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Hives
Hives are red, itchy, swollen areas of the skin. They often appear in clusters with new clusters appearing as others clear. Hives can arise suddenly and may leave as quickly as one or two hours or last as long as 24 hours. Twenty percent of the population has suffered from hives at least once in their lives. If you experience chronic or persistent hives, contact an allergy specialist to investigate the cause and prescribe a treatment to prevent future break outs.
Causes of Hives
Hives are often triggered by food allergies or drug allergies. Among the most common food allergies that cause hives are peanut allergies, tree nut allergies (almonds, walnuts, etc.) and shellfish allergies (crab, shrimp, oysters, etc.). Common medications associated with drug allergies include penicillin, sulfa, phenobarbital, and aspirin.
Some types of hives are not triggered by an allergy. Cholinergic urticaria is the medical term for hives that appear after an activity that increases the body temperature like hot tub use, exercise, fever, or emotional stress. The hives usually occur as the skin cools after being warmed. Cold-induced hives occur after exposure to cold wind or water and often appear on the lips or mouth. Solar hives are caused by exposure to sunlight or a sunlamp and a reaction can occur within one to three minutes of sun exposure.
Sometimes exercise can cause hives. With exercise-induced hives, some individuals may develop a lung obstruction and may lose consciousness. This severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis and may be fatal.
Hives that continue either daily or frequently for longer than four weeks are called "chronic urticaria". This is usually not caused by allergy, but an allergist is well qualified to evaluate and treat this problem.
Schedule an appointment with an Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center allergy specialist for more information.
Treatment of Hives
If food allergies or drug allergies cause your hives, avoidance is the only method of treatment. Antihistamines are used to treat recurrent episodes and remedy the symptoms. Many of the newer, non-sedating antihistamines have been approved for the treatment of hives. If you suffer from hives, consult with an allergy specialist on the treatment that is best for you.
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