by Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: September 30, 2009

Hives is the common name for a disorder called urticaria. It is an allergic skin rash which can also be caused by stress. The rash can erupt suddenly and in irregularly shaped, raised, red patches. These patches are usually also flat topped and itchy. They can appear on the face, arms or legs. They also appear on the trunk of the body. Sometimes, but less often, they appear on the scalp, hands or feet.

What Causes Hives

Usually hives are caused by a person touching or being around something, or having eaten or drunk something that they are allergic to. It can also be caused by an allergic relaxation to medication or being bitten by something. You can also breathe in something that you are allergic to.

Other causes can be sun exposure, or even being in contact with extremes of temperature, like a very hot shower for example. The patches or bumps form due to histamine being released into the skin. Histamine is a chemical which the body produces. It is part of an allergic response, and it causes fluid to leak out of a person's blood vessels, and collect under the person's skin.

Allergy prone people who have hay fever suffer from hives more than others; also people who have hay fever or eczema, or are allergic to dust. There are many other offenders in relation to hives. Many people are allergic to animal dander, bites or stings from bugs or bees, Some people are allergic to berries, chocolate, dairy products, eggs, meat such as pork; shellfish , wheat products and even nuts can cause a outbreak of hives.

Physical stress, including exercise can also cause an outbreak of hives. The good news is that hives is usually harmless. These ugly welts and patches go away on their own as suddenly as they came. They leave no scars, and they cause no lasting problems. Do not be fooled by this however, as in rare cases, hives can signal the first sign of a life threatening reaction which is known as anaphylaxis. It is very important to consult with your doctor about the appearance of this type of rash, because it could forewarn you of more serious allergic problems. You could have swelling in your breathing passages; you can also have severe low blood pressure.If you are not treated promptly, there is the strong possibility of shock, coma, heart attack or even death.

Treatment for Hives

Increase your intake of dark green leafy vegetables, and yellow orange vegetables which are rich in Vitamin A. This is especially for those hives attacks caused by sun exposure. Niacin and Vitamin C also helps. Take cool showers. Cool water eases the histamine reaction. Wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothing to get relief from the itching. Medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen or other medications may aggravate the disorder. Try to avoid diet drinks and foods which have a lot of additives. Ease up on your makeup, and your shampoo, soap or cologne or any chemical which comes into contact with your skin. Reintroduce them one at a time in your effort to identify the cause of your problem.

The best way to prevent hives is to avoid exposure to the offending allergen. It may be difficult to identify the cause, but once you do, by all means avoid it. If you cannot identify the cause, consult with your doctor, or allergy specialist. They can do a blood or skin test which can give a more accurate idea.

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