The best treatment option for hives is to identify and remove the cause. Medications, such as antihistamines, may be recommended to relieve symptoms. However, treatment for hive-related conditions usually focuses on avoiding the situation or “trigger” that leads to an episode of hives. While they vary among individuals, these may include:
- Allergens (e.g., foods, pollens, pet dander, insect astings)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Irritants (e.g., cosmetics)
- Other factors (e.g., extremes in temperatures, sunlight, tight-fitting clothing)
About hives
“Hives” is the common name of a skin disorder called urticaria in which itchy bumps of varying sizes appear suddenly anywhere on the body. Between 10 and 20 percent of the United States population will experience an episode of hives at some time in their life, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
These skin eruptions form when blood plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin, usually as a result of the release of chemicals called histamine. Histamine is released by mast cells (immune system cells) in response to a substance the body believes is harmful. Histamine causes the blood vessels to widen and leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, resulting in redness, swelling and an itching sensation. Allergic reactions, chemicals, foods and medications are all potential triggers for histamine release.
