What are hives?
Hives are the red, itchy welts that result from an allergic reaction in the body. If you suffer from hives, you need to understand their causes, as well as how to treat hives outbreaks.
Hives, also known as urticaria, nettle rash, uredo and welts, are classified into two groups:
- Acute hives may last for less than one day, or up to six weeks.
- Chronic hives lasts longer than 6 weeks. (Some cases have persisted for over 20 years!)
Note that there is no visual difference between acute and chronic hives, only the time that the case lasts.
What are the hives causes?
Before we discuss how to treat hives, let's look at some of the more typical triggers of hives.
- Foods and food additives: wheat, cow's milk, peanuts, shellfish, strawberries, chocolate, yeast, tomatoes; salicylates, tartrazine, benzoate, sulfites.
- Drugs: penicillin, aspirin, sulfa antibiotics, codeine, quinine, polymyxin, dextran, morphine.
- Inhaled agents: pollen, dust, mold spores.
- Diseases: lupus, lymphoma, carcinoma, thyroid problem.
- Infections: hepatitis B, mononucleosis, sinus infection, malaria.
- Physical stimuli: standing for a long time, sun exposure, cold water.
- Contact triggers: specific fabrics, insect stings, plants.
- Stress or anxiety.
What are hives dangers?
Severe cases of hives can be dangerous if left untreated.
- Though the hives themselves are not contagious, the agent that causes them could be - such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
- Hives may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition like mononucleosis, lupus, or a thyroid disorder. (see diseases and infections above)
What are hives risk factors?
People who may be more likely to suffer from hives are those who:
- Have had hives before.
- Have had previous allergic reactions.
- Have close relatives with hives.
- Have a disorder associated with hives (such as lupus or a thyroid problem).
Understanding what are hives and what are their causes may help you to prevent outbreaks.
Many specialists recommend that you establish a link between your outbreaks and any triggers you may have been exposed to. Ask yourself, "What are hives triggers in my life?" and then try to avoid those things.
Some research has suggested that there are dietary ways to prevent hives. Vitamin C, yogurt and garlic are three ingredients that may provide some degree of prevention.
