Hives
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Hives — less commonly known as urticaria, nettle rash or uredo — is a type of allergic reaction. Chronic hives can continue for six weeks or more and is estimated to affect 1 in 1,000 people.
Hives FAQs
Hives present as raised skin welts that can be 5 mm (0.2 inches) in diameter or more, itch severely, and often have a pale border. It usually starts as a smaller itchy patch of skin that grows and turns into red welts that are swollen. The itching may become severe and may be exacerbated by alcohol consumption, exercise and emotional stress. In many cases, the center of the red hive will turn white when pressed, also known as “blanching”.
Urticaria is generally caused by direct contact with an allergenic substance or an immune response to food or some other allergen. It can be triggered by food allergies (such as peanuts, eggs, nuts or shellfish), medications, insect bites or stings, allergic reactions to latex, pet dander, pollen and some plants like poison ivy or oak. Some people develop hives simply by touching certain irritants.
Hives Treatment Options
If you are experiencing hives, your dermatologist may recommend antihistamines to block the allergic reaction, or a corticosteroid or immune modulator to ease the symptoms. If the cause of the irritation can be identified, the best treatment is to eliminate it.