Cold-induced hives may occur from cold water or air exposure, while body heat from physical activity may cause exercise-induced hives. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds may also bring about solar hives in some people. Both viral and bacterial infections can cause hives. Common bacterial infections causing hives include urinary tract infections and strep throat. Viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis, and colds often cause hives.
The first step in getting treatment is to figure out if you actually have hives. In most cases, your doctor will be able to determine if you have hives from a physical exam. Your skin will show signs of the welts that are associated with hives. Your doctor may also perform blood tests or skin tests to determine what may have caused your hives — especially if they were the result of an allergic reaction.
In these circumstances, your doctor might suggest that you seek temporary relief by:. Simple changes to your lifestyle may be able to help you prevent hives from reoccurring in the future. If you have allergies and you know which substances are likely to cause an allergic reaction, your doctor will suggest that you avoid any possible exposure to these factors. Allergy shots are another option that may help you reduce the risk of experiencing hives again.
Avoid being in high-humidity areas or wearing tight clothing if you have recently had a hives outbreak. Although hives can be itchy and uncomfortable, usually they are not severe and will disappear after a period of time. However, be aware that as some hives go away, new ones may pop up. Mild cases of hives are considered harmless. Hives can be dangerous if you are having a serious allergic reaction and your throat is swelling.
Prompt treatment for a severe case of hives is important for a good outlook. Hives generally fade without treatment within 24 hours of appearing. Here's how to get rid of hives last longer. It can cause a lot of discomfort and may even become a…. Stress can affect both your physical and emotional health. Experiencing stress is both common and normal, and many people will experience a stress….
You may experience seasonal allergies in late winter or spring or even in late summer and fall. If you experience seasonal allergies, these essential…. For a child with food allergies, a birthday party may be full of foods they absolutely can't eat. Read this mom's tips on keeping calm through the…. While there isn't a clear explanation for why people get chronic idiopathic urticaria, there are several triggers that can cause symptom flare-ups.
Drugs — Some drugs may cause urticaria often within 48 hours of drug exposure. Antibiotics, penicillin, aspirin, and ACE inhibitors are common culprits in drug-induced hives. Contact — Hives can be brought on when contacting offending agents, such as latex and plants like poison ivy and poison oak.
Autoimmune and other underlying systemic diseases — Chronic urticaria may be secondary to autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, or to viral infections such as hepatitis. Emotional stress — When emotional stimuli are the trigger, the onset is almost immediate, occurring seconds to minutes after the offending stimulus. Physical stress — High physical demands placed on the body, such as physical exercise, may result in the formation of hives.
When are hives dangerous? Ways to reduce or prevent urticaria: Avoid triggers — If you cannot pinpoint the offending trigger, try an elimination diet. Get tested for allergies — If an allergic reaction is the cause, a blood test or skin prick test can confirm you have an allergy.
Avoid heat — Heat and hot water may exacerbate the itchiness that accompanies hives. Applying a cold compress will help vasoconstrict blood vessels and reduce the release of histamine.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing — Tight clothing can rub against hives and lead to more itchiness and redness. Seek symptomatic relief — Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle , is an effective botanical that can reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Take Vitamin D — Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to dysregulated immune function. Sometimes your doctor may have you take more than the normal dose, but this should only be done under his or her supervision.
Sometimes other prescription medicines also are used to treat hives. Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
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