Hives on Skin

Hives on skin look like itchy bumps, which are caused due to an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction causes the body to release certain chemicals which makes the skin swell up to form these red bumps. People suffering from other allergies are more prone to this skin condition. Though hives are pretty common skin allergies, one needs to treat them immediately to prevent aggravating this condition. Hives can occur on any part of the skin, and look like an itchy rash of pink or reddish bumps. Sometimes the symptoms disappear on their own. Here are the causes behind hives and treatment for it...

Causes

Listed below are the common factors which can trigger itchy hives.

• Certain medications can lead to this condition. Such medications can be aspirin, ibuprofen, antibiotics or narcotic painkillers.
• Sometimes hives or urticaria can occur due to infection from fungi, bacteria or viruses.
• The allergies from insect bites, pollen, grains, mold or animal dander can also lead to hives' skin reaction.
• Sometimes exposure to sunlight, heat, cold or water can also cause this skin condition.
• People suffering from medical conditions like cancer, blood diseases or gland diseases can get it.
• Many times food allergies from certain foodstuffs are to be blamed. The foodstuffs responsible for this skin disorder are nuts, eggs, shellfish or strawberries.
• Stress is another cause which can cause itching skin hives.

Treatment

Here are some natural remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medication for hives treatment.

Natural Remedies: If you observe a hive rash or bumps, then take a cool shower to prevent it from further spreading, or apply an ice compress 2 - 3 times a day to the affected area and around it. Heat stimulates histamines which cause the allergic reaction, so therefore avoid taking a bath with hot water. Wear protective gear, if you are getting hives due to bee or other insect stings. Maintain a diary of the foodstuffs you eat, and try to figure out which are the foodstuffs giving you this allergic reaction. Also, discontinue use of any cosmetics for skin care and only use a mild soap and cold water in case you wish to wash the affected area. It is important that you use mild and unscented detergents to wash your clothes, to avoid the possibility of chemicals which might be coming from your fabrics. Also, understanding the reason behind this skin disorder is important, as you can try to avoid the cause for you developing these hives on your body.

OTC Treatment: As hives are caused due to histamines, you can buy some oral antihistamines over the counter for allergy relief, like Chlor-trimeton or Benadryl. However, these might give a drowsy effect, so you can consult a dermatologist to get a prescription of non-drowsy antihistamines. For people who are suffering from hives due to the stress factor, the drowsy type of antihistamines are a good idea, as you might prefer sleeping through your symptoms. Also for stress related hives, doctors prescribe the medicine which is a combination of antidepressant and antihistamine.

Though, this skin disorder is common, it is important that you contact your family doctor or a dermatologist in case the condition doesn't get better with the home remedies that you have used or if your symptoms worsen.