Are you experiencing red, itchy bumps on your body? Let's talk about hives!

Sometimes, all of a sudden, your body turns red, small blisters appear, and you start itching unbearably, right? It looks like a mosquito bite, but these things spread. Although many people call this 'rash' or 'itchy eczema ', in medicine we call this condition 'hives' . Some people also call it 'urticaria' . This is actually a common thing that happens to many people. So there is nothing to be afraid of. Let's talk about this clearly today.

What exactly are Hives?

Simply put, hives are a reaction that occurs in our skin. A special type of cell in our body's immune system called 'mast cells ', gets excited for some reason and suddenly releases a chemical called 'histamine' in large quantities. That histamine causes a liquid to leak out of the fine blood vessels in our skin. When that liquid collects under the skin, it appears like a blister. And it is because of histamine that it is unbearable to itch. The best thing is that one blister usually does not last more than 24 hours . When it fades, a new one may appear in another place.

• Minor case: This condition may disappear completely in a few days.
• Acute case: Sometimes it can recur for up to six weeks.
• Chronic case: If hives occur in this way for more than six weeks, it may be a chronic condition.

Although these usually heal on their own, the itching can be very annoying. So there are a few things we can do to reduce the discomfort.

What are the causes of hives?

It's hard to say exactly what the cause of hives is. It can vary from person to person. Sometimes the cause can't even be found. But there are several common causes. Let's look at them in a table.

What can you do to get rid of this annoying itch?

Fortunately, there are simple things we can do at home, as well as medications, to reduce this discomfort.

Medicines

Antihistamines: Medications like Cetirizine and Loratadine, which can be purchased from pharmacies, control the action of histamine and reduce itching and redness. Anti-Itch Creams: You can apply things like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to get temporary relief. However, some people may be allergic to these creams. Also, do not apply these to areas of the skin that are broken, scratched, or infected. This can make the condition worse.

Treatments that can be done without medication

• Give your skin a cooling sensation:When you have hives, cooling your skin can be a great relief. Apply a cold cloth, apply an ice pack (don't put the ice directly on your skin, wrap it in a cloth), or take a cold shower. You can also use calamine lotion in the fridge to help relieve the itch.

• Oatmeal Bath: Oats are great for itchy and dry skin. Mix some uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal, a special oatmeal powder available at pharmacies, in a bathtub or bucket of water and wash your body with it. Keep the water temperature cool. If you need more relief, you can add a little baking soda.

• Wear loose clothing: Tight, clingy clothing can increase itching . So wear loose, breathable clothing like cotton. Avoid wearing rough, itchy fabrics like wool during this time.

When should we definitely see a doctor?

Hives usually go away in a few days. However , if they don't go away after a few days or if they get worse, it's important to see a doctor to find out what's causing them. They could be a sign of another condition. It's an emergency! - Watch out for these symptoms. In rare cases, hives can be part of a serious allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock . This is a life-threatening emergency.

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Swelling of the lips, eyes, or tongue

This is not something that can be treated at home. It requires immediate medical attention. Hives, Urticaria, skin rash, itching, allergy, Sinhala medical article