Do you suddenly get hives and itch? Let's talk about 'Hives/Urticaria'!

Have you suddenly developed red, itchy bumps on your body that you can't stand? Sometimes these bumps disappear after a while and then reappear in a different part of your body? Many people are afraid of this condition, but there's nothing to be afraid of. Today we're talking about this very common rash, which is medically known as 'Urticaria', but we all know it as 'Hives'.

Simply put, what are hives?

Hives are a rash of small, red, raised bumps or large welts that appear suddenly on our skin. They come on very quickly and sometimes go away just as quickly. These welts are sometimes accompanied by swelling in certain areas of the body. Especially in areas like the lips, eyelids, ears, mouth, hands, feet, and genitals. We call this swelling 'angioedema' . This is another condition that can occur with hives.

Why do we get hives?

It is difficult to pinpoint a single cause for hives. Sometimes, no cause can be found. But generally speaking, the main cause is the release of a chemical called 'Histamine' from the cells in our body. This histamine causes fluid to leak from the blood vessels in the skin, causing the welts and swelling. Hives can be divided into several main types. Let's see what they are.

Do small babies get hives too?

Yes, absolutely. Just like adults, babies can get hives. The causes are largely the same. Babies can get hives due to things like an infection, a reaction to a medication, a food allergy, or an insect bite.

What exactly are the symptoms of hives?

If you develop hives, you may notice these symptoms:

• The appearance of raised lesions or rashes of various sizes on the skin.
• These spots are red, but this red color may be less visible to someone with darker skin.
• The itching is unbearable, especially at night.
• These spots are not permanent in one place. They can disappear in one place and reappear in another within a few minutes or hours.

If you have angioedema along with hives, you may see swelling like this:

• Face, eyelashes, ears, mouth, hands, feet andSwelling of the genitals .
• Sometimes only one side of the body is swollen.
• Feeling discomfort or pain in the swollen areas.

How does a doctor diagnose and treat this?

When you go to see a doctor, he will ask you a lot of questions because finding the cause of the hives is the most important thing.

• What have you eaten or drunk recently?
• Are there any new medications used?
• Did you get bitten by insects?
• Do you have any other illnesses?

Questions like these are the best way to get an idea of ​​the cause. There is no specific test for hives. However, if necessary, your doctor may recommend skin tests to identify allergies or blood tests if there is a suspicion of an underlying disease.

Treatment

The best treatment is to find the cause and get away from it . But that's not always easy.

• Antihistamines: These are the main types of medication given to control symptoms. It is very important to take these at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor. This will help prevent new flare-ups.
• For long-term hives: When regular antihistamines are not controlled, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids or specific medications such as Omalizumab .
• For emergencies and severe cases: In some severe allergic reactions, an injection of epinephrine or cortisone may be necessary.

What can you do at home to get relief when you have hives?

Until the sores heal, try these things to relieve itching:

• Apply cool compresses to the affected areas with a cool, damp cloth .
• Try to stay in a room as cool as possible.
• Wear loose, light clothing that is not tight against the skin.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

• Dizziness
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or face

These symptoms indicate that the allergy is severe and may be blocking the airways. So don't delay.

Take-Home Message

• Hives are a type of skin rash that appears suddenly and is very itchy. They can disappear within a few minutes or a few days.
• Things like food, medication, and insect bites can cause this , and sometimes no cause can be found.
• The main treatment is antihistamines. Always use them as prescribed by your doctor.
• If you have symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, or dizziness, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
• If you are in doubt about any rash on your skin, be sure to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hives, Urticaria, Skin rash, Itching, Allergies, Eczema, Angioedema, Skin diseases

👩🏽‍⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)

💬 What are hives?

Hives are red, itchy, swollen bumps that suddenly appear on our skin. Most often, these hives are caused by an allergy to a food, medicine, or something in the environment.

💬 What are the main causes of hives?

An insect bite, certain foods like peanuts or seafood, changes in climate (extreme cold or heat), and for some people, mental stress can also cause this sudden onset.

💬 How do you quickly reduce body aches like this?

These spots usually go away on their own within a few hours. However, if there is severe itching, taking an antihistamine (such as Piritan or Cetirizine) as prescribed by a doctor can help reduce the itching quickly.