What Are Hives?
August 17, 2009
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.
I have had hives for almost three months. I was told they are a result of an allergic reaction to a chemo drug I was taking in August. I have also had an anaphyalactic reaction in the past three months and been to the ER twice. I have been on steroids and they provide some relief. I am now on cyclosporin the past week overlapping with 2.5 mg. of prednisone, along with otc and rx antihistamines. The hives have not subsided, but “move” from one area of the body to another. Example: I had them on my arms and hands on Monday and Tuesday and they cleared up but my legs and feet and lower abdomen are covered in hives now. Calydryl gives brief relief, but I have to work and cannot apply this lotion all day. The allergist does not believe it is a food allergy. The hives appear to be worse after a shower and in the morning when I wake up. They also get worse when pressure is applied to an area, such as the waistband or behind the knee area after sitting at the computer with pants folded at the knee. There seems to be no explanation for the hives or why they haven’t subsided and gone away since the chemo was last administered two months ago. How long does it take??? Could I have hives for the rest of my life?? Are there any other drugs (safe) or lotions that will work better than what I have outlined above?? Any help is appreciated.
Want to add that whereever the hives appear, there is also swelling, sometimes substantial.