What are hives and how do they manifest on the skin. What triggers cause hives to appear and how can they be effectively treated. How can you prevent hives from recurring and when should you seek medical attention for hives.

Understanding Hives: A Common Skin Condition

Hives, medically known as urticaria, are a widespread skin condition that affects approximately 20% of people at some point in their lives. These red, raised bumps on the skin can appear suddenly and cause significant discomfort due to their itchy nature. But what exactly are hives, and how do they differ from other skin conditions?

Hives are characterized by their distinctive appearance and behavior:

• They can vary in size, ranging from small spots resembling mosquito bites to large patches several inches wide.
• Hives have a tendency to move around on the body, often appearing in one area before fading and reappearing elsewhere.
• The duration of hives can be unpredictable, with some cases resolving quickly while others persist for weeks or even months.
• Accompanying skin swelling, known as angioedema, is common and may affect areas such as the lips, ears, eyelids, fingers, or toes.

Are hives always a cause for concern? While most cases of hives are harmless and resolve on their own, it’s crucial to be aware that in rare instances, they can be part of a more severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This life-threatening condition requires immediate medical attention.

The Science Behind Hives: Histamine Release and Triggers

To understand hives, we need to delve into the underlying mechanism that causes these skin reactions. At the core of hive formation is the release of a chemical called histamine within the body. But what prompts this histamine release, and why does it result in hives?

Histamine release can be triggered by various factors, broadly categorized into two main groups:

Non-Allergic Triggers (More Common)

• Viral or bacterial infections (e.g., common cold, strep throat, urinary tract infections)
• Emotional stress and strong emotions
• Physical exertion that raises body temperature
• Vibrations from activities like lawn mowing or horseback riding
• Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
• Exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light
• Physical pressure on the skin, including friction or tight clothing

Allergic Triggers (Less Common)

• Food allergies (e.g., eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, shellfish)
• Medication allergies (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium)
• Contact allergens (plants, grasses, weeds, acidic foods, fragrances, animal dander, latex)

How can identifying these triggers help in managing hives? By recognizing and avoiding specific triggers, individuals can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hive outbreaks, leading to better overall skin health and comfort.

Recognizing Hives: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Identifying hives correctly is crucial for proper treatment and management. What are the telltale signs that distinguish hives from other skin conditions?

• Appearance: Red or pink raised bumps or welts on the skin
• Size: Can range from small spots to large patches several inches in diameter
• Distribution: May appear anywhere on the body, often in clusters
• Itching: Usually accompanied by intense itching or burning sensations
• Mobility: Hives can move or change shape over time
• Duration: Individual hives typically last less than 24 hours, but new ones may form as others fade

Is there a way to predict how long a case of hives will last? While it’s difficult to determine the exact duration, hives are generally categorized as:

• Acute: Lasting less than 6 weeks
• Chronic: Persisting for more than 6 weeks

Understanding these characteristics can help individuals distinguish hives from other skin conditions and seek appropriate treatment when necessary.

Treatment Strategies: Managing Hives Effectively

When faced with an outbreak of hives, what are the most effective treatment options available? The approach to treating hives depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. Here are some strategies for managing hives:

For Mild Cases:

1. Over-the-counter antihistamines:
   • Loratadine (Claritin®)
   • Fexofenadine (Allegra®)
   • Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
   • Levocetirizine (Xyzal®)
2. Cooling the affected skin:
   • Apply ice packs
   • Take cool baths or showers
3. Distraction techniques to minimize scratching
4. Avoiding known triggers

For Severe Cases:

1. Higher doses of antihistamines
2. Short-term use of oral steroids (e.g., prednisone)
3. Prescription medications like Xolair® injections for chronic hives

How can you determine which treatment approach is best for your situation? It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially for severe or persistent cases of hives. They can provide personalized treatment plans based on your specific symptoms and medical history.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing Hive Recurrence

While treating active hives is important, preventing future outbreaks is equally crucial. What steps can individuals take to reduce the likelihood of hives recurring?

1. Identify and avoid triggers:
   • Keep a diary of potential triggers and symptoms
   • Eliminate or minimize exposure to known allergens
2. Manage stress:
   • Practice relaxation techniques
   • Engage in regular exercise
   • Ensure adequate sleep
3. Maintain skin health:
   • Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products
   • Avoid hot showers and harsh soaps
   • Keep skin moisturized
4. Consider dietary changes:
   • Eliminate suspected food triggers
   • Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods
5. Stay prepared:
   • Keep antihistamines on hand
   • Wear medical alert jewelry if you have severe allergies

By implementing these preventive measures, can you completely eliminate the risk of hives? While it’s not always possible to prevent all occurrences, these strategies can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hive outbreaks, improving overall quality of life for those prone to this condition.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Severe Reactions

While most cases of hives are benign and can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical help is necessary. How can you distinguish between a typical case of hives and a more serious reaction requiring immediate attention?

Seek emergency medical care if hives are accompanied by any of the following symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking
• Swelling of the mouth or tongue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid heartbeat

If you or someone you’re with has been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen®, Auvi-Q®, or Adrenaclick®), use it immediately while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

In addition to these severe cases, when else should you consult a healthcare provider about hives?

• If hives persist for more than six weeks (chronic urticaria)
• If over-the-counter treatments are not providing relief
• If hives are interfering with daily activities or sleep
• If you suspect a specific allergy is causing recurrent hives

By being aware of these signs and symptoms, individuals can ensure they receive appropriate medical care when needed, potentially preventing more serious complications.

Living with Hives: Coping Strategies and Long-term Management

For those who experience recurrent or chronic hives, developing effective coping strategies is essential for maintaining a good quality of life. What approaches can help individuals manage the physical and emotional impact of living with hives?

1. Education and awareness:
   • Learn about your condition and its triggers
   • Educate family, friends, and colleagues about hives
2. Skin care routine:
   • Use gentle, fragrance-free products
   • Keep skin cool and moisturized
   • Avoid scratching or rubbing affected areas
3. Stress management:
   • Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
   • Consider counseling or support groups
4. Lifestyle adjustments:
   • Wear loose, comfortable clothing
   • Maintain a cool environment
   • Adjust exercise routines to minimize sweating and overheating
5. Dietary considerations:
   • Keep a food diary to identify potential triggers
   • Work with a nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet while avoiding triggers

How can individuals with chronic hives maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges of their condition? It’s important to remember that while hives can be frustrating and uncomfortable, they are typically not dangerous and can be managed effectively with the right approach. Focusing on overall health and well-being, staying connected with supportive friends and family, and working closely with healthcare providers can all contribute to a better quality of life for those living with hives.

Future Directions: Advancements in Hives Research and Treatment

As medical science continues to advance, what new developments are on the horizon for understanding and treating hives? Researchers are actively exploring several promising areas:

• Genetic factors: Identifying specific genes associated with chronic hives could lead to more targeted treatments.
• Immune system modulators: New medications that regulate the immune response may offer better control of hives with fewer side effects.
• Microbiome research: Understanding the role of gut bacteria in hives could open up new treatment possibilities.
• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific triggers may improve outcomes.
• Alternative therapies: Investigating the potential of natural remedies and complementary treatments in managing hives.

How might these advancements change the landscape of hives treatment in the coming years? While it’s difficult to predict exactly how these research areas will pan out, there’s hope that they will lead to more effective, personalized treatments for those suffering from chronic hives. As our understanding of the condition deepens, individuals with hives can look forward to potentially better management strategies and improved quality of life.

In conclusion, while hives can be a challenging and uncomfortable condition, understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and implementing effective management strategies can significantly improve outcomes for those affected. By staying informed about the latest developments in hives research and treatment, individuals can work with their healthcare providers to develop the most effective approach for their specific situation.

Hives (Urticaria): Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Overview

Signs & Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

What to Expect

When to Seek Help

What Are Hives?

Hives are red, raised bumps on the skin that can be itchy. Hives are also called urticaria. About 1 in 5 people will get hives at some point in their lives.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hives?

Hives can be found anywhere on the body. They can be small, like mosquito bites, or several inches wide. Even if they look different, hives often have common symptoms.

• People may have one hive or groups of hives that cover large areas of the body.
• Hives can move around on the body. They may start in one place, then move to another place on the body. 
• Hives may go away quickly or come and go for many weeks or months. 
• Skin swelling is common with hives. It may happen on the lips, ears, eyelids, fingers, or toes. This is common and not dangerous. 
• Less commonly, hives can occur as part of a more severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can cause the airway to swell, making it hard to breathe. This is a life-threatening reaction that needs to be treated right away. 

What Causes Hives?

Hives happen when the body releases a chemical called histamine. It can be released because of allergies or other things, like stress, infections, or some illnesses. Whatever is causing histamine to be released is called a trigger.

• Hives not related to allergies are more common. Their triggers are:
  • Viruses or infections, like a cold, strep throat, or a urinary tract infection (UTI).
  • Emotional stress, like anxiety, anger, fear, or sadness.
  • Exercises that make the body warm.
  • Vibrations from using a lawn mower, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
  • Temperatures that are too hot or too cold.
  • Sunlight or tanning beds (sunlamps).
  • Pressure on the skin, like being rubbed too hard or scratched, or by wearing clothes that are too tight.

Hives that are related to allergies are less common. Their triggers are:

• Foods or medicines (anaphylaxis may occur) – Symptoms include nausea, throwing up (vomiting), mouth/throat swelling, and trouble breathing. This can be very dangerous.
  • Some common foods that cause allergies include eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and shellfish. 
  • Some medicines that cause allergies include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), and naproxen sodium (Aleve®).
• Contact with the skin that can lead to irritation. These are usually not dangerous.
  • Plants, grasses, weeds
  • Acidic foods or sauces
  • Scents or fragrances (soaps, detergents, lotions)
  • Animal dander
  • Latex or other materials

When to Get Emergency Help

Call 911 or take your child to the closest emergency room if they have hives and any symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
• Swelling of the mouth or tongue
• Nausea or vomiting

If they have an epinephrine auto-injector, like EpiPen®, Auvi-Q®, or Adrenaclick®, use it right away.

How Are Hives Treated?

Treatment depends on how bad the itching is. Even with treatment, hives can last days to weeks. The goals of treatment are to:

• Control the itching
• Avoid things that may trigger hives

For mild hives:

• Give an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine each day. Some examples are:
  • Loratadine (Claritin®)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra®)
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal®)
• Do not use Benadryl® creams. These may cause irritating rashes.
• Cool the skin using an ice pack or a cold bath or shower.
• Distract your child by playing games, singing songs, or reading books.
• Avoid known triggers, like animal dander or fragrance.

For severe hives:

• Give a higher dose of antihistamines or steroids, like prednisone. Oral steroids should not be used a lot. They may make hives worse when you stop taking the medicine.
• See a doctor or health care provider. They may prescribe a medicine, like Xolair® shots (injections), if you have long-term (chronic) hives.

Living With Hives

Living with hives isn’t easy, especially if you don’t know what’s causing them. It may help if you write down events that happened right before the hives appeared. This can help you and your child make a plan to keep the hives from coming back.

Depending on what’s causing your child’s hives, you can keep their hives from getting worse by having them:

• Avoid scratching or rubbing their skin.
• Wash their hands after touching pets or animals.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes. • Wear warm clothes. 
• Wear sunblock and long sleeves and pants in the sun.
• Avoid contact with cold water if they’re sensitive to cold.
• Use mild, unscented soap on their skin and for washing clothes.

When to Call the Doctor

Call the doctor or health care provider if your child’s hives get worse or prescribed medicine isn’t helping.

Hives (Urticaria) (PDF), Spanish (PDF), Somali (PDF)

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Common Spider Bite Symptoms: Household, Wolf Spider

While some spider bites cause only redness and itching, others are more dangerous. Here’s how to identify spiders that bite — and what to do if you get bitten.

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There are more than 50,000 types of spiders in the world. All spiders have eight legs, no wings, and only two body parts: a thorax and an abdomen. They also all have fangs and enough venom to kill the insects that make up their diet. But only a handful of spiders have fangs and venom that can penetrate human skin — including the brown recluse spider, hobo spider, camel spider, wolf spider, black widow spider, and banana spider. Most spiders are harmless and will bite only if they feel threatened. But depending on the spider and its victim, spider bites can cause anything from mild itching and redness to a reaction that becomes a medical emergency. Here’s detailed info on some common spiders and their bites.

The Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider gets its name from its habit of living in dark corners inside or outside homes, such as in woodpiles, closets, attics, and basements. This spider is more common in areas that have warm and dry climates, like the south and central areas of the United States. The brown recluse is about a half-inch to an inch long, is light brown in color, and has a violin-shaped mark on its back. The distinctive mark gives the spider these other nicknames: the violin spider or fiddleback spider.

The Brown Recluse Spider Bite

The brown recluse spider’s venom may cause burning pain and itching within several hours after a bite. The actual bite may cause a stinging sensation or not be felt at all. The bite has the appearance of a bull’s-eye, with a central blister that scabs and falls off, leaving a small ulcer. Possible symptoms include body aches and fever. Children may be at risk for an allergic reaction to the venom. To treat a brown recluse spider bite, immediately wash it and apply an ice pack. You can also use an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. In most cases, symptoms resolve within 48 hours, but the central ulcer may take weeks to heal.

The Black Widow Spider

The black widow spider is about the same size as the brown recluse spider (a half-inch to an inch long) and also likes dark places. This spider is usually found outside in sheds, barns, or woodpiles. The black widow can be identified by her shiny black color and a red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of her abdomen. Only the bite of the female spider is dangerous. Black widows can be found throughout the United States but are most common in warmer and drier areas.

The Black Widow Spider Bite

The victim of a black widow spider’s bite usually feels it right away, and there may be fang marks and swelling. If you are bitten, you should clean and ice the bite. If the spider has injected venom, you may experience muscle aches and cramps that spread from the bite area to the rest of the body. Possible symptoms include nausea, difficulty breathing, and weakness. If someone bitten by a black widow spider experiences muscle cramps, emergency medical care may include blood pressure medication, muscle relaxants, and, in rare cases, antivenin — a biologic product created to counteract the effects of a spider’s venom. Serious reactions are rare, but are most common in children or very elderly people.

The Hobo Spider

The hobo spider is not native to the United States. It arrived in the northwest from Europe and is now common in California, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The spider is about one-half inch long and has long legs that allow it to move quickly on the ground. Its upper body is brown and its abdomen is grayish with yellow markings. The hobo likes to live in cracks or holes both inside and outside.

The Hobo Spider Bite

The hobo bite resembles the brown recluse bite, with a central blister that scabs and ulcerates, surrounded by a ring of swollen discoloration. Within an hour after the bite, the hobo spider’s venom can cause a numbing sensation and muscle or joint aches. After about three days, a black scab falls off, leaving an open, slow-healing type of wound.

The Wolf Spider

The wolf spider is common all over the United States. It doesn’t weave webs, and it gets its name from its habit of stalking prey like a wolf. The wolf spider is brown or gray in color and can be 3 to 4 inches across. Because some wolf spiders are large and hairy, they are sometimes mistaken for tarantulas. The female may be identified by a white egg sac that she carries with her. This spider prefers to live outdoors on the ground in loose sand or gravel, but it may wander indoors and be spotted running across the floor.

The Wolf Spider Bite

The wolf spider’s bite can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Its large fangs may tear the skin, which can become infected and cause lymph nodes to swell. Treatment of a wolf spider bite includes cleansing and icing. Swelling and pain can last up to 10 days, but medical attention is usually not necessary unless the victim is a small child or someone who is sick or elderly.

The Camel Spider

Camel spiders are sometimes called wind scorpions or sun spiders, but in reality, they are neither scorpions nor spiders. They belong to a group of desert creatures called solpugids, and they have elongated bodies that make them look more like scorpions than spiders. The name, derived from Latin, means “escape from the sun.” In the United States, camel spiders can be found in the deserts of the southwest. They are light brown in color, can be up to 5 inches long, and can run at about 10 miles per hour — often making a screaming sound while doing so.

The Camel Spider Bite

During the Iraq war, soldiers described huge camel spiders that seemed to run at them in a screaming attack mode. In reality these creatures, though scary in appearance, are not dangerous to humans, and if they run at someone, they are probably just seeking shade in the person’s shadow. They do not have any venom and do not bite except in self-defense. A bite is very unlikely and would not be dangerous to a person if it did happen.

The Banana Spider

The banana spider is found in warm regions of the United States from North Carolina through the Gulf states. It lives in woodlands and forests and produces large, intricate orb webs that glow golden in the sun. The female has a long shape that resembles a banana. She can be about three inches long and has yellow spots on her tan cylindrical body and brown and orange tufts on her legs. The male banana spider is an inconspicuous dark brown and less than an inch long.

The Banana Spider Bite

The banana spider is often confused with the Brazilian wandering spider, which is found among bananas shipped to the United States from South America; neither spider is native to North America. Although the Brazilian spider bite can be dangerous, the banana spider bite is not. Banana spiders will bite only if held or pinched. The bite produces mild stinging and redness (similar to a bee sting) that quickly goes away.

7 signs of skin cancer that no one pays attention to

Everyone knows that if a mole has changed size or color, you need to urgently run to an oncologist. But it happens that the body gives much less obvious signals that may indicate a malignant skin tumor.

16,000 British people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and 2,500 of them eventually die, reports the Mirror. The good news is that 80 to 100 percent of cases found in stage 1 or 2 are easily treatable. How not to overlook the tumor, said dermatologist Ross Perry.

1. Unexplained scars

Basalioma. Photo © Wikimedia Commons

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2. Eruptions on the eyelids

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Subungual melanoma. Video screenshot: YouTube / The Doctors

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The doctor named the signs of skin cancer that can be detected at home

The doctor named the signs of skin cancer that can be detected at home

Some symptoms of skin cancer at the initial stage of the disease can be detected independently by examining your body in the mirror, said British doctor Ross Perry in … RIA Novosti, 05/31/2021

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MOSCOW, May 31 – RIA Novosti. Some symptoms of skin cancer at the initial stage of the disease can be detected independently by examining your body in the mirror, said British doctor Ross Perry in a commentary to the Daily Mirror. For example, according to a doctor, small red bumps on the skin that are easily mistaken for mosquito bites may actually be signs of skin cancer. “The patient may decide that he was bitten by insects, but in this case, the marks on the skin will disappear within a couple of weeks and will gradually decrease every day,” the doctor explained. If he found non-healing wounds that cause discomfort, he advised to consult a specialist. Readers of the newspaper were also warned about other signs of skin cancer that can be detected on their own. Among them:

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MOSCOW, May 31 – RIA Novosti . Some symptoms of skin cancer at the initial stage of the disease can be detected on your own by looking at your body in the mirror, British doctor Ross Perry told in a commentary on Daily Mirror .

For example, according to a doctor, small red bumps on the skin that are easily mistaken for mosquito bites may actually be signs of skin cancer.

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“The patient may decide that he was bitten by insects, but in this case, the marks on the skin will disappear within a couple of weeks and will gradually decrease every day,” the doctor explained.