Treating Swollen Eyes Caused by Hives

Hives is a skin condition that causes rashes, red raised bumps, itchiness and swelling of the skin. Hives generally occurs due to an allergic reaction in response to a stimuli or irritant. Hives can appear anywhere in the body and can be of any size and shape. Hives can appear in clusters or can appear singly. Hives symptoms comprise of - redness of skin, swelling, itching, raised bumps, watery eyes etc. In some people hives can cause swelling of the eyes.

The tissues around the eyes are really sensitive and therefore can get swollen when hives occur. It is important to identify the cause of the swelling of the eyes. It is also important to note whether the swelling is around the eyes or on the eyelid or at the corners.

Swelling of eyes can occur for various reasons such as lack of sleep, dryness of eyes, trauma, allergy, sty, conjunctivitis and other eye disorders. Hives that occurs around the eyes or a swollen eye is an outcome of an allergic reaction. Hence, swelling around the eyes is usually accompanied with itchiness and redness of the eye.

Preventing and Treating Swollen Eyes Due to hives:

• Because hives is an outcome of an allergic reaction, it is advisable to cease exposure to the triggering agent that is causing the allergic reaction.
• Once, your eyes are swollen because of the hives do not itch it or else the condition will only aggravate.
• Hives that is causing swelling of the eyes can be treated clinically. Treatments are as follows:
  • Anti-histamines can be taken to block the release of histamine in the body. Histamine release causes hives. Antihistamines can be used to alleviate hive symptoms including swollen eyes and itching. Antihistamines can be purchased over the counter or can be bought with a prescription.
  • Swollen eyes can lead to a bacterial infection and thus a person will need to take antibiotics. Antibiotics can be taken orally or one can use an antimicrobial eye drop to prevent an infection. A person can also get viral and fungal infections of the eye and this will require specialist treatment.
  • Corticosteroids can be used to reduce the severe swelling of the eye and surrounding tissues. Steroid drops also can be used to control and manage the inflammation of the eyes.
  • In very severe cases, your doctor may give you Epinephrine shots to get rid of the swelling.

These are some ways to prevent and treat the swelling of the eyes caused due to hives. If the condition is very severe please consult a doctor immediately.