Hives
Short phrase about the image: What are the different types of hives? Everything about their causes, symptoms, and most common treatments.
Symptoms and Causes
Hives are a skin condition primarily characterized by the appearance of red spots that typically itch. This condition occurs as a response of the immune system to an external stimulus.
There are two types of hives depending on their duration:
- Acute hives: they usually appear suddenly and disappear in less than twenty-four hours. However, they may persist for up to six weeks without being a cause for alarm. As a general rule, diagnostic tests determine the reason behind the onset of the condition.
- Chronic hives: the rash lasts for more than six weeks and can last for years. Based on its etiology, it is divided into three types:
- Spontaneous or idiopathic hives: as the name suggests, the causes cannot be identified. Symptoms appear and disappear in short periods of time over several weeks.
- Inducible hives: this is a reaction to environmental or physical stimuli such as pressure on the skin, heat, cold, or sunlight.
- Vasculitis hives: this causes a skin rash in areas where there is inflammation of the blood vessels.
The appropriate treatment is very effective in alleviating itching and eliminating the spots, so hives are usually considered a mild condition. However, when associated with angioedema, which causes swelling in the deeper layers of the skin, it is considered a severe condition, as swelling in certain body parts, such as the tongue or airways, can compromise the patient's life.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of hives are:
- Skin welts that can vary in size. Depending on the skin tone, they may appear red, white, or purple.
- Itching of varying intensity.
- In cases of angioedema, swelling of the eyes (primarily in the eyelids) or lips. Occasionally, the hands, feet, or throat may also swell.
- When the condition is severe, difficulty breathing.
Causes
In most cases (more than 50% of the time), the causes of hives cannot be identified. In other cases, diagnostic tests determine the agent that triggered the condition. The most common triggers include:
- Food: components in certain foods like nuts, shellfish, or eggs can trigger skin reactions in individuals with allergies or heightened sensitivity.
- Medications: some drugs that commonly cause hives include penicillin, anticonvulsants, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
- Sun: although not very common, some people experience a rash after spending only a few minutes exposed to the sun.
- Temperature: both high and low temperatures can cause a skin reaction.
- Stress: the rash is one of the physical manifestations of nervousness and anxiety.
Risk Factors
Hives can affect anyone. However, individuals who have had hives before or those with allergies are more likely to develop a rash as an immune response to specific stimuli.
Complications
The main complication of hives is angioedema. When, in addition to the rash and itching on the epidermis, the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissues swell, the patient’s life is at risk. Especially if it affects the tongue, throat, or airways, as it can make breathing difficult, potentially leading to death in severe cases.
Prevention
Preventing hives is difficult, as it can be triggered at any time. People who have experienced hives previously or those with allergies should avoid the agent that causes it.
Which doctor treats hives?
Dermatology specialists diagnose and treat hives.
Diagnosis
Observation, physical examination, and medical history are the basis for diagnosing hives. Additional tests are performed to try to identify its origin, such as:
- Blood tests to determine if there is an allergic reaction and, if so, identify the allergen causing it.
- Skin allergy test to detect substances that the immune system reacts to.
Treatment
The treatment for hives is pharmacological, and medications can be administered either orally or topically. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications to relieve itching are the most effective in this case.
