Health Tips

WHY DO I GET HIVES?

Have you ever noticed itchy bumps on your skin after being in contact with certain food, dust, or insect bites? Well, you may be having hives!

WHAT ARE HIVES?

Hives or urticaria is an allergic disorder marked by raised oedematous red patches of skin or mucus membrane.

When an allergic reaction occurs, our body releases a chemical called histamine which makes tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin leak. The fluid accumulates under the skin to form raised spots that persists until reabsorption of the fluid into the surrounding cells occur.

SYMPTOMS

• Raised bumps which are red or skin-coloured with clearly defined border

• Rash that turns white if pressed (blanching)

• Intense itchiness, sometimes paired with pain or burning sensation

• Hives may appear anywhere on the body, change shape, move around, disappear and reappear over short periods of time

• Once resolved, the skin returns to normal without scarring

TYPES OF HIVES

Acute hives last less than six weeks, typically affecting the face, extremities, chest or back. Most cases are self-limited; the skin returns to normal without leaving any marks or bruising.

Chronic hives are recurrent hives, lasting more than six weeks. Often, the cause is idiopathic, and may be induced by stress or other physical stimuli.

Physical hives are hives aggravated by specific environmental or physical stimuli as below:

• COLD URTICARIA. Due to exposure to low temperatures

• SOLAR URTICARIA. Caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light

• CHOLINERGIC URTICARIA. Also known as heat rash occurs due to excessive sweating and raised skin temperatures

• PRESSURE URTICARIA. Caused by excessive pressure placed on the skin, including tight clothing or when carrying a heavy bag on the shoulder

• DERMOGRAPHIC URTICARIA. Also known as urticaria factitia is caused by friction or firm stroking on the skin

• VIBRATORY URTICARIA. Due to any form of vibration; including clapping, mowing the lawn or riding a motorcycle

• AQUAGENIC URTICARIA. Also known as water urticaria occurs when in contact with water

CAUSES

Examples of known triggers include:

• Medications including antibiotics (penicillin and sulfa drugs), ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

• Food such as milk, soy, nuts, eggs, seafood and wheat products. Read more about food allergy here.

• Viral infections such as influenza, the common cold, and hepatitis.

• Bacterial infections including urinary tract infections and strep throat.

• Pollen

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• Dust mites

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• Insect bites

• Latex

• Pet dander from cats, dogs or horses

TREATMENT

Home remedies

• Keeping a record of exacerbations to help identify a trigger

• Notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you suspect the specific medication is causing your hives

• Avoiding food causing your hives

• Wearing loose and lightweight clothing

• Avoiding the urge to scratch

• Avoiding exposure to cold air

• Wearing protective clothing or apply sunblock prior to being exposed under the sun

• Applying cold compress to soothe the itch and reduce swellings

• Using mild soaps for sensitive skin

• Taking an oatmeal bath with tepid water to relief localized inflammation

Medications

• Antihistamines that are available over the counter or by prescription. They help by blocking the effects of histamines.

• Corticosteroids like prednisolone to quickly bring down the swelling and itchiness. Prednisolone are used for short-term treatment due to the risks of side effects, such as osteoporosis, glaucoma and diabetes.

Hives can be managed well. However, if they start to interfere your quality of life, seek help from your doctor or an allergist.

References:

1. Hives (urticaria): Causes, pictures, treatments, and symptoms. Accessed December 08, 2019. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157260

2. Hives: Common Rash With Many Possible Causes. Verywell Health. Accessed December 08, 2019. https://www.verywellhealth.com/urticaria-overview-1068810

Image credit:

1. http://cms-static.wehaacdn.com/theforumnews-com/images/896a_150514024859b69e18a41b2.4342.widea.0.jpg

2. http://www.airwayallergyclinic.com.au/images/hives%20pathophys%20diagram%20v10.jpg

3. https://www.healthline.com/hlcmsresource/images/topic_centers/642x361__BODY_Dermatographia.jpg

4. https://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/container_rx.html?start=400&sti=n0h8ykfb7j9hz787hf|&mediapopup=37913233

5. http://foodsafetytrainingcertification.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/foodallergies.png

6. https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/dandelion-seeds-morning-sunlight-blowing-away-435545752

7. https://ferrari.utiy.co/thumbnail/300/gallery/ANd9GcT1wdYgLh0q-yV-h7BYRyyoC3YRmtb32m2NVKGMdjDcLL2hbyN5.jpg 

8. https://telegraphworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mosquitoes-Bite-Some-People-and-Don%E2%80%99t-Touch-Others-This-is-The-Reason-Because-of-That.jpg

9. https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/UTB8ECDcngnJXKJkSaelq6xUzXXa4/Disposable-Examination-Rubber-Gloves-Latex-Surgical-Gloves.jpg_300x300.jpg

10. http://www.wallpapercanyon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cat-and-dog-wallpaper-235x165.jpg

Written By

Dr Amirah Ekhsan

Reviewed By

Doc2us Medical Board