Question 1

can hives kill?

Accepted Answer

VERY Rarely: Hives are annoying but extremely rarely are life threatening and only if hives cause swelling in throat/upper airway. Usually hives only affect skin and pattern of distribution tends to recur so if previous hive attacks were only on skin, not internal, then unlikely future attack will be internal and affect throat/upper airway.

Question 2

will urticaria kill me?

Accepted Answer

No: Urticaria (hives) won't kill. Just don't take both hands off the steering wheel to scratch. Anaphylaxis is a much more severe allergic reaction that includes hives with laryngospasm (a choked off windpipe) or shock. These things can kill you but anaphylaxis is quite uncommon compared to hives.

Question 3

will urticaria kill me if i don't get treatment?

Accepted Answer

Will drive you crazy: Urticaria is more uncomfortable than life threatening. It can reach extremes, predisposing to skin infection and severe fluid loss with dehydration.

Question 4

can urticaria kill me? i've had rashes for 6 weeks, am i gonna die?

Accepted Answer

Hives don't kill: Hives are very itchy and appear unsightly, but do not lead to death.  They can be a sign of allergy or if going on for over 4 weeks, may be related to an autoimmune urticaria.  Either way, there is pretty good treatment options especially with antihistamines.  If there is swelling that affects the throat or breathing difficulties, see your allergist right away.

Question 5

are hives chronic?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Urticaria (hives) are "chronic" if they last longer than 6 weeks.  Please refer to a case and discussion i wrote on the topic:  http://www.Uwhealth.Org/pediatric-pathways/make-these-itchy-bumps-go-away/36971.

Question 6

why am i getting hives?

Accepted Answer

Hives: Likely in your home and garden.
Either way, you must contact your primary doctor as soon as possible!

Question 7

how come i keep getting hives?

Accepted Answer

Do not know: Recurrent urticaria warrants medical evaluation. I would start with your family doctor. However may need to be seen by an allergist.

Question 8

what are the food causes of hives?

Accepted Answer

Any food: Technically speaking, any food can cause hives...However, the most common dietary triggers for an allergic reaction would be milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts and seafood.

Question 9

is rubbing alchohol good for hives?

Accepted Answer

NO: It will irritate and dry out your skin, and it will not stop the release of histamine by the cells that causes the hives. You need an oral antihistamine to settle down the reaction. Even topical Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is not likely to be helpful.

Question 10

what is the quickest way to treat hives?

Accepted Answer

Benadryl (diphenhydramine): Benadryl (diphenhydramine).  Take 50 mg (two tabs) every 6 hours. Also, take tagamet or another h2 blocker (yes, for the stomach) like Zantac or pepcid.  Claritin or another antihistamine will also work in conjunction with benadryl (diphenhydramine).  The best addition is prednisone, but this requires a prescription. Your hives should clear in 5 days or so.  If they last longer, check in with your doctor.

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