Many Substances Can Trigger Chronic Hives
Chronic hives are raised, often itchy red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.
When you have an allergic reaction to a substance, histamine and other chemicals are released into your bloodstream, causing itching, swelling, and other symptoms. Hives are a common reaction, especially in people with other allergies like hay fever.
When swelling or welts occur around the face, especially the lips and eyes, it is called angioedema; swelling from angioedema
can also occur around your hands, feet, and throat.
Many substances can trigger chronic hives:
- Medications
- Shellfish, fish, nuts, eggs, milk, and other foods
- Pollen
- Animal dander (especially cats)
- Insect bites
Chronic Hives may also develop from:
- Infections like mononucleosis or illness (including lupus, other autoimmune diseases, and leukemia)
- Emotional stress
- Extreme cold or sun exposure
- Excessive perspiration
Symptoms of Chronic Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the surface of the skin into red or skin colored welts (called wheals) with clearly defined edges
- The welts may enlarge, spread, and join together to form larger areas of flat, raised skin. They can also change shape, disappear, and reappear within minutes or hours. The welts tend to start suddenly and resolve quickly. When you press the center of a red welt, it blanches (turns white).
Treatment for Chronic Hives
Treatment may not be needed if the hives are mild. They may disappear on their own. To reduce itching and swelling:
- Apply cool compresses to the welts. This may reduce swelling and pain. If a large part of your body is affected, soak in a cool bath. Avoid hot baths or showers.
- Avoid irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing.
- Apply Calamine lotion.
- Take antihistamines.
If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. Hives in the throat may obstruct the airway. Any swelling in the throat or difficulty breathing with hives should be considered an emergency. If facial swelling or 
difficulty breathing occur, or if hives persist despite treatment, contact your physician immediately!
Hives may be uncomfortable, but they generally are harmless and disappear on their own. In most cases, the exact cause of hives cannot be identified.
Prevention of Chronic Hives
Avoid exposure to substances that give you allergic reactions. Don’t wear tight-fitting clothing and avoid hot baths or showers just after an episode of hives.These can both cause the hives to return. Finally, ensure your immune system is strong to guard against potential allergic reactions.
What Causes Hives And How Do I Know If I Have Them
Hives can last for hours, for only minutes or for a day. They usually last no longer than a day; but there are those who have chronic hives.
Hives (Urticaria)
Acute urticaria is more common than chronic one. More than two-thirds of the cases of urticaria are acute. The rashes of acute urticaria are characterised by a rapid onset and rapid resolution.
Hives
Viruses of many types can trigger hives as well. Over 70 percent of the time, no specific cause is found when children have hives. They were hypersensitive to something.
Author: Marc Deschamps
Marc Deschamps is the editor of Health Longevity Magazine, a free online publication, featuring articles full of information on various health topics such as common diseases, immune support, cardiac, mental & sexual health plus appropriate solutions to help you find the road to health longevity. More articles on skin care can be found at http://www.health-longevity-magazine.com .
The above article is free to distribute by any media as long as links are maintained.
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[...] Urticaria (Hives) is a condition which affects up to 22% of the population at different stages of their lives. The condition is known in the medical jargon as Urticaria, and it appears in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from just a few millimeters to several inches in size. The hives rash is composed of red, itchy areas that bulge out from the skin. Although these are not generally dangerous, they can create a sever annoyance for the hives-struck patient. Urticaria may often be an indication of certain types of allergy which could in itself be hazardous. [...]
[...] is found to have hives also known as urticaria. Affects on women are twice as frequently as men. Hives rashes can crop up on any part of the body and its size can vary from few millimeters to a foot. [...]