Have moms and dads ever heard of hives? Yes, hives is one of the skin problems that can be experienced by anyone, from babies to adults. According to the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, around 20% of adults are estimated to have experienced hives. Even 15% of them have experienced hives since childhood. So, what is hives? Check out the full explanation below.
What is hives?
Hives, also known as urticaria in medical terms, is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of a red, bilious, raised, and itchy rash on the surface of the skin. Hives often look like reddish bumps and can appear in one specific area or spread to several parts of the body. This includes the face, hands, ears, lips, neck and tongue.
There are two types of hives: acute hives and chronic hives. Acute hives usually last less than six weeks, while chronic hives can last on the skin for more than 6 weeks. Chronic hives can be associated with immune problems or other serious illnesses such as thyroid, hepatitis and cancer.
Causes of hives
Hives can be caused by high levels of histamine that are released by the immune system and make blood vessels dilate. However, hives can also be caused by a variety of factors, both internal and external. Here are some common causes of hives:
Food Allergies
Food allergies cause hives through a complex immunological mechanism involving the immune system. In allergic people, the immune system mistakenly recognizes proteins in food as a threat. Some foods such as nuts, shellfish, eggs and milk can trigger an allergic reaction that causes hives.
Drug Allergy
Drug allergies can cause hives through a mechanism similar to food allergies, which is an immunological overreaction to a substance that should be harmless. Drug allergies cause hives through the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells and basophils, which is triggered by an immune response to the components of the drug. This response results in symptoms involving the skin, such as rash, itching and swelling known as hives. Certain medications such as antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen can trigger hives in some people.
Insect Bites
Insect bites or stings can cause allergic reactions that give rise to hives. Insect bites can cause hives due to the body's reaction to chemicals or proteins injected by the insect when it bites or stings. When insects such as mosquitoes, bees, wasps or ticks bite or sting, they inject certain substances into the skin. These substances can be proteins in the insect's saliva or venom from the insect's sting. The body recognizes these substances as foreign and initiates an immune response to fight them.
Chemical Exposure
Chemicals in detergents, soaps or baby care products can cause skin irritation and trigger hives. Some of these ingredients found in cleaning products and baby care products can irritate the skin directly. The reaction on the skin can be irritation leading to inflammation of the skin, which can trigger swelling, redness and itching known as irritant contact dermatitis.
In some people, the immune system can develop sensitivity to certain chemicals after repeated or prolonged exposure. This means the immune system recognizes the substance as an allergen.
Infections
Some viral or bacterial infections can cause hives as part of the body's immune response. Viral or bacterial infections trigger an immune response that involves the release of various cytokines, including histamine. In addition, the child's immune system may react to antigens from the virus or bacteria in an exaggerated way, causing a hypersensitivity reaction. If hives persists or is accompanied by serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, or high fever, seek medical attention immediately.
Stress
Emotional stress can trigger or worsen hives in some people including children. Emotional stress can trigger or worsen hives in children involving complex interactions between the nervous system, hormones and the immune system. Emotional stress triggers the body to release stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones affect various systems in the body, including the immune system and skin.
Children who experience hives also often feel uncomfortable and itchy, which can increase their stress levels. So, moms can give more attention and do things that your child likes to make them feel better. And make sure your little one gets enough rest time.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, as well as direct sunlight can cause hives in children. Because when a child is exposed to heat, such as during exercise, a hot bath, or being in a hot environment, the body increases its core temperature and starts sweating. The increase in body temperature triggers the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that can stimulate mast cells in the skin. Stimulated mast cells release histamine, which causes blood vessels in the skin to dilate and leak, leading to the swelling, redness, and itching typical of hives.
Symptoms of Hives
The symptoms of hives are very distinctive and easy to recognize. Some of the most common symptoms are a prominent red rash on the skin, often round or oval in shape. The rash is usually accompanied by intense itching. Hives rashes can also move around, disappearing from one area and appearing in another in a short period of time. Each rash usually appears for a few hours to a day before disappearing, but can reappear in different areas.
Even people with hives need medical attention as soon as possible if hives appear accompanied by other symptoms. Such as dizziness, swelling in the mouth and eye area, shortness of breath and weakness.
How to Treat Hives
Treating hives depends on the cause and severity. Here are some of the commonly used ways to treat hives:
- Antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine are often used to reduce itching and rashes.
- For more severe cases of hives, your doctor may prescribe oral or topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Identify and avoid triggering factors such as certain foods, medications, or environmental factors that can cause hives.
- Using cold compresses on the affected area can help reduce itching and swelling.
- Wearing loose and soft clothing can reduce irritation to the skin affected by hives.
- Lotions or creams containing calamine or menthol can have a cooling effect and reduce itching.
- Some people find that natural remedies such as oatmeal baths or using aloe vera can help relieve the symptoms of hives.
By understanding what hives are, the causes, symptoms, and how to treat them, moms and dads can be better prepared for this condition and take the right steps to reduce discomfort and speed up recovery. (Aq/MKK)
Komen
250