How To Treat Hives Rash

November 17, 2008 | By roukarous In Skin Rash Treatment |

Hives can hit anyone regardless of age or relative health. In most cases, it is not really a worrisome condition and is often temporary at best. However, it can be very uncomfortable and unsightly. Learn what a hives skin rash is, its causes, symptoms and treatment.

What are hives?

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a disorder of the skin, usually as a result of the body’s allergic reaction. They often appear on the surface of the skin as elevated wheals that are firm to the touch. Frequently, wheals have a whitish spot in the center.

Hives can appear as a single spot or as multiple lesions, depending on the cause and the sensitivity of the individual involved.

Symptoms of hives

Hives can manifest itself as reddish or inflamed lesions on the skin which can appear round or irregular. Hives commonly appear on areas of the skin that are covered or generally unexposed such as the back, the arms and the chest. They rarely affect the scalp, palms or the soles.

Although hives cause discomfort and itching, they are almost always temporary in nature. Symptoms often fade away or disappear completely a few minutes after they appear.

Causes

There are several conditions that may lead to hives. Some of these include:

Asthma or hay fever

Both conditions are caused by an individual’s sensitivity to at least one allergen. As a result, hives or skin rash will appear in conjunction with either condition.

Allergic reaction to foods and certain chemical substances

Hives or skin rashes may also result if an individual has food or chemical allergies. Exposure to these substances (whether inhaled, ingested, applied or injected) will cause hives to appear. Sensitivity to injectable medications that contain protein can also cause an allergic skin rash.

Reaction to common allergens

Individuals who are highly sensitive to pollen, molds, dust, feathers and other small particles that frequently cause allergic reactions very often will exhibit skin rashes.

Allergic reaction to certain drugs

Hives or skin rashes can also be caused by an individual’s sensitivity to drugs such as analgesics (aspirin) and antibiotics (penicillin).

Insect bites

Hives can also be caused by infected bites from mosquitoes, bed bugs, lice and human parasites such as worms.

Hormonal imbalance

Individuals suffering from an imbalance of the hormones can often suffer from hives. These include those who are nearing menopausal age or are about to go into their menstrual period.

Emotional or psychiatric stress

Stress can be a major cause of hives, particularly because it affects the immune system and diminishes the body’s ability to heal itself. Hives or skin rashes may either occur as a result of a disease brought about by stress or aggravate a skin disorder that is already present, thus causing the appearance of wheals and the feeling of itching or tickling.

Treatment

The skin rash associated with hives had been caused by a condition or disease, it’s important that the main cause is treated first. The rash that appears in this case is due mainly to an underlying condition. Once that condition has been resolved, the skin rash will disappear.

In case of allergic reaction, it’s critical that the cause of the allergies is eliminated. To treat hives or skin rashes caused by drugs and other medications, an alternative prescription may be required.

For individuals with a known sensitivity to allergens, avoidance, frequent house cleaning or improved hygiene may be the solution. If the skin rashes or hives are caused by emotional or psychiatric stress, learning to cope or avoid incidents that trigger stress will help make the symptoms disappear.

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