Hives or urticaria can manifest as red-colored, itchy welts on the skin surface and usually triggered by an allergic reaction. Hives that develop among adults start abruptly and vanish quickly. This skin condition varies in size and can manifest on any part of the body and even move around throughout the course of the reaction.
Allergic reaction
Once the body is exposed to an allergic substance, it releases histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. The histamine is responsible for triggering itchiness, swelling and eventually the outbreak of hives. This skin condition start out as swelling on the skin surface that turns into skin-colored or reddish welts with clearly defined borders that can cause discomfort to the individual.
Hives can cause discomfort but relatively harmless and typically vanish within 24 hours. On the other hand, severe cases of hives can progress into an anaphylactic shock that covers the whole body which triggers difficulty breathing or swallowing. Once this type of reaction occurs, it requires immediate emergency care to counteract the reaction as well as ensure that further care is given.
Food allergies
There are certain foods that typically instigate hives. These foods include shellfish, nuts, eggs, chocolate, tomatoes, milk and berries. Even food additives and preservatives are also known to cause the break out of hives. Always bear in mind that hives due to food allergies manifest within minutes up to a number of hours after consumption of a particular food. The manifestation of the symptoms usually depends on the location inside the digestive tract where food absorption takes place.
Infections
Infections such as viral infections, mononucleosis and certain conditions such as lupus and other autoimmune diseases and even leukemia can cause the manifestation of hives.
Medications
An allergic reaction can manifest among adults that might be due to almost any medications whether over-the-counter or prescription.
Skin scratching
Dermatographism is considered as a form of hives that typically manifest after an individual firmly scratches or strokes the skin. This can often occur with other forms of hives. Always bear in mind that dermatographism can also occur among healthy adults and the condition can last for months or even years.
Natural causes
The natural causes of hives usually include exposure to extreme cold, sunlight, vibration, water, pressure and excessive perspiration that can occur while exercising. The hives manifest within minutes of being exposed to the sun and usually vanish within 1-2 hours.
Stress
Always bear in mind that stress can cause chronic hives in some adults. In most cases, this condition can manifest on a daily basis for months or even years. A doctor should be consulted for proper assessment of the condition and diagnosis as well as start the suitable treatment for this undesirable condition
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