Hives Information

Hives, medical name urticaria, is a skin problem that affects people of all ages. It is usually recognized as red colored patches on the skin, which appear suddenly and in most cases disappear in the same way too. Hives is not a serious condition and usually go away without any treatment. However, if it remains for a long time or reappears quite frequently, care should be given immediately. There are several ways of treating hives condition; but before that, it is important to know about hives in detail. Hives information given here will help you in doing so.

Hives Information: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Types of Hives

Hives are categorized into several types. It is important to know about the types of hives because the treatment for hives will depend on its type. Here is a list of the different form of hives:

• Acute hives
• Chronic hives
• Physical hives
• Drug induced hives
• Cholingeric hives
• Solar hives
• Aquagenic hives

Hives Causes

• Hives is usually caused due to some kind of allergy. People who are allergic to foods like eggs, seafood, nuts etc. can experience hives. Also, insect bites, and exposure of the skin to latex, pollen, and pet dander are other causes of hives. Certain medications can also be the culprit that causes allergic reactions like hives.
• Another reason that can give rise to hives is stress. When a person is stressed due to personal or professional problems, an increase in the levels of cortisols and adrenalin is seen in his/her blood stream. Presence of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is also seen in the blood due to stress. Although the occurrence of these hormones do not cause any harm if it appears only for a very short period of time, if they persist for a very long period, it can give rise to histamines, which further leads to hives.
• Hives can occur when a person wears tight clothes and jewelry for a long time. Most people must have observed this problem; however, it does not last for a long time.
• Hereditary is another factor that can lead to the problem of hives. Certain diseases, especially liver and kidney disease are also recognized as hives causes.
• Metabolic diseases, for example hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can also give rise to hives in a person. Other than that chronic infections like urinary tract infections, viral hepatitis, sinus infections etc. are also responsible for hives.

Hives Symptoms

Hives can be easily recognized, as its symptoms are quite obvious. The most common and usually the first symptom of hives is red colored welts, patches, or bumps. They appear in clusters and can be small or large in size. Also, hives do not stay at one place for a long time. It can shift from one place to the other easily.

One may also experience itching on the area where hives appear. Some people also experience pain or discomfort in that area. In extreme cases, they may find it difficult to breathe normally, may lose consciousness, or feel dizzy. Some other signs of hives are anxiety, irregular or rapid heartbeat etc.

Hives Treatment

Hives are easy to treat and moreover, there are several methods of treatment that one can choose for getting rid of this skin condition. The conventional method of treating hives is the intake of antihistamines and application of topical creams. However, these do have some side effects and hence, people look out for alternative treatments. In case of mild hives, treatment can be done at home with the help of some simple home remedies. Applying cold compresses, Vitamin E oil, aloe vera gel etc. are some of the home remedies that can bring relief to hives symptoms like pain, itching etc.

Apart from conventional treatments and home remedies, one can also try homeopathic and herbal treatments. However, just like allopathic medicines, it is important to consult a health practitioner before adopting any of these treatment methods.

Thus, it can be said that hives is a skin condition which can be treated easily, if one has complete hives information.