Causes Of Hives – What You Need To Know
There are many causes of hives. Some cause contact with allergens, while some are caused by circumstance or weather conditions. The largest organ of the human body is the skin so it is reasonable that if may also be the most sensitive so that when it becomes aggravated the appearance and symptoms of rash can be particularly annoying, painful or even dangerous.
Rashes that are raised, red bumps or welts are caused by an extreme reaction of the skin to some stimulant. In the case of contact, if could be contact with a plant or animal. Or it could be a reaction to an insect bite or sting. Usually a person who has a rash will experience an itching, burning sensation that causes them to want to scratch at it. If at all possible, this temptation should be avoided.
There are different appearances to rashes depending on the causes of hives. If a person experiences hives from contact with a plant for example, the rash will likely be uniform over the area that came in direct contact with the plant. In the case of viral hives, the rash will consist of raised, red bumps that are usually surrounded by a red “halo” and the patient will have a fever as well.
What are the specific causes of hives?
Sometimes particular causes of hives will be unknown, but many types of hives are associated with the following :
• Allergic reaction to foods, such as chocolate, milk, eggs, fresh berries, nuts, tomatoes, or seafood.
• Allergic reaction to bug bites or stings. Many people who are allergic to bee or hornet stings develop very fast swelling and suffer extreme pain that can lead to death if emergency care is not given as soon as possible. Many sufferers carry Epi pens with them everywhere they go.
• Allergic reaction to cold or heat: In cases of extreme cold the exposed skin develops a rash. The patient can lose consciousness and possibly die from exposure to the cold. In cases of heat, the person will experience extreme sensitivity to the heat and sweating will worsen the rash.
• Reaction to medication: It is vitally important that if you have any food allergies such as eggs that you not take certain medications. So, if your doctor asks about food or medicine allergies, always tell them about both so they can prescribe something appropriate for you.
Will the suffering end once treatment is applied?
Most treatments doctors prescribe include topical creams or pills depending on the causes of the hives. If a patient is suffering from chronic hives that last longer than 6 weeks that may be affecting internal organs such as the muscles, GI, or lungs, the patient may require more intensive treatment.
It is very important to seek medical advice as soon as the hives appear. This will help you figure out the cause easier so that the doctor can recommend the best treatment for the hives you have. If other symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever occur along with the rash, the faster you seek treatment the better and faster your recovery will be.