Hives:

Urticaria or hives are red, itchy, swollen bumps on the skin that appear suddenly.

Types of Hives

Cholinergic Urticaria - hives that appear during an activity that raises the body temperature

Chronic Urticaria - hives that continue frequently for longer than 4 weeks

Cold-Induced Hives - occur after exposure to cold wind or water

Solar Hives - caused by exposure to sunlight or sunlamp

Exercise-Induced Hives - occurs during or after exercise

Causes

Hives are often triggered by drug and food allergies. However, some types of hives are not triggered by an allergy at all.

Prevention and Treatment

Antihistamines are used to treat recurrent hives and relieve symptoms. If food, drug or another allergens cause hives, avoidance is the only method of treatment.

For more information on the treatment of hives or to schedule an appointment with an allergist at Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center, call 205-871-9661.