Hives Symptoms and Causes
Hives is a kind of skin disorder in which red patches and swollen blotches appear in groups, in certain parts of the skin. These skin rashes are generally circular in shape and are itchy. They may disappear naturally after some time, but they reappear in another part of the body. Technically known as urticaria, this is a skin reaction that takes place due the secretion of a chemical inside the body called histamine. This happens when the body comes into contact with certain irritants, though you might not necessarily be allergic to them. Hives mostly affect the face, arms, chest and back.
The most common symptoms are the sudden appearance of welts on the skin that look somewhat like mosquito bites. These welts cause irritation and keep appearing and disappearing periodically in different parts of the body. This skin reaction is mostly triggered by food items like peanuts, strawberries, eggs, seafood, artificial coloring, flavoring or preservative agents in manufactured food items, and chemicals in certain medicines like aspirin and antibiotics. Exposure to extreme temperatures can also cause hives. Excessive perspiration is also known to trigger an attack of hives. Insect bites and contact with animal excreta are among the other possible causes. Sometimes, stress and even other serious ailments like thyroid and hepatitis can be signaled by hives.
Tips for Treating Hives
You may take a few preventive measures to avoid hives. Do not wear tight, ill-fitting clothes that prevent the free passage of air around the surface of the skin, as this can lead to accumulation of excessive sweat and cause hives. Avoid stepping into an air-conditioned environment from direct sunlight, and vice versa, as this can cause a sudden change in temperature on the surface of the skin and lead to hives. Most importantly, try to detect which allergens cause irritation to your skin, and avoid those at all costs.
Besides these preventive measures, you can follow a few tips at home to treat hives. Applying cold compresses is useful in soothing the skin and reducing inflammation and itching. You may wrap a few cubes of ice in a towel and massage the affected areas with this for 10-15 minutes at regular intervals throughout the day. If the itching is severe, you may even apply the ice cubes directly on the skin for a couple of minutes. Alternatively, soak a piece of soft cotton cloth in some cold milk and dab the affected area with it for 10 minutes thrice a day. This provides some relief from the irritation.
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