Hives(Angioedema; Urticaria)
by
Jennifer Hellwig, MS, RD DefinitionHives are small, itchy, red swollen areas on the skin. The swelling occurs singularly or in clusters. Hives tend to fade after a few hours, but new ones can appear. Most cases go away within a few days. However, some last a few weeks or longer.
Causes TOPHives are often caused when the body releases a chemical called histamine. Histamine is released during an allergic reaction. Many people, though, get hives without being exposed to something they are allergic to. While the cause is unknown in some cases, these factors may cause hives:
Risk Factors TOPFactors that may increase your chances of hives include:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms of hives can vary from mild-to-severe:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may need to see a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) or allergies (allergist). Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with x-rays. Treatment TOPThe best way to treat hives is to find and then avoid the cause. If the cause cannot be found, there are medications to reduce symptoms or treat hives:
Prevention TOPThe best way to prevent hives is to avoid the allergen that caused you to get hives in the past. RESOURCES:American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology http://www.aaaai.org American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Allergy Asthma Information Association http://aaia.ca Calgary Allergy Network http://www.calgaryallergy.ca References:
Acute urticaria. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T916900/Acute-urticaria
. Updated July 27, 2017. Accessed October 2, 2017.
Allergic skin conditions. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated October 2, 2017.
Chronic urticaria. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115276/Chronic-urticaria
. Updated July 27, 2017. Accessed October 2, 2017.
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https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/hives. Accessed October 2, 2017. Kaplan Allen P. Chronic urticaria: pathogenesis and treatment.
J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004;114(3): 465-474. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD Last Updated: 9/30/2014 | |
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