What are hives and how do they manifest on the skin. What triggers hives and how can they be effectively treated. How to differentiate hives from other skin conditions and when to seek medical attention. What are the long-term management strategies for chronic hives.

Decoding Hives: The Red, Itchy Mystery on Your Skin

Hives, medically known as urticaria, are a common skin condition that affects approximately 20% of people at some point in their lives. These red, raised bumps on the skin can be both uncomfortable and alarming, often resembling insect bites or other skin irritations.

But what exactly are hives? They occur when the body releases histamine, a chemical involved in the immune response. This release can be triggered by various factors, ranging from allergies to stress or infections.

Key Characteristics of Hives

• Appearance: Red, raised welts on the skin
• Size: Can range from small, mosquito-bite-like bumps to large patches several inches wide
• Location: Can appear anywhere on the body
• Duration: May disappear quickly or persist for weeks or months
• Behavior: Often move around the body, appearing in one area and then another

How can you distinguish hives from other skin conditions? Unlike many rashes, hives tend to blanch (turn white) when pressed. They also have a characteristic “here today, gone tomorrow” nature, often disappearing and reappearing in different areas.

The Triggers Behind the Itch: Common Causes of Hives

Understanding what causes hives is crucial for both treatment and prevention. While the immediate cause is histamine release, the underlying triggers can be diverse and sometimes elusive.

Non-Allergic Triggers

Surprisingly, most cases of hives are not related to allergies. Common non-allergic triggers include:

• Viral infections (e.g., common cold, strep throat)
• Emotional stress
• Physical exertion or heat
• Vibrations from activities like lawn mowing or horseback riding
• Extreme temperatures
• Sun exposure or artificial UV light
• Pressure or friction on the skin

Do certain activities seem to precede your hive outbreaks? Keeping a journal of activities and symptoms can help identify non-allergic triggers.

Allergic Triggers

While less common, allergic reactions can also cause hives. These triggers are often more serious and may lead to anaphylaxis in severe cases. Potential allergic triggers include:

• Foods (e.g., eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, shellfish)
• Medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium)
• Environmental allergens (e.g., pollen, animal dander, latex)

Is it possible to develop new allergies later in life? Yes, adults can develop allergies to foods or substances they previously tolerated, making it important to consider allergic triggers even if you’ve never had them before.

When Hives Turn Serious: Recognizing Anaphylaxis

While most cases of hives are uncomfortable but not dangerous, they can sometimes be part of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This life-threatening condition requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of Anaphylaxis

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

What should you do if you suspect anaphylaxis? Call emergency services immediately. If available, use an epinephrine auto-injector (like EpiPen®) as directed while waiting for help to arrive.

Soothing the Itch: Treatment Options for Hives

The treatment of hives focuses on managing symptoms and avoiding triggers. The approach may vary depending on the severity and duration of the outbreak.

For Mild Hives

• Over-the-counter antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, fexofenadine, cetirizine)
• Cool compresses or cold showers to soothe the skin
• Avoiding known triggers
• Distraction techniques to minimize scratching

Can dietary changes help manage hives? While not a cure-all, some people find relief by avoiding histamine-rich foods like aged cheeses, fermented products, and certain types of fish.

For Severe or Chronic Hives

• Higher doses of antihistamines
• Short courses of oral steroids (e.g., prednisone)
• Prescription medications like omalizumab (Xolair®)
• Consultation with an allergist or dermatologist

Why might a doctor prescribe multiple antihistamines? Different antihistamines work in slightly different ways, and combining them can sometimes provide better relief than using a single medication.

Living with Hives: Long-Term Management Strategies

For those dealing with chronic hives, developing a long-term management plan is crucial. This often involves a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments.

Key Strategies for Managing Chronic Hives

• Consistent use of prescribed medications
• Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers
• Stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
• Keeping a symptom and trigger diary
• Adjusting diet and lifestyle to avoid known triggers

How can stress management help with hives? Stress is a common trigger for hives, and reducing stress through relaxation techniques can help decrease the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Treatments for Stubborn Hives

For some individuals, standard treatments may not provide sufficient relief. In these cases, more advanced options may be considered.

Emerging Therapies for Chronic Hives

• Biologics: Medications that target specific parts of the immune system
• Phototherapy: Controlled exposure to UV light
• Immune modulators: Drugs that alter the immune response
• Allergen immunotherapy: Gradually exposing the body to allergens to build tolerance

Are there any natural remedies that can help with hives? While scientific evidence is limited, some people find relief with natural approaches like applying aloe vera, taking vitamin D supplements, or using essential oils. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments.

Hives in Special Populations: Children, Pregnant Women, and Seniors

The management of hives can be particularly challenging in certain groups, requiring special considerations and sometimes modified treatment approaches.

Hives in Children

Children with hives may need different dosages of medications and may have difficulty articulating their symptoms or avoiding triggers.

• Use age-appropriate antihistamines
• Implement distraction techniques to prevent scratching
• Educate caregivers and school staff about the condition

Hives During Pregnancy

Pregnant women need to be cautious about medication use, balancing symptom relief with fetal safety.

• Consult with an obstetrician before using any medications
• Focus on non-pharmacological management when possible
• Monitor for pregnancy-specific hive conditions like PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy)

Hives in Older Adults

Seniors may have comorbid conditions or take medications that complicate hive management.

• Be aware of potential drug interactions
• Consider the impact of hives on overall quality of life
• Address age-related skin changes that may exacerbate symptoms

How does the approach to treating hives differ across these populations? The fundamental principles remain the same, but dosages, medication choices, and risk-benefit analyses may vary significantly based on age, pregnancy status, and overall health condition.

The Psychological Impact of Hives: Addressing the Invisible Symptoms

While the physical symptoms of hives are readily apparent, the psychological toll of living with this condition is often overlooked. Chronic hives can significantly impact mental health and quality of life.

Common Psychological Challenges

• Anxiety about potential outbreaks
• Depression related to chronic symptoms
• Social isolation due to visible skin changes
• Sleep disturbances from itching and discomfort
• Frustration with the unpredictable nature of the condition

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of hives? Strategies may include joining support groups, practicing mindfulness, seeking counseling, and openly communicating with friends and family about the condition.

Integrating Mental Health into Hives Management

A holistic approach to hives management should consider both physical and mental well-being. This may involve:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address anxiety and depression
• Stress reduction techniques like progressive muscle relaxation
• Education about the condition to empower patients
• Addressing body image concerns
• Developing coping strategies for social situations

Can addressing psychological factors improve physical symptoms of hives? While more research is needed, some studies suggest that stress reduction and psychological interventions may help reduce the frequency and severity of hive outbreaks in some individuals.

Understanding and managing hives requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition. By recognizing triggers, implementing appropriate treatments, and addressing the broader impact on quality of life, individuals with hives can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain overall well-being. Remember, while hives can be challenging, with the right strategies and support, it’s possible to lead a full and active life despite this condition.

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)

HH-I-82 11/89, Revised 2023, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

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Hives (Urticaria) | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Chronic hives occur almost daily for more than six weeks and are typically itchy. Each hive lasts less than 24 hours. They do not bruise nor leave any scar. They typically do not have an identifiable trigger.

If your hives last more than a month or if they recur over time, see an allergist, who will take a history and perform a thorough physical exam to try and determine the cause of your symptoms. A skin test and challenge test may also be needed to identify triggers.

Therapies range from cool compresses to relieve itching to prescription antihistamines and other drugs, such as anti-inflammatory medications and medications that may modify your "}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8963,"3":{"1":0},"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"12":0,"16":10}">The immune system is a collection of cells and proteins that works to protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms (microscopic life-forms), such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The immune system plays a role in the control of cancer and other diseases, but also is the culprit in the phenomena of allergies, hypersensitivity and the rejection of transplanted organs, tissues and medical implants.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>immune system.

Is It Hives or Angioedema?

Angioedema – swelling of tissue beneath the surface of the skin – can be mistaken for, or associated with hives. It can be caused by allergic reactions, medications or a hereditary deficiency of some enzymes. The following symptoms may indicate angioedema:

• Swelling in the eyes or mouth
• Swelling of the hands, feet or throat
• Difficulty breathing, stomach cramps or swelling of the lining of the eyes

The best way to identify your symptoms is to talk to an allergist who can diagnose and treat both hives and angioedema.

Diagnosis

In some cases, the trigger is obvious – a person eats peanuts or shrimp, and then breaks out within a short time. Other cases require detective work by both the patient and the physician because there are many possible causes. If the hives have gone on for a long time, the cause is not usually identified.

A single episode of hives does not usually call for extensive testing. If a food allergy is suspected, consider keeping track of what you eat. This will help you discover whether there is a link between what you’re eating and when you break out with hives.

Chronic hives should be evaluated by an allergist, who will ask about your and your family’s medical history, substances to which you are exposed at home and at work, exposure to pets or other animals and any medications you’ve taken recently. If you have been keeping a food diary, show it to your allergist.

Your allergist may want to conduct skin tests, blood tests and urine tests to identify the cause of your hives. If a specific food is the suspected trigger, your allergist may do a skin-prick test or a blood test to confirm the diagnosis; once the trigger is identified, you’ll likely be advised to avoid that food and products made from it. In rare instances, the allergist may recommend an oral food challenge – a carefully monitored test in which you’ll eat a measured amount of the suspected trigger to see if hives develop. If a medication is suspected as the trigger, your allergist can conduct similar tests, and a cautious drug challenge – similar to an oral food challenge, but with medications – may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Because of the possibility of ” rel=”tooltip”>anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, these challenge tests should be done only under strict medical supervision, with emergency medication and equipment at hand.

In cases where vasculitis (inflammation of the blood cells) may be the cause, your allergist may conduct a skin biopsy and send it to a specialist to examine under a microscope.

Management and Treatment

Researchers have identified many – but not all – of the factors that can cause hives. These include food and other substances you take, such as medications. Some people develop hives just by touching certain items. Some illnesses also cause hives. Here are a few of the most common causes:

• Some food (especially peanuts, eggs, nuts and shellfish)
• Medications, such as antibiotics (especially penicillin and sulfa), aspirin and ibuprofen
• Insect stings or bites
• Physical stimuli such as pressure, cold, heat, exercise or sun exposure
• Latex
• Blood transfusions
• Bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections and strep throat
• Viral infections, including the common cold, infectious mononucleosis and hepatitis
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Some plants

Antihistamines – available either over the counter or by prescription – are a frequently recommended treatment for hives. They work by blocking the effect of </span>” rel=”tooltip”>histamine, a chemical in the skin that can cause allergy symptoms, including welts. Antihistamines that don’t make you drowsy are preferred. They are effective and long-lasting (may be taken once a day) and have few side effects. Your allergist may recommend a combination of two or three antihistamines to treat your hives, along with cold compresses or anti-itch balms to ease the symptoms.

Severe episodes of urticaria may require temporary treatment with prednisone, a similar corticosteroid medication or an immune modulator, which can reduce the severity of the symptoms.

If your reaction involves swelling of your tongue or lips, or you have trouble breathing, your allergist may prescribe an epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector for you to keep on hand at all times. These can be early symptoms of anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction that impairs breathing and can send the body into shock. The only treatment for anaphylaxis is It is one of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland. Epinephrine increases the speed and force of heart beats and thereby the work that can be done by the heart. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise. Epinephrine has been produced synthetically as a drug since 1900. It remains the drug of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8963,"3":{"1":0},"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"12":0,"16":10}">Epinephrine is a naturally occurring hormone, also called adrenaline. It is one of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland. Epinephrine increases the speed and force of heart beats and thereby the work that can be done by the heart. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise. Epinephrine has been produced synthetically as a drug since 1900. It remains the drug of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>epinephrine. If you develop hives and your injector is not nearby – or if using the auto-injector doesn’t cause the symptoms to immediately improve – call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately. Emergency medical services carry epinephrine and can provide prompt treatment. You should also go to the emergency room after using an auto-injector.

If the cause of hives can be identified, the best treatment is to avoid the trigger or eliminate it:

• Foods: Don’t eat foods that have been identified to cause your symptoms.
• Rubbing or scratching: Avoid harsh soaps. Frequent baths may reduce itching and scratching – beneficial because itching and scratching can make the hives feel worse.
• Constant pressure: Avoid tight clothing. Pressure hives can be relieved by wearing loose-fitting clothes.
• Temperature: If you develop hives when exposed to cold, do not swim alone in cold water and always carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Avoid exposure to cold air and use a scarf around your nose and mouth in cold weather. If you must be out in the cold, wear warm clothing.
• Sun exposure: Wear protective clothing; apply sunblock.
• Medications: Notify your physician or pharmacist immediately if you suspect that a specific medication is causing your hives.

Chronic hives

Some cases of hives last for more than six weeks and can last months or years. This condition is known as chronic hives.

If the cause cannot be identified, even after a detailed history and testing, the condition is called chronic idiopathic urticaria. (“Idiopathic” means “unknown.”) About half these cases are associated with some immune findings. Chronic hives may also be associated with thyroid disease, other hormonal problems or, in very rare instances, cancer. Even this condition usually dissipates over time.

Physical urticaria

In physical urticaria, the hives have a physical cause, such as exposure to heat, cold or pressure.

Common triggers include:

• Rubbing or scratching. This is the most frequent cause of physical urticaria. Symptoms appear within a few minutes in the place that was rubbed or scratched and typically last less than an hour.
• Pressure or constriction. Delayed pressure urticaria can appear as red swelling six to eight hours after pressure (belts or constrictive clothing, for example) has been applied. Symptoms can also occur in parts of the body under constant pressure, such as the soles of the feet.
• Change in temperature. Cold urticaria is caused by exposure to low temperatures followed by re-warming. This can be severe and life-threatening if there is a general body cooling – for example, after a plunge into a swimming pool.
• Higher body temperature. Cholinergic urticaria is due to an increase in body temperature because of sweating, exercise, hot showers and/or anxiety.
• Sun exposure. Solar urticaria may occur within a few minutes after exposure to the sun.

Inflammation of the blood vessels, or vasculitis, can also cause hives. These hives are more painful than itchy, may leave a bruise on the skin and often last more than a day.

Life’s too short to struggle with hives. Find answers with an allergist.

Mosquito bite rash

Skin infections, especially those with a diagnostic sign of rashes, are one of the most common reasons young children go to the doctor. Adults also suffer from this skin problem; however, most of them choose self-diagnosis and self-treatment. Identifying a rash is never an easy task, and it’s even more difficult because one type of mosquito bite-like rash can have different causes and relatively common symptoms.

Pay attention to aspects of the rash

Allergic reactions to food, viruses, metals, bacteria and other skin irritants can cause mosquito bite rashes. In most cases, the rash does not indicate a dangerous condition, but in some rare cases it does. When you find a rash, spend as much time as possible paying attention to how the rash looks. Pay attention to how long it has been present, how widespread it is, whether it itches or not, how big and how many spots you have.

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The role of histamine

The lining of the skin contains many mast cells that are designed to attack and destroy parasites. These cells carry sacs filled with chemicals, including a protein called histamine. When an allergic reaction occurs in the body caused by an allergen, the body releases histamine. Once in the bloodstream, the fluid leaks out of the blood vessels, accumulates in the skin, and causes a rash. Thus, itching, swelling and irritation.

Urticaria

Urticaria is a skin disease similar to mosquito bites.

What they look like: Medically, urticaria is smooth, raised, with pink to reddish bumps or wheals that can vary in size. They may also be ring, oval or circle shaped with a pale center and a red halo or flare on the outer edge. The redness of the spots may disappear and turn pale with pressure. Wheat also disappears within minutes or hours and is replaced by newly formed ones. As a rule, bulging bumps appear in groups, covering the whole body or part of it, accompanied by very intense itching.

What causes them: According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, hives are often associated with medications and food allergies. Very common triggers are allergic reactions to pollen, pet dander, or seafood. There are many causes of irritating skin allergies, and some of them have unexpected triggers.

• Training or exercise: Many people think that a rise in body temperature causes hives. But what actually causes hives is your own sweat.

• Cold temperatures: Cold climates can exacerbate the disease in some people. This includes other causes associated with a cold, such as swimming pools or eating chilled food.

• Infection Response: Researchers have found that several bacterial and viral infections, including tooth decay, have a role in the development of hives.

• Stress: High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) are associated with chronic urticaria and may exacerbate them.

• Sunlight and heat. Although hives are rare, some people get hives after sudden sun exposure. This happens if you were indoors in winter. Your body may suddenly explode and a red, itchy rash will appear on his body. It can also appear in areas that have been covered for several months and then exposed to sunlight abruptly.

Home remedies: The first step is to discover your potential triggers. They must be avoided to prevent hives. Healthy eating habits can reduce the chance of hives. Cool oatmeal baths can also relieve an itchy rash. After bathing, apply topical medications, such as calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream, to the affected area to relieve itching.

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Applying an ice pack to the rash also provides relief. Also, cut your nails short to avoid scratching the rashes. Wear loose clothing to prevent further irritation of the affected skin. Over-the-counter medications such as oral antihistamines are also the preferred choice for blocking the release of histamine (a compound that causes allergic symptoms).

When to see a doctor: If your hives do not go away after home treatment and you have other serious symptoms, such as swelling of the lips and difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room right away. Also, for rashes that are accidentally scratched and have caused an infection due to an open wound, see a doctor.

Heat rash (heat rash)

Heat rash is a condition that causes a rash with bumps on the skin.

What it looks like: Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or sweat rash, is a common condition in humid or hot weather. Heat rash is very similar to hives. It shows red, itchy, raised bumps on the skin. Unlike urticaria, which affects any age group and is widespread, heat rash is smaller and more common in children. It usually appears in places where sweat accumulates, such as the neck, upper chest, or elbow creases.

What causes it: As a rule, skin rash is mainly caused by blockage of the sweat ducts in summer or hot weather. For example, a child who is overdressed under the scorching sun may develop a heat rash. Heavy use of creams also contributes to clogged pores during exercise.

Home remedies: Heat rashes usually resolve within a couple of days after air drying. Loosening and removing clothing will also help. Allow the skin to cool while monitoring the temperature. Stay in air-conditioned rooms or use cold compresses. Other treatment options for heat rash include applying calamine or hydrocortisone creams to soothe the rash. It is also important to avoid other lotions as they can aggravate the irritation of your sensitive skin.

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When to see a doctor: An increase in heat rash within three to four days is reason enough to seek advice. Immediate medical attention is needed for severe itching and rashes with pus and swelling.

Irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis may cause a mosquito bite-like rash.

What it looks like: In addition to allergic reaction rashes, a more common type of contact dermatitis is irritant contact dermatitis. At first glance, it can be confused with beehives as it shares most of its characteristics. It starts with a red rash and bumps followed by itchy dry skin. During a hypersensitivity reaction, raised papules form on the skin in the affected areas. A flaky rash may also appear. However, its distribution differs from hives. This type of contact dermatitis affects areas that are only exposed to irritants.

What causes it: The main cause is repeated contact with an irritant that rubs against the skin and damages the surface of the skin. It is caused by a reaction to certain substances, such as detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, metal jewelry, deodorant, or other personal care products.

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Home remedies: Avoid anything that causes symptoms. Avoid strong substances that can irritate the skin. The constant friction of clothing fabric makes your skin more susceptible to injury, so choose cotton material over bulky fabrics because they are less irritating. Treat the area with hydrocortisone or anti-itch cream and then take a dose of antihistamines. A moist compress can be applied to relieve mild to moderate symptoms.

When to see a doctor: Severe symptoms, such as painful and widespread rashes, require a doctor’s consultation. See an allergist and get a patch test if you can’t pinpoint the cause of the rash. Also, if the rash begins to interfere with your daily activities and causes lack of sleep, seek medical attention.

Looking for the culprit

You don’t have to go to medical school to determine the root cause of a rash. With a bit of acquired knowledge and a few tips on how to check their characteristics, you can prevent them and treat them yourself.

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Allergic rash similar to mosquito bites

The causes of skin rash can be different and very often indicate serious changes in the human body. Ignoring such signs can lead to very detrimental consequences, therefore, if changes appear on the skin that are stable for a long time, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. Especially if such phenomena appeared soon after insect bites.

Content

1. Allergic reaction
2. Types of allergic reactions
3. Causes of allergic response
4. Treatment and prevention of an allergic reaction
5. Infectious diseases
6. Diseases of the blood and blood vessels

Causes that very often cause a rash over the body resembling mosquito bites are:

• allergy, often in the form of urticaria;
• infectious diseases;
• diseases of the blood and vascular system;
• Selected diseases – rubella, chicken pox, shingles, measles, scarlet fever and herpes.

Allergic reaction

Allergies can take many forms in the body, depending on the type of allergen and the immune system. Some types of allergic reactions can be defined as a rash on the body, which can vary in appearance from red dots, the formation of dry scales on the edge of individual blisters, and lesions resembling mosquito bites. Such changes on the skin, even if they look like bites, but the difference is that the rash will accompany other symptoms if the rash is related to an allergic reaction. Often occurring skin lesions should be diagnosed and treated exclusively under the supervision of a physician, preferably an allergist-immunologist. It only at first glance seems that an allergy is a trifling reaction. In fact, it can have very unpleasant consequences for the body.

Useful Links

Here you can find out what to do if you get bitten by a mosquito.

Types of allergic reactions

The rash, which looks like red, raised bumps, often occurs on exposed areas of the body, and its appearance is very similar to mosquito bites. Lesions can vary in size, which can be confusing for a self-diagnosing person. Large lesions are more commonly associated with an allergic reaction. On the other hand, a small urticaria can look like bites. Allergic contact dermatitis can also look like insect bites, but there are other skin symptoms, such as dryness, itching, and escharing. Contact dermatitis is one of many types of eczema caused by allergies in 20 percent of all patients.

Causes of allergic response

Urticaria lesions should be classified as drug and food related allergic reactions according to research in immunology. External chemicals can also lead to allergic contact dermatitis, but the rash doesn’t always look like mosquito bites. Other causes of urticaria associated with contact dermatitis include:

• cosmetics;
• poison ivy;
• metals such as mercury and nickel.

Treatment and prevention of allergic reaction

Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to help relieve itching associated with hives and allergic contact dermatitis. It is worth noting that the symptoms of pathology intensify if the rash is persistently combed. In such cases, antibiotics may be needed. Effective ointments such as corticosteroids are often used to help reduce the inflammation associated with allergic contact dermatitis. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as taking cold baths and avoiding excessive sweating, to prevent mosquito bite-like allergic reactions from worsening.

The most effective way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid the causes that cause it. This may not be as easy as it seems, especially if the person is not able to determine the reasons why the allergy has developed on their own. An allergist-immunologist may order diagnostic tests to help determine the nature of the rash. Immunologic injections may be recommended for persistent lesions. Such methods involve the practice of introducing a small amount of the allergen into the body to help build long-term immunity to it.

Infectious diseases

Many infectious diseases caused by bacteria or viruses can cause various kinds of rashes on the skin, which can also resemble mosquito bites. In addition to this sign, infections are characterized by the manifestation of additional symptoms – allergies, fever, loss of appetite, disorders of the digestive system, which can manifest themselves in the form of constipation, diarrhea or vomiting. Depending on the localization of the pathological process, local changes can be observed – pain in the abdomen, throat, joints, and so on. Therefore, only a doctor can determine whether an allergy or infection is the cause of the rash.

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria are usually much easier to treat. More often in these cases, antibiotics and sulfa drugs are prescribed, the course of which does not last more than 10 days. If necessary, treatment is continued. Bacterial infections for which skin rash is one of the most common symptoms:

• scarlet fever;
• typhoid fever;
• typhus;
• staphylococcal infections;
• meningitis;
• syphilis;
• other diseases.