Hives, also called urticaria, are a series of red, itchy bumps that develop on the skin. Though most cases of hives disappear on their own, some people suffer from the chronic appearance of this irritating condition. The underlying cause of hives is often unknown, though they may be the result of an autoimmune disorder. Treatment for hives is possible and can bring fast relief.
Triggers and Underlying Conditions
If a doctor can identify the reason for a hives outbreak, he can treat the reason rather than the hives. If a patient develops hives in reaction to eating a specific food or being exposed to a specific element, then treatment usually begins with avoiding that particular trigger. In some cases, hives are the result of an underlying health problem, such as lupus. In these cases, a doctor can treat the underlying condition and the hives will go away with treatment.
Medical Treatment Options
The most common treatment for hives is a type of oral antihistamine. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Claritin, can be purchased over-the-counter. People who suffer from chronic hives may need to take these medications daily to treat their condition. Other medications, such as Clarinex and Allegra, are available by prescription. If you have hives, you and your doctor can work together to find the right antihistamine (or combination of a variety of antihistamines) to control your symptoms. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to treat hives. These drugs, such as prednisone, help in the treatment of hives by reducing swelling along with itching and redness. In an emergency situation (one where your hives cause a reaction and you stop breathing), you may have to go to the emergency room and receive an injection of adrenaline or epinephrine. If this happens to you frequently, your doctor may prescribe epinephrine (an epi-pen) for you to carry with you in case of another emergency.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Along with avoiding the triggers for your hives, there are a few things you can do at home to relieve and treat your symptoms. Start by wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Tight, itchy clothing can irritate your hives and worsen your condition. Applying a cool, wet compress can also help to alleviate itching and swelling associated with hives. You can cover your affected skin with bandages or wet cloths to help you stop itching. You can also try a cool bath; sprinkle your bath water with oatmeal, baking soda or Aveeno (or similar products) to relieve your irritated skin.
Tags: your hives, cases hives, from chronic, suffer from, suffer from chronic, treatment hives, with avoiding