Hives

Hives are an allergic reaction that can range from mildly irritating to a life-threatening occurrence, depending on where they appear. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, we can help you understand what triggers this reaction so you can better manage your allergies.

What are hives?

Hives are red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin. Hives are very common and usually go away on their own, but if you have a serious case, you might need medicine or a shot. In rare cases, hives can cause a dangerous swelling in your airways, making it hard to breathe – which is a medical emergency.

What causes hives?

Allergic reactions cause your body to release chemicals that can make your skin swell up in hives. People who have other allergies are more likely to get hives than other people.

Common causes of hives can include:

• Allergies to food, medication, insect bites or stings, cancer, pollen or chemicals
• Autoimmune diseases and reactions
• Exercise
• Medications
• Physical triggers such as pressure, temperature, heat or sunlight
• Stress and anxiety
• Viral, bacterial and fungal infections
• Underlying health conditions such as cancer

What are the symptoms of hives?

Symptoms of hives may include itching, swelling and red or skin-colored welts with clearly defined edges called wheals.

Wheals may get bigger, spread and join together to form larger areas of flat, raised skin. Wheals can also change shape, disappear and reappear within minutes or hours. Wheals turn white when pressed upon, a process known as blanching.

Dermatographism is a type of hives caused by pressure on the skin. This results in immediate hives.

Hives diagnosis

In most cases, your doctor can identify hives through visual inspection, particularly when considering any known allergies. To test for hives, your doctor will perform a skin biopsy or blood test to confirm that you had an allergic reaction and to test for the substance that caused the allergic response.

Hives treatment

Treatment may not be needed if the hives are mild. They may disappear on their own.

To reduce itching and swelling:

• Do not take hot baths or showers.
• Do not wear tight-fitting clothing, which can irritate the area.
• Take an antihistamine as directed.

If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may need an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. Hives in the throat can block your airway, making it difficult to breathe.