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| Hives | Hives can be caused after certain things affect the skin. The number of such things is not big. Due to the objects there can be distinguished different types of hives:
o Dermatographism (the wheal and flare reaction appears after a stroke of a solid object to the skin).
o Cold Urticaria (the reaction is observed after the contact with cold water, cold objects or because of the cold temperature).
o Heat Urticaria (the reaction is observed after hot baths, physical exercises etc)
o Solar Urticaria (the reaction is observed after the exposure to the sun).
Hives is rarely inherited. It often begins in the childhood and is caused by the deficiency of a certain factor in the blood complement system. It often leads to the angioedema. If hives is observed in the adults it can be a reason to suspect a more serious health problems, for example, cancer, endocrine disorders, or the Lupus Syndrome.
Treatment of Hives
The methods of treatment vary depending on the type of hives you have. The simplest way of treating hives is avoiding factors that provoke the reaction. For example you may take a diet, stop taking some drugs or avoid some pets.
You may use some anti-histamines. Antihistamines are the primary medications used to control hives and stop the itching associated with this condition. They can be purchased over-the-counter and the newer ones don’t cause the sedate reactions thus can be taken in any time. The examples of the anti-histamines are: Atarax, Benedryl, Seldane, and Tagamet.
If you have tried the mentioned things and you see no relief you have to see the doctor. The doctor will prescribe you some medications depending on the seriousness of your condition. The medications include:
• Corticosteroids - used in more severe cases
• Injections of epinephrine - used in cases that involve life-threatening episodes
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