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Most Americans suffer from urticaria, also known as hives. Hives are an outbreak of pale red bumps and welts on the skin, which appear suddenly and cause a swelling known as angioedema. It is caused by allergic reactions, chemicals in some foods, and some medications. Get to know the triggers, prevention, and best treatment for hives in Gilbert from a specialized team of experts.
Hive triggers
The following are some of the causes of urticaria.
Medications such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Food such as shellfish, nuts, food additives, and wheat products
Viral infections such as influenza, hepatitis B, glandular fever
Bacterial infections such as urinary tract infection, strep throat, and intestinal parasites
Extreme changes in temperature
Pet dander from cats, dogs, horses, and dust mites
Latex, pollen, plant poison, and insect bites and stings
Scratching, exercises, water on the skin, sun exposure, and chronic illness such as lupus
Chemicals and blood transfusion
Types of urticaria
Acute urticaria
Acute hives last for an hour or six weeks. They are caused by diseases, insect bites, food such as milk and eggs, medication such as aspirin, and infections.
Chronic hives
This urticaria lasts more than six weeks. They affect muscles, the gastrointestinal tract, and lungs and are triggered by thyroid disease, infection, and cancer.
Physical urticaria
They are caused by skin stimulants such as heat, cold, exercise, sweating, vibration, sun exposure, and pressure. It occurs where the skin has been stimulated and appears within an hour.
Dermatographism
It occurs when the skin is firmly stroked and scratched.
Infection induced hives
They are triggered by viral and bacterial infections such as UTI, strep throat, hepatitis, colds, and mononucleosis.
Symptoms
The following signs accompany the various types of hives:
Dizziness
Throat and face swellings
Difficulties in breathing
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Management of hives
Hives often disappear after some time, therefore a team of experts at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD recommend the following prevention methods to avoid future reoccurrence.
Apply cool press to the affected area
Work and sleep in a cool room
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes
Avoiding the diagnosed known triggers
Take a bath with an anti-itch solution
Avoid skin-irritating products such as some lotions, moisturizers, and soaps.
Avoid scratching, alcohol consumption, stress, and some medications
Diagnosis
Your allergist asks you about your medical and family history, substances exposed at home and workplace, food diary, exposure to pets, animals, and some medications.
Your allergist then conducts a blood test, urine test, and skin test to identify hive triggers.
Treatment
Hives are treated as follows.
An antihistamine such as cetirizine reduces rashes, scratching, and blocks histamine effects.
Antibiotics like dapsone to reduce inflammation
Epinephrine auto-injector for emergency purposes
A biological drug such as Xolair for treating chronic hives
Corticosteroids such as prednisone to alleviate hive symptoms
Consult your urticaria specialist today
Hives can cause irritations on the body. Although they are not contagious, it can be difficult for you to enjoy outdoor events such as public swimming and some sporting activities. Book an appointment with a team of experts at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, LTD in Gilbert, Arizona, get a proper diagnosis, understand the cause of your hives, get comprehensive treatment, and prevent future outbreaks.