What Are Hives?

Hive is an allergic reaction, which causes red and itchy bumps on the skin. Our body releases chemicals (histamines) whenever there is any allergic reaction going on in the body, which makes the skin irritable.

Hives mainly go off themselves. If the infection is severe then only medicine or shots are needed. If the treatment is not taken properly then it can also cause swelling in the respiratory tract, which can make breathing a problem.

Sweating and exposure to high climatic conditions can also be the cause of hives. Hereditary also plays an important role in the occurrence of hives.

Types

Hives are distinguished into two parts acute and chronic. The acute hive is caused due to intake of wrong food or drug. They usually dissolve on their own. Acute hives are treated using anti-histamines. They block the release of histamine. Their treatment should be taken completely otherwise they can reoccur also.

Chronic hives are those that occur once in two weeks and last for more then 6 weeks. They do not resolve on their own. It is very tough to determine this condition. One has to maintain a diary noting everything that you are doing. Some times thyroid diseases like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can also be the cause for the same. Some yeast infection can also lead to appearance of hives. After the cause is known then only the treatment is started.

Home Remedies

Placing a cold pack on the hives reduces the swelling, pain and itching. Applying calamine lotion reduces the itching and redness. Applying aloe vera gel is also very effective in relieving the symptoms.

Fill half the tub with warm water with some cornstarch and some baking soda and take a bath in it. This reduces the effects of hives and is proved to be highly beneficial.

Acupressure therapy is also found very much beneficial for hives. Children can too suffer from this problem. It can be due to heavy sweating, some allergies or hereditary. It is a state of worry in children but if given proper attention and treated on time then everything could go right.

Person undergoing great stress can also be affected by hives without any allergic reactions.