid accumulates in the skin and causes a rash. The histamine and chemicals cause inflammation and fluid to accumulate under the skin, causing wheals.
Some of the triggers for hives:
• Side effects to certain medications. Including some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids), such as aspirin and ACE inhibitors, used for high blood pressure
• Excessive consumption or allergic reactions to certain foods such as nuts, shellfish, food additives, eggs, strawberries, and wheat products.
•Viral infections including influenza, the common cold, glandular fever, and hepatitis B, some bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections and strep throat also trigger hives.
•Pet dander from dogs, cats, horses, and other domestic pets can also trigger hives.
•Exposing the skin to some plants, including nettles, poison ivy, and poison oak is also a possible cause of hives.
Other triggers include: Intestinal parasites, Extreme temperatures or changes in temperature, High body temperature, Dust mites, Cockroaches and cockroach waste, Latex products, pollen, insect bites and stings, Exposing the skin to some chemicals, chronic illness, such as thyroid disease or lupus, sunlight exposure and the continuous scratching of the skin.
The symptoms of hives includes but not limited to:
Swellings, known as wheals, appear as a rash on the skin. They are usually pink or red, with an oval or round shape. They can range from a few millimeters to several inches across.
Itchy skin is another part of the symptoms, the itching can be extreme, and they have a red flare around them.
The wheals usually occur in batches. They occur frequently on the face or the extremities, including the arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes.
Welts normally disappear within 24 hours, but new ones may form. They can appear on just one part of the body, or on several parts.
Symptoms normally disappear within 24 hours, but sometimes another weal appears as the last one fades. In some cases, hives can continue for several days. People with chronic hives can have symptoms for months or years.
Home remedies for hives:
Triggers do not cause the problem, but they can aggravate symptoms. Patients should try to identify and avoid them.
This may include:
Abstaining from or cutting down on alcohol
Avoiding certain medications
Stress should be avoided, if possible, perhaps with meditation or relaxation techniques
Mild soaps, skin creams, and detergents are better.
Tips to reduce the irritation caused by hives include:
Wearing loose, light clothing
Avoiding scratching
Use soaps for sensitive skin
Shower, fan, cold water, lotion, or cool compresses to cool affected area
Take an oatmeal bath with tepid water
Avoid known triggers
Some supplements such as quercetin and Evening Primrose Oil, and vitamin C, D and others can ease the symptoms of hives. However, It is important to speak to a doctor before using supplements. Some supplements these can trigger adverse reactions.
