What Causes Hives?
What Causes Hives
What are Hives?
Before we talk about what causes hives, lets first ask ourselves 'what are hives?' Also known as Urticaria or nettle rash, hives are an outbreak of swollen, itchy, red welts or plaques that can appear on any part of the body. They are very unpleasant and can often feel like burning or stinging.
They are extremely common and can happen to anyone from any age, race, country etc.
What Causes Hives?
Hives are caused when the body produces histamine under the surface of the skin. This causes fluid to accumulate under the skin and inflammation to occur.
Not a lot is really known about what causes hives but one known factor is allergic reactions. Based on that fact let us share with you some common triggers associated to it:
- Foods and additives - Common foods are strawberries, nuts, chocolate, eggs and wheat products
- Insect bites and stings. This could come from any number of different insects.
- Medications - antibiotics can cause hives to appear so always watch out for hives once taking medication
- Intestinal parasites - a nice one to watch out for
- Extremes of temperatures
- Stress
There are others but the ones listed above tend to be the most common culprits. If you have not experienced any of the above but still have hives then you should contact your doctor who may be bale to help provide a more accurate diagnosis.
How can you treat Hives?
There are different ways to treat hives, some natural. As hives tend to only last a short time (usually up to 1 day) the treatment is not usually needed however it is always good to have something in your medical cabinet.
Antihistamines help with itching and swelling and so help reduce any discomfort you may encounter with hives. If your symptoms are more severe then you may be prescribed with Corticosteroids which help suppress the immune system.
For natural treatments you can take a bath with baking soda, which again is to reduce the itching sensation.
Hopefully you won't suffer from hives for long periods of time - they do tend to fade after a short time. Try and avoid what gave you the hives in the first place and you shouldn't encounter too many repeat occurrences.
If you do have a case of severe hives it is highly recommended that you visit your doctor and get professional advice.
What are Hives?
Before we talk about what causes hives, lets first ask ourselves 'what are hives?' Also known as Urticaria or nettle rash, hives are an outbreak of swollen, itchy, red welts or plaques that can appear on any part of the body. They are very unpleasant and can often feel like burning or stinging.
They are extremely common and can happen to anyone from any age, race, country etc.
What Causes Hives?
Hives are caused when the body produces histamine under the surface of the skin. This causes fluid to accumulate under the skin and inflammation to occur.
Not a lot is really known about what causes hives but one known factor is allergic reactions. Based on that fact let us share with you some common triggers associated to it:
- Foods and additives - Common foods are strawberries, nuts, chocolate, eggs and wheat products
- Insect bites and stings. This could come from any number of different insects.
- Medications - antibiotics can cause hives to appear so always watch out for hives once taking medication
- Intestinal parasites - a nice one to watch out for
- Extremes of temperatures
- Stress
There are others but the ones listed above tend to be the most common culprits. If you have not experienced any of the above but still have hives then you should contact your doctor who may be bale to help provide a more accurate diagnosis.
How can you treat Hives?
There are different ways to treat hives, some natural. As hives tend to only last a short time (usually up to 1 day) the treatment is not usually needed however it is always good to have something in your medical cabinet.
Antihistamines help with itching and swelling and so help reduce any discomfort you may encounter with hives. If your symptoms are more severe then you may be prescribed with Corticosteroids which help suppress the immune system.
For natural treatments you can take a bath with baking soda, which again is to reduce the itching sensation.
Hopefully you won't suffer from hives for long periods of time - they do tend to fade after a short time. Try and avoid what gave you the hives in the first place and you shouldn't encounter too many repeat occurrences.
If you do have a case of severe hives it is highly recommended that you visit your doctor and get professional advice.
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