If you’re experiencing an itchy, red rash, you may have hives. They’re common skin conditions that can occur at any age. While there’s no cure, common treatments can help relieve the symptoms. They mostly come about due to an allergic reaction, although they can also appear because of stress or infection.
Hives occur when people are sensitive to something they are exposed to either by ingesting it, injecting it under the skin, or inhaling it. A common cause of hives is certain medications such as antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is vital to switch medicines with a doctor’s consent in medication-related hives. Hives caused by physical factors will usually go away on their own. A specialist treating hives in Gilbert can recommend an ideal treatment depending on the cause.
Causes
The cause of hives is not always known, but it is typically the result of an allergy or a physical factor. Allergies are caused by a reaction to a substance that the body perceives as harmful. This reaction could be caused by something ingested, injected, or inhaled.
Common allergens that can trigger hives include:
- Foods such as peanuts, shellfish, strawberries
- Insect bites or stings
- Medications: antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ibuprofen
- Chemicals: hair dye, perfume
- Contact with plants: poison ivy, oak, sumac
Physical factors that can cause hives to include:
- Exercise
- Hot weather
- Sun exposure
- Emotional stress
- Infection
Symptoms
You may experience an itchy, red rash or swollen skin if you have hives. Hives may be anywhere on the body, but they often occur on the chest, arms, and legs. In some cases, hives may cause a burning sensation or make the skin feel tight. The symptoms of hives can vary from person to person and may change over time.
If you develop hives due to an allergic reaction, it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as :
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of the throat, face, lips, tongue, hands, eyes, feet, ankles
- Rapid heartbeat (palpitations) due to low blood pressure caused by loss of fluid through the skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are experiencing the symptoms of hives, it is vital to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will ask about your medical history and any recent exposures that caused the hives. They will also perform a physical examination to look for any signs of hives on the skin.
Treatment for hives will depend on the cause. If it results from an allergy, the doctor may recommend avoiding the allergen or taking medication to help reduce the reaction. If the hives are caused by a physical factor, such as exercise, the doctor may advise resting until they go away.
If hives are caused by infection, the doctor will recommend antibiotics or antiviral medication, if necessary. If the hives are stress-related or due to an illness, the doctor will typically advise using antihistamines to reduce itching and take other medicines to ease redness and swelling.
In summary, hives are a common skin condition that can occur at any age. The cause of hives is not always known, but it is typically the result of an allergy or a physical factor. They cause an itchy red rash or swollen skin. To diagnose the condition, the doctor will ask about your medical history and any recent exposures that may have caused the hives. Treatment involves medication and rest, but it varies depending on the cause of hives.
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