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'''Urticaria''' commonly known as hives is a dermatological medical condition where red itchy bumps form on the skin. Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to a food or medication. People with allergies are more prone to develop hives although stress and infections could cause hives to develop. <ref> {{cite web | url = http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hives.html | title = Hives (Urticaria) | accessdate = 2011-06-01}}</ref> | '''Urticaria''' commonly known as hives is a dermatological medical condition where red itchy bumps form on the skin. Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to a food or medication. People with allergies are more prone to develop hives although stress and infections could cause hives to develop. <ref> {{cite web | url = http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hives.html | title = Hives (Urticaria) | accessdate = 2011-06-01}}</ref> | ||
==Symptoms== | |||
Itching and the formation of red welts called wheals typify hives. The wheals have clearly defined edges and can be seen individually or they eventually group together forming large reddish formations. A wheal when pressed in the center will turn white and this is called blanching. The wheals can disappear within minutes or remain for hours. | |||
==Examination== | |||
A medical provider can visually determine the presence of hives. In some cases further testing may be done to determine what caused the allergic reaction (for cases where hives are caused by allergy). | |||
==Treatment== | |||
No treatment maybe needed for mild hives. Patients can take an antihistamine such as Diphenhydramine to help reduce the itching and swelling. Patients who have throat swelling due to hives may receive epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. In some severe cases of hives those same medications maybe used to treat the condition. | |||
==Potential complications== | |||
Both Anaphylaxis and swelling in the throat are considered hives complications. <ref> {{cite web | url = http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000845.htm | title = Hives | accessdate = 2011-06-01 | last = Berman | first = Kevin}}</ref> | |||
Revision as of 13:47, 1 June 2011
Urticaria commonly known as hives is a dermatological medical condition where red itchy bumps form on the skin. Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to a food or medication. People with allergies are more prone to develop hives although stress and infections could cause hives to develop. [1]
Symptoms
Itching and the formation of red welts called wheals typify hives. The wheals have clearly defined edges and can be seen individually or they eventually group together forming large reddish formations. A wheal when pressed in the center will turn white and this is called blanching. The wheals can disappear within minutes or remain for hours.
Examination
A medical provider can visually determine the presence of hives. In some cases further testing may be done to determine what caused the allergic reaction (for cases where hives are caused by allergy).
Treatment
No treatment maybe needed for mild hives. Patients can take an antihistamine such as Diphenhydramine to help reduce the itching and swelling. Patients who have throat swelling due to hives may receive epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. In some severe cases of hives those same medications maybe used to treat the condition.
Potential complications
Both Anaphylaxis and swelling in the throat are considered hives complications. [2]
References
- ↑ Hives (Urticaria). Retrieved on 2011-06-01.
- ↑ Berman, Kevin. Hives. Retrieved on 2011-06-01.