Make an Appointment
Talk to DoctorOverview
Urticaria, sometimes referred to as hives, is a skin reaction that results in itchy welts that can be anywhere from little patches to large blotches in size. A lot of situations and things, such as particular food and medications, can cause hives. When your immune system comes into contact with an allergen, allergic reactions occur. Proteins known as allergens are generally safe for most people but can trigger allergic reactions in those who are more susceptible
Angioedema may manifest alongside hives or occur independently. Deeper layers of the skin become swollen, frequently around the lips and face. Angioedema and acute hives are frequent. Most of the time, even without treatment, they go away in a day, and leave no permanent scars. Chronic hives are those that linger longer than six weeks.
Antihistamine medications are typically used to treat hives and angioedema. If the airway is blocked by throat or tongue swelling, angioedema can be fatal.
Symptoms
Hives
Hives-related welts can include:
- Circular, oval or worm shaped
- As big as a dinner dish or as little as a pea
- Skin-colored, reddish on white skin or purplish on black and dark skin
- Itchy skin that might range in severity.
Most hives develop fast and disappear in less than 24 hours. Acute hives are what this is. Hives that are chronic might linger for months or even years.
Angioedema
Angioedema is a skin-deep allergic response resembling hives. It might show up alone or with hives. Some warning signs and symptoms are:
- Swollen lips, cheeks, or around the eyes
- Mild tenderness and warmth in the area affected.
- Minutes to hours-long welt formation
If you experience hives and angioedema, it is usually possible to manage mild cases at home. However, if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is advisable to seek guidance from a medical professional. Your symptoms could be an early indicator of an anaphylactic reaction if you believe that your hives or angioedema were brought on by a known food or drug allergy. If your tongue, lips, mouth, or throat feel swollen, or if you’re experiencing difficulties breathing, get emergency help.
Causes
In the majority of cases, the exact cause of acute hives and angioedema is unknown. However, certain conditions can occasionally trigger these symptoms.
- Foods. People with sensitivities who eat certain foods may experience responses. Frequent offenders include shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, eggs, and milk.
- Medications. Penicillins, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and blood pressure medications are just a few of the drugs that might result in hives or angioedema.
- Airborne allergens. When inhaled, pollen and other allergens can cause hives and occasionally upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms.
- Insect bites and infections. Insect bites and infections are additional causes of acute hives and angioedema.
Risk factors
Angioedema and hives are frequent. Hives and angioedema may be more likely to develop if you:
- Having other types of allergic reactions
- History of having hives or angioedema in the past
- Having family history of hereditary angioedema, angioedema, or hives.
Diagnosis
To diagnose whether you have hives or angioedema, your doctor will likely conduct a thorough examination of the welts or swollen areas and inquire about your medical history. In some cases, allergy testing through a skin test or blood test may be necessary.
- Skin tests: Doctors will test several allergies on your skin throughout this exam. Your skin swelling or turning red indicates an allergy to that drug. A skin prick or scratch test is another name for this kind of allergy test. Skin testing is typically not performed for chronic hives.
- Blood tests: A blood test examines your blood for certain antibodies. To combat allergies, your body produces antibodies. You can have hives and swelling if your body creates too many antibodies.
Treatment
If your symptoms are mild, therapy may not be necessary as angioedema and hives often resolve on their own. However, in cases of severe itching, intense discomfort, or persistent symptoms, treatment can help alleviate these issues and provide relief.
Medications
Prescription medicines may be used as treatments for angioedema and hives:
- Antihistamines. Antihistamines that don’t make you sleepy are the primary treatment for hives and angioedema. These drugs lessen swelling, itching, and other allergic symptoms. Both nonprescription and prescription versions are offered.
- Immunosuppressant. Your doctor could recommend a medication that might quiet an overactive immune system if antihistamines are ineffective.
- Drugs for hereditary angioedema. If you have the inherited form of angioedema, you may be prescribed medicine to treat your symptoms and maintain blood levels of specific proteins that do not produce symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs. A brief course of an oral corticosteroid medication, such as prednisone, may be prescribed by doctors for severe hives or angioedema to lessen swelling, inflammation, and itching.
In the event of a severe case of hives or angioedema, it may be necessary to visit the emergency hospital and receive an emergency injection of epinephrine. Your doctor might recommend carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, a pen-like device that allows you to self-administer epinephrine during emergencies, especially if you have experienced a significant attack or if your attacks persist despite treatment.
