Hives or Urticaria is one of the common problems of skin which appears as red, raised and swelled marks on the skin with severe kind of itching and some time accompanied with pain and burning. These red areas may emerge in various sizes. Usually, they do not stand for long time. They disappear and reappear later for many hours but hives does not go away as a whole. You can observe that red raised marks on the body continue to grow for at least 24 hour before the desertion. Every 20 people out of 100 are affected by hives at least once in their life. Knowing the facts behind what causes hives may help resist the agony we face because of it.
Problem of hives can persist for minimum 5 weeks and maximum 8 weeks. If the conditions stay for longer than this then it might involve further complications. Understanding what causes hives is essential to treat and manage the hives effectively.
What causes typical Hives?
In most cases no notable cause of hives is known. But it is observed that few situations trigger hives in many people. Reason which normally results in hives are;
- Infections. Infections are a common reason of hives in many adults and children. Infections due to virus often cause hives in most people. Other infections in urinary tract, throat, hepatitis, sinus and athlete’s foot may also trigger hives at some stage.
- Reactions to Allergies. Hives also appear as an allergic reaction to any foodstuff or drugs. It is observed that hives appeared due to some kind of allergic reaction usually fades away immediately as it comes out. However, in case of reaction due to medication, it emerges soon after the intake of 1st dose of medicine. Discontinuing the use of that drug or the food usually solves the problem. Many painkillers, anti inflammatory, and medicines for hypertension may result in hives in many adults. Along with food or drug allergies, most people are also sensitive to various kinds of household or daily use items like smell of perfume or deodorants, chemicals found in creams or even tooth paste.
- Weak Immune System. Our immune system is the mechanism which protects us from diseases and illness. However, weakness in the immune systems invites illness to attack the body. A thyroid disorder known as autoimmune syndrome affects the tissues of our body in which skin is also included. So it is also considered as the main cause of hives in many adults. This usually causes chronic kind of hives in adults.
- Stress. Hive is also elicited due to stressful living. Stress is the major contributor to most diseases caused to human being especially adults as in stress we forget to take care of ourselves.
- Exposure to sunlight. It results in body tanning, dryness, sweating and chapping which may activate various skin problems including hives. Hive also appears due to no or less skin care.
- Insect sting. It may carry poison or infectious disease which could transfer to human body if bitten by any insect. So immediate medical treatment is necessary before the situation gets worse.
- Scratching. The hives may also aggravate due to scratching the skin. This kind of hive is known as dermographism. It usually develops if someone’s skin is rubbed by anything like belt or cloths. It causes cells, named mast, leak histamine that may result in hives.
The above mentioned facts have explained what causes hives in most of the people. It is essential to understand what causes hives in you in order to fight the agony faced due to it. Anyone can avoid the reoccurring of hives if the causes are fully identified.
