What are hives?

Itchy, red, raised.: Hives are itchy, red, raised lesions on the skin and they usually happen after contact with or ingestion of something you're allergic to. Try some benadryl, (diphenhydramine) cold packs, and see your doctor if they get worse!

Itchy welts: Hives are welts. They are raised, "blotchy", red, and itchy. They can be of variable size. They usually come and go and last a few minutes to a few hours at a time.

Itchy bumps: Hives are raised lesions/welts that are raised and can be variable in size. There are many causes of hives and these include infections, medications, bee/wasp stings, food allergies, environmental allergies, amongst other rarer causes. Oftentimes, hives are idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. For further evaluation and management, referral to a board-certified allergist is recommended.

A vascular reaction: Hives are slightly elevated patches of skin caused by increased blood flow. The hives are usually caused by histamine release, which dilates blood vessels and causes the resultant edema. The hives are usually surrounded by a red halo - a flare - which comes from a reactive skin flush. The irritated nerve endings in the vicinity of the hive will send off "itching" signals.

Skin rash : That is characteristically raised, evanscent, and itchy.

Antihistamines: Hives are very common affecting 25% of the population. If the trigger of the hives can be identified, then avoid the trigger. To decrease the itching and redness, an antihistamine such as allegra, zyrtec, claritin, Clarinex or xyzal (levocetirizine) can help without causing a lot of drowsiness. Usually antihistamines and time will work; if not, an allergist can help find the trigger and offer other treatments.

Hives: Hives typically come and go as they please. Have you seen an allergist to identify possible causes of your recurrent hives? Keep a food diary, log any new medications or supplements, or body products, take an oral antihistamine such as Allegra (fexofenadine) or zyrtec and see an allergist.

Alternatives: First, has your doctor tried you on antihistamine up to 4 times daily? Other alternatives include immunomodulators, xoliar (a hybrid antibody to bind the ige), and some times a histamine-2 "blocker" or leukotriene modifier. An allergist would be your best option.

Don't worry!: Hive are uncomfortable, but not dangerous or contagious. For acute hives, the cause is frequently found and easily treated with antihistamines and avoiding the trigger. For chronic hives (>6 weeks), an allergist can assist in finding the trigger and a treatment plan that does not include steroids. Don't panic...Anxiety may aggravate hives.