Hives (urticaria): Difference between revisions
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'''Urticaria''' also known as hives is a dermatological medical condition | '''Urticaria''', also known as '''hives''', is a dermatological medical condition in which 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 can also cause it.<ref> {{cite web | url = http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hives.html | title = Hives (Urticaria) | accessdate = 2011-06-01}}</ref> | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Revision as of 16:34, 1 June 2011
Urticaria, also known as hives, is a dermatological medical condition in which 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 can also cause it.[1]
Symptoms
Itching and the formation of red welts calledwheals 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. "A hive often will go away in 24 hours or less, but bouts can last longer."[2]
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 anantihistamine 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. [3]
References
- ↑ Hives (Urticaria). Retrieved on 2011-06-01.
- ↑ Hives: Diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Retrieved on 2011-06-01.
- ↑ Berman, Kevin. Hives. Retrieved on 2011-06-01.