How to Treat Hives

In most allergic reactions that occur in human beings, one of the most common manifestations would have to be hives. Hives, in the medical world, is also known as urticaria. This is defined as the kind of skin rash notable for dark red, raised, and itchy bumps. They are round or oval in shape and range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. This is a cutaneous reaction associated with several different causes. It occurs in as many as 25% of all people at some time. Hives that are present daily or intermittently over a period of less than 6 weeks are termed acute urticaria while those present for more than 6 weeks are referred to as chronic urticaria. Lesions of urticaria tend to be papules or plaques that fade within 24 hours. They do not leave areas of hyper pigmentation. There are a lot of things that can trigger the onset of hives and these are cold, heat, exposure to the sun, vibrations, and rubbing or pressure. Hive can also be caused by medications and foods such as that of allergies. Mast cells and mediators may play a key role in urticaria as it causes intense pruritus and vascular changes. A lesional skin biopsy to identify the type of inflammatory cells present in the lesions may be important for effective treatment.

Although management focuses on identifying and eliminating any known causative factors, in about 80% of chronic cases no cause of hives is found. A visit to your doctor will tell you everything you need to know in how to treat hives. Aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be cautioned in the treatment of hives as these drugs may exacerbate the existing disease. Your doctor might prescribe the use of opiates but they should be cautiously be used since they may also cause several adverse effects. The drug of choice in the treatment of hives would have to be antihistamines. These drugs are the mainstay of the therapy. Non drowsy antihistamines should be used during the day so that the person would be able to stay awake for the activities of daily living. The more sedating antihistamines may be preferred at night. Doxepin, which is a type of antidepressant medication, maybe used for the treatment because of the efficiency of the actions on both the histamine receptors of the body. Hives tend to evoke anxiety and frustration among clients affected.

The most effective treatment of hives must have to be the elimination of any triggers. A change in the dietary intake may be important and the avoidance of food additives while cooking. The intake of large amounts of fluid should not be neglected as scratching the itch would cause wounds when skin is dry. Harsh soaps and irritants should be avoided and moisturizing lotions after bathing will help in maintaining skin moisture. Treating hives may be annoying and frustrating to many people but adherence to the medication and dietary regimen can work wonders and it can also go a long way.