When the Red Devil Attacks Your Skin!

Most of us have had a run-in with some red itchy inflammation or rashes at some point in our life. In some cases they are the skin reaction left by any food or medicine intake while in many scenarios the reasons remain unknown. These red welts and swelling starting from small blemishes to large blotches are called Chronic hives, also known as Urticaria. They appear all on a sudden and disappear as well without leaving any long lasting marks. Chronic hives are defined as hives that last more than six weeks or hives that go away, but reappear frequently.
Often it becomes very difficult to find out the reasons behind why we break out in hives, but treatment is given according to the symptoms and triggers. In most cases, hives don't last more than a few weeks or less, however sometimes they become a long term problem.

Symptoms:
* Small round wheals, rings or large patches and ranging from small to large. Often the change in their diametre can occur.
* Constant itchy sensation with a red flare surrounded by it.
* Arise in batches, can also be seen on the face or the extremities
Hives are very unpredictable in nature. As some of them might go away, new hives also may develop. Individual hives can last from 30 minutes to 36 hours. Triggers like heat, exertion, hot water shower or stress can make the symptoms worse.
This is also important to keep in mind that about 40 percent of people with chronic hives also might have got Angioedema. Hives and Angioedema may cause complications like itching and discomfort, difficulty in breathing and leading to a loss of consciousness and having swollen throat. The symptoms of Angioedema include large welts or swelling of the skin that may occur around the eyes and lips, hands, feet, genitalia, and inside the throat. In a few rare cases hives can be life threatening if swelling in the throat can obstruct breathing and requires emergency treatment. Angioedema may itch less than hives do, but can cause pain or burning.

Causes
The causes behind hives are hard to find out. Chronic hives are an irritation of the skin triggered when certain cells (mast cells) release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, causing small blood vessels to leak.
One of the fundamental causes of chronic hives is a reaction to medication, food, food additives, insects, parasites or infection. But in most cases, the cause of chronic hives is never identified, even after testing and monitoring symptoms. Heat, cold, pressure, sunlight or other environmental stimuli may worsen chronic hives. Certain pain medications also can worsen chronic hives.

Easy Remedies to ease the Pain
Antihistamine medicine works as the rescuer which can help reduce the allergic reaction causing the hives. While the medicine does its duty here are some other tips to heal your discomfort and pain.
* If your hives are not triggered by cold taking a cool bath or applying a cold compress can relieve itching because cold shrinks the blood vessels and blocks further release of histamine. For the same reason avoid taking a hot shower.
*Cool the affected area with soothing lotion.
* Avoid irritating affected areas.
* Wear loose, light clothing.
* Stress can cause hives or make them worse. Try to get rid of it!
* Try some herbal tea. The herbs in a herbal tea have a sedative effect that may soothe your stress—and therefore your hives.

Prevention
* Shellfish, nuts, chocolate, fish, eggs, fresh berries, and milk are some of the food items which can trigger hives. Some people react to preservatives in certain foods and wine, such as sulfites. Once you've identified a food trigger, remove it from your diet right away and see whether you have fewer outbreaks.
* If you have A hard time making a connection between hives and your food habit then highlight on the factors like weather, stress levels, clothing, or the amount of time that you spend in the sun.
* If you find out that drug triggers are causing your hives consult with a doctor and try to substitute them with other medications.