Hives - also known as urticaria - are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They range in size from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. Hives can be round, or they can form rings or large patches. Wheals (welts), red lesions with a red “flare” at the borders, are one manifestation of hives. Hives can occur anywhere on the body, such as the trunk, arms, and legs.

Causes of Hives

Hives can be caused by something taken internally, most often a medicine such as penicillin or aspirin.
Sometimes foods cause hives; shellfish and strawberries are well-known examples.
Hives are also sometimes caused by infection. Most of the time, we do not find the cause.

Symptoms of Hives

Wheals or welts come and go on the skin or mucous membranes. These may itch intensely, itch only a little, or not itch at all.

Each typically has a whitish, raised patch of skin surrounded by a reddish halo. The welts may be tiny or large, and may be all over the body or confined to one area.

Treatment of Hives

Hives will eventually clear without treatment, but steps can be taken to help the hives go away faster, treat the itch, and prevent new hive formation.

To relieve the itching and reduce the swelling, a doctor may recommend either soaking in a lukewarm bath or using cool compresses. To keep more histamines from being released, avoid rubbing the area and avoid heat in any form.

Antihistamines are the main treatment for hives to reduce the allergic response. They must be taken properly to be effective. Make sure the dosage is adequate and be sure to take it for the recommended length of time.

In some instances, when the above methods do not work effectively, a brief course of oral corticosteroids may need to be prescribed by your doctor.

Home Remedies

One of the best remedies for hives is a soothing bath. Add five or six tablespoons of oatmeal and three tablespoons of cornstarch or sodium bicarbonate to your bathwater. If you are allergic to specific things, such as bee stings or other insect bites, certain foods or medications, ask your doctor about prescribing an emergency kit containing epinephrine (also called adrenaline), which is used to treat the severe or acute hives of anaphylaxis.

Prevention for Hives

The best way to prevent avoid exposure to any food, medicine, or physical agent that has been identified to cause your hives or angioedema.

Reducing emotional and physical stress may help. In rare cases, you may need to take antihistamines or other medicines for an extended time to prevent further hives or swelling.

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