What You Need To Know About Hives

Hives are itchy, raised and annoying! They occur when the body reacts to something that it is sensitive or allergic to, which results in it releasing histamines and other chemicals into the bloodstream. While this is occurring, tiny veins and capillaries leak, and the fluid is trapped in the skin.

This causes the localized swelling that you see with a hives outbreak. These welts (also called wheals) may be very tiny, or spread until they are joined together in big patches. Hives can come and go very suddenly, and may happen seemingly without cause, even hours after the body is exposed to the irritating substance. Hives that occur on the face are called angiodema. This also refers to certain types of hives on the feet, hands and throat. Women are more prone to hives than men are, and family history plays a role in whether or not you will develop hives. Also, people who have allergies or certain food sensitivities are more susceptible to a hives outbreak.

What Triggers Hives?

Hives can be triggered in many different ways: food, medicine, infection, environment, irritants, and stress. Foods like shellfish, eggs, nuts and milk are very common irritants, as are contact irritants like animal dander, saliva and insect stings. Everything from certain types of jewellery to detergents can cause hives, so when it comes to pinpointing an irritant, it can be difficult.

Hives Treatments

You can use over-the-counter itch cream and antihistamines to treat hives. If they persist, your doctor can prescribe a stronger medicine like Atarax. There are also some new drugs on the market that are H2 blockers and have shown to be very effective in treating hives.