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Hives(Angioedema; Urticaria)
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionHives are small, itchy, red swollen areas on the skin. The swelling occurs alone or in groups. Most hives tend to fade within a few hours to a few days. However, some last a few weeks or longer.
CausesHives 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. Things that may cause hives are:
Risk FactorsThings that may raise the risk of hives are:
SymptomsSymptoms of hives can vary from mild to severe. They may include:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may need to see a doctor who treats skin disorders or allergies. Tests may be done, such as:
TreatmentThe goal is to find and avoid the cause of hives. Medicines may help to ease symptoms and manage the cause. They may be applied to the skin or taken as a pill. They may include:
Other treatments may include:
PreventionThe best way to prevent hives is to avoid allergens that caused 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:Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation https://www.allergyfoundation.ca/ Calgary Allergy Network http://www.calgaryallergy.ca References:
Acute urticaria. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-urticaria. Accessed January 29, 2021. Allergic skin conditions. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2021.
Chronic urticaria. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-urticaria. Accessed January 29, 2021. Hives. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/hives. Accessed March 1, 2021. Saini SS, Kaplan AP. Chronic spontaneous urticaria: the devil's itch. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2018;6(4):1097-1106. Last reviewed January 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Shawna Grubb, RN Last Updated: 3/1/2021 | |