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| Hives, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications |
Hives are reactions on the skin characterized by the appearance of reddish bumps and accompanied by itching. Hives can appear on any area of the skin, including the face, neck, ears, to the whole body.
In general, hives are mild and go away on their own after a few hours or after taking medication. However, in some cases, hives can last for several weeks and recur. This condition is known as chronic hives.
Symptoms and Causes of Hives
Hives or urticaria are characterized by the appearance of red bumps or rashes accompanied by itching. Based on the type, hives can be divided into acute hives and chronic hives. Acute hives last less than 6 weeks, while chronic hives last for more than 6 weeks.
Hives are an allergic reaction to a foreign object or substance, which causes the immune system to secrete histamine. Histamine is what causes the signs and symptoms of hives.
In addition to allergic reactions, hives can be triggered by several factors, such as stress, reactions to heat, or certain diseases, such as thyroid disease or cancer.
Hives Treatment and Prevention
Mild hives will usually heal without treatment. However, recurrent hives need to be treated with medications as prescribed by a doctor, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Avoiding heat, stress, medication, or food, is an effective way to prevent hives. These foods or drugs can be avoided after being confirmed by a doctor as the cause of hives in patients.
Causes of Hives
Hives are caused by an allergic reaction to certain substances or allergens. When exposed to an allergen, the immune system will release histamine and fight the substance that is considered a threat. As a result, symptoms of hives appear, such as a rash or red bumps.
Hives are divided into acute hives and chronic hives, as described below:
Acute Hives
This type of hives occurs in less than 6 weeks. The cause itself is not known for certain. However, there are factors that are thought to trigger acute hives, including:
- Pollen, mites, dust and animal dander
- Insect stings or bites
- Food or drink, such as nuts, seafood, eggs, or milk
- Viral infections, such as ARI or hepatitis
- Bacterial infections, such as a tooth abscess or sinusitis
- Medications, such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin
- Certain materials, such as latex, nail polish, soap, or detergent
Chronic Hives
Chronic hives last more than 6 weeks and the cause is more difficult to determine than acute hives. However, the condition is thought to be associated with medical disorders, such as thyroid disease, cancer, celiac disease, and vitiligo.
In addition to certain medical conditions, there are several factors that are thought to make chronic hives worse, namely:
- Hot or cold weather
- Consuming alcoholic beverages
- viral infection
- Habit of wearing tight clothes
- Medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Food allergies or food preservatives
Hives Symptoms
The main symptom of hives is the appearance of red bumps on the skin accompanied by itching. The size of the bumps can vary and can appear in one area or all over the body. Itching and redness of the bumps will get worse if the patient is stressed or exposed to hot temperatures.
Other symptoms of hives can include:
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Hard to breathe
- Muscle ache
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult a doctor if you or your child has hives that do not go away after a few days. You are also advised to immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room if you experience the following conditions:
- Red, swollen, or pus-filled lumps
- Recurring hives every few months
- Itching is getting worse
- Swelling of the lips or face
- Signs of an anaphylactic reaction, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and vomiting
Hives Diagnosis
To diagnose hives, the doctor will ask questions about symptoms, medical history, food and medications being consumed, followed by a physical examination. Next, the doctor will perform several follow-up examinations, namely:
- Allergy test
Allergy testing is done by testing several allergens on the patient's skin. If the skin is red or swollen, it is certain that the allergen is the cause of hives in the patient.
- blood test
Blood tests aim to detect certain diseases that cause hives. This test is done by checking for antibodies in the blood.
- Skin biopsy
Although rare, a skin biopsy may be performed to detect inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). A skin biopsy is performed by taking a skin sample for analysis in the laboratory.
Hives Treatment
In most cases, hives are mild and can be treated with self-care. However, some patients need to take medicines according to a doctor's prescription.
The following is an explanation of the handling of these hives:
Self Care
Although it can heal without treatment, there are several efforts that can be made to relieve the symptoms of hives, including:
- Avoid scratching the rash or the bumps.
- Do not use soaps that are harsh in texture or contain fragrances.
- Apply a lotion containing calamine on the skin affected by hives after bathing.
- Wear loose, light clothing.
- Avoid factors that trigger hives, such as dust, stress, or hot weather.
Drugs
If self-care is not effective in treating hives, your doctor may prescribe medications, such as:
- Antihistamines, such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- Antidepressants in cream form, such as doxepin
- Leukotriene receptor agonists, such as montelukast and zafirlukast
- Allergy injectable drugs, such as omaluzimab
- Immune-suppressing drugs, such as ciclosporin
Hives Complications
Hives can hinder the sufferer's daily activities, especially if they recur frequently. If left untreated, the rash can also spread throughout the body and even cause complications, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Swelling of the eyelids, lips, hands, feet, and around the genitals (angioedema)
- Anaphylaxis
- Insomnia, if hives occur at night
Hives Prevention
The main way to prevent hives is to avoid their triggers. Efforts that can be made include:
- Do not consume foods or drinks that cause allergic reactions
- Avoiding exposure to allergens, such as dust, mites, pollen, insect bites, or animal dander
- Using soap or detergent products without fragrances or dyes
- Avoid being in places that are too hot or cold
- Wear loose, cool clothes
- Use sunscreen when outdoors
- Get enough rest
- Manage stress well
- Keeping your house and surroundings clean
Hives Pictures
Hives are a skin reaction that causes welts to appear red or white and itchy, but they can also sting or sting. Welts can appear on any part of the body and generally appear on one part of the skin before eventually spreading to the rest of the body.
Welts can vary in size, from small bumps to larger areas called plaques.
Welts on the skin when pressed will turn white, then turn red when the pressure is released. Another characteristic of welts is that they have clear edges, in contrast to the rest of the skin.
Welts that appear due to physical activity will usually disappear within 1-2 hours. However, if the welt does not fade for more than 1 day, the condition may be due to an allergic reaction to a drug or food.
Below is an image of welts that appear after 10 minutes of exercise. Hives occur due to an increase in body temperature.
The welts and rashes of hives are not the same as the rashes from nettle. The welts in hives initially appear separately, then merge to form wider welts.
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