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Dry hives. 10 Ways to Get Relief from Chronic Hives

by alexxlab

Ways to get relief from chronic hives. What are the causes and treatments for chronic hives? How can you manage and prevent chronic hives?.

Understanding Chronic Hives

Chronic hives, also known as chronic urticaria, is a condition characterized by the recurrent appearance of red, itchy welts on the skin. Unlike acute hives, which typically resolve within a few weeks, chronic hives can persist for months or even years. Understanding the underlying causes and effective management strategies is key to finding relief from this frustrating condition.

Potential Causes of Chronic Hives

The exact cause of chronic hives is often difficult to pinpoint, but several factors have been identified as potential triggers:

  • Autoimmune disorders: In some cases, the body’s immune system may mistakenly attack its own healthy tissues, leading to the release of histamine and the development of hives.
  • Allergies: Sensitivities to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors can cause the release of histamine and the onset of hives.
  • Stress: Psychological stress can contribute to the development and worsening of chronic hives by affecting the body’s inflammatory response.
  • Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections may trigger the immune system and lead to chronic hives.
  • Physical factors: Exposure to extreme temperatures, pressure, or other physical stimuli can sometimes provoke hives in individuals with chronic urticaria.

Managing Chronic Hives: Medications and Lifestyle Strategies

Effectively managing chronic hives often involves a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. Here are some key approaches:

Medications

  1. Antihistamines: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines can help block the release of histamine and provide relief from itching and swelling.
  2. Corticosteroids: Short-term use of oral or topical corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response that leads to hives.
  3. Biologics: For severe or treatment-resistant cases, injectable biologics that target specific components of the immune system may be prescribed.

Lifestyle Strategies

  1. Identify and avoid triggers: Keep a diary to identify any foods, medications, or environmental factors that seem to worsen your hives, and try to eliminate or minimize exposure to these triggers.
  2. Manage stress: Engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help calm the body’s inflammatory response.
  3. Maintain a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce hive flare-ups.
  4. Wear loose, gentle fabrics: Avoid tight or irritating clothing that can worsen itching and discomfort.
  5. Use cooling methods: Apply cold compresses or take cool baths to soothe the skin and provide relief from itching.
  6. Consider alternative therapies: Some individuals find relief from chronic hives through complementary approaches like acupuncture, herbal remedies, or probiotics, though the scientific evidence for these treatments is mixed.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you are experiencing chronic, persistent hives that are not responding to over-the-counter treatments or lifestyle modifications, it is important to seek medical attention. A dermatologist or allergist can help identify the underlying cause of your hives and develop an appropriate treatment plan to provide long-term relief.

Preventing Future Hive Flare-ups

While it may not be possible to completely prevent the occurrence of chronic hives, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of future flare-ups:

  • Avoid known triggers: Steer clear of any foods, medications, or environmental factors that have been identified as triggers for your hives.
  • Manage stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, to help keep your immune system balanced.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to support your overall health and well-being.
  • Communicate with your healthcare provider: Keep your dermatologist or allergist informed about any changes in your condition or the effectiveness of your treatment plan, so they can adjust your care as needed.

Conclusion

Chronic hives can be a frustrating and persistent condition, but there are effective ways to find relief and manage the symptoms. By understanding the potential causes, exploring a range of treatment options, and implementing lifestyle strategies, individuals with chronic hives can take control of their condition and improve their quality of life.

10 ways to get relief from chronic hives

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Was this helpful?

Hives typically occur as an allergic response to something in your environment or something you ate. But they may sometimes happen because of an underlying health issue.

What are hives?

Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised welts that are found on the skin. They are usually red, pink, or flesh-colored, and sometimes they sting or hurt. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food or a reaction to an irritant in the environment.

In many cases, hives are an acute (temporary) problem that may be alleviated with allergy medications. Most rashes go away on their own. However, chronic (ongoing) cases, as well as hives accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, are larger medical concerns.

Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that you have encountered or swallowed. When you have an allergic reaction, your body begins to release histamines into your blood. Histamines are chemicals your body produces in an attempt to defend itself against infection and other outside intruders. Unfortunately, in some people, the histamines can cause swelling, itching, and many of the symptoms that are experienced with hives. In terms of allergens, hives can be caused by factors such as pollen, medications, food, animal dander, and insect bites.

Hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies. It’s not uncommon for people to experience hives as the result of stress, tight clothes, exercise, illnesses, or infections. It’s also possible to develop hives as the result of excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures or from irritation due to excessive sweating. As there are several potential triggers, many times the actual cause of hives cannot be determined.

People who are known to have allergies are more likely to get hives. You may also be at risk to develop hives if you are on medication or if you are unknowingly exposed to things you may be allergic to, such as food or pollen. If you are already ill with an infection or a health condition, you may be more vulnerable to developing hives.

The most noticeable symptom associated with hives is the welts that appear on the skin. Welts may be red, but can also be the same color as your skin. They can be small and round, ring-shaped, or large and of random shape. Hives are itchy, and they tend to appear in batches on the affected part of the body. They can grow larger, change shape, and spread.

Hives may disappear or reappear over the course of the outbreak. Individual hives can last anywhere from half an hour to a day. Hives may turn white when pressed. Sometimes the hives may change shape or form together and create a larger, raised area.

Hives can occur in a variety of places on the body. Call 911 or seek medical attention immediately if you develop a hive outbreak around your throat or on your tongue or have trouble breathing along with hives.

Allergic Reactions

The most common causes of hives are allergic reactions. These can be caused by any allergen you might be sensitive to, including:

  • foods (such as nuts, milk, and eggs)
  • pet dander
  • pollen
  • dust mites
  • insect bites or stings
  • medications (primarily antibiotics, cancer drugs, and ibuprofen)

Mild cases of hives caused by allergies are typically treated with long- or short-term allergy medications and avoidance of the trigger.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. In this condition, hives are often accompanied with breathing difficulties, nausea or vomiting, severe swelling, and dizziness. Call 911 immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis.

Chronic hives

Chronic hives are ongoing cases that don’t necessarily have an identifiable cause. Also called chronic urticaria, this condition is marked by recurring hives that can interfere with your lifestyle. According to the Mayo Clinic, these can last between six weeks and several months or years.

You may suspect chronic hives if you have welts that don’t go away within six weeks. While not life-threatening, this form of hives can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat. They may also be a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as:

  • celiac disease
  • lupus
  • type 1 diabetes
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • thyroid disease

Dermatographism

This form of acute hives is considered mild. Excessive scratching or continuous pressure on the skin causes it. Dermatographism usually clears up on its own in a short period of time without treatment.

Temperature-induced hives

Sometimes changes in temperature can induce hives in people who are sensitive to such changes. Cold-induced hives may occur from cold water or air exposure, while body heat from physical activity may cause exercise-induced hives. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds may also bring about solar hives in some people.

Infection-induced hives

Both viral and bacterial infections can cause hives. Common bacterial infections causing hives include urinary tract infections and strep throat. Viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis, and colds often cause hives.

Simple changes to your lifestyle may be able to help you prevent hives from reoccurring in the future. If you have allergies and you know which substances are likely to cause an allergic reaction, your doctor will suggest that you avoid any possible exposure to these factors. Allergy shots are another option that may help you reduce the risk of experiencing hives again.

Avoid being in high-humidity areas or wearing tight clothing if you have recently had a hives outbreak.

Although hives can be itchy and uncomfortable, usually they are not severe and will disappear after a period of time. However, be aware that as some hives go away, new ones may pop up.

Mild cases of hives are considered harmless. Hives can be dangerous if you are having a serious allergic reaction and your throat is swelling. Prompt treatment for a severe case of hives is important for a good outlook.

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