All about Hives

Hives is the general term used to describe an outbreak of bumps and welts associated with an allergic reaction. Unlike mouth ulcers and other mouth sores, hives form on the outside of the body more like chickenpox or shingles symptoms. There are different types of hives.

One type of hives is defined by the amount of time the condition is present. For swelling that last less than six weeks the term acute urticaris is used. With this condition, the cause can originate from a long list that includes foods, medicines (particularly aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications), latex, insect bites and diseases.

Among the foods known to cause allergic reactions are chocolate, dairy products, eggs, fish, (especially shellfish), soy, tomatoes and wheat. It may come as a surprise to learn that fresh foods more often than prepared foods are responsible for reactions. Certain additives and preservatives are known instigators as well.

Chronic urticaria is marked by swelling that lasts for longer than six weeks. Causes in this condition are not as easily determined, though the causes may be the same as with acute cases. Other causes of chronic outbreaks are lasting infections, problems with hormones and malignancy.

Physical urticaria is caused when the body (skin) is exposed to certain conditions such as cold, heat, excessive sun, sweating, pressure and vibration. In this case, hives usually appear at the site of exposure and within an hour of exposure.

Scratching or rubbing the skin can also cause hives. This condition is called dermatographism and is usually less invasive and more predictable.

It is very important to resist the urge to scratch the affected area to avoid further damage to the skin and lessen the duration of this painful condition. Keeping the affected area clean will also help speed up the healing process.