What is hives? | Symptoms, causes and how to treat the disease

Hives are a skin reaction that consists of red bumps or swellings called hives that cause itching or itching. The hives last from two to six hours and can disappear spontaneously without leaving a mark and reappear in the same place or in another area of ​​the skin. It is a disease that can be acute, if it lasts for less than six weeks; or chronic, if it exceeds that time and can appear at any age, although acute urticaria is more common among children and adolescents. It is more common in women than in men.

Causes of hives

An allergy, a physical cause, an infection, ...

Hives It can be caused by emotional stress, but more often it is due to immunological reasons, allergy to a food, an ingredient, a medication, insect bites, etc. There are also non-immunological causes such as those caused by cold, sweat, rubbing, skin contact or infection.

The types of hives are:

- Aquagenic urticaria. Called “water allergy”. It's not Common.

- Urticaria a frigore or cold.

- Contact urticaria.

- Autoimmune urticaria.

- Cholinergic urticaria or heat urticaria.

- Urticarial vasculitis. Vascular damage of immunological or inflammatory cause.

Symptoms of urticaria

Itchy bumps are characteristic

In the case of acute urticaria the symptoms are skin-colored bumps and swellings (hives) . The rash and itching disappear in a few weeks. In chronic urticaria, when the signs persist for more than six weeks or recur frequently, sometimes for months or years, clusters of itchy wheals, which can be severe, appear anywhere on the body.

Hives can vary in size and shape. Angioedema, painful swelling of the lips, eyelids, or inside the throat, may also occur. In chronic urticaria the symptoms can increase with heat, exercise and stress.

Diagnosis of urticaria

The doctor needs to know our diet

The physical examination and the questionnaire are the basis for establishing the diagnosis by the doctor. You can also ask for an activity diary, medicines, supplements, herbal teas, food and drinks. It is also key to see where the hives appear and how long they take to disappear. The doctor may order a blood test or skin test or refer the case to a dermatologist or allergist.

Treatment and medication for hives

Antihistamines are usually the usual drugs

For the treatment of hives, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines or even corticosteroids for severe cases ; diet; and dermatological care.

Prevention of hives

Avoid eating certain foods

The doctor may also recommend, for the treatment and prevention of the appearance of hives, avoiding the intake of some foods that release vasoactive amines or histamine such as tuna, cocoa, strawberries, shellfish, fermented cheeses or paprika. Another recommendation is to wear loose and light clothing, avoid scratching, use mild soaps, and use sunscreen outdoors.