What are hives and what causes them?
Hives are itchy bumps on the skin that can be in different shapes and sizes. We call hives, “urticaria.” Hives can occur within a few minutes and can take several hours to fade away.
The severity of hives varies, for some people, hives occurs every day. Others may have hives for only a few days to a few weeks. Naturally, sensitive people who have hyper immune systems develop hives, especially those with hay fever or asthma.
There are many causes, mostly foods, airborne allergens, medicines, or infections. It is difficult to pinpoint how one gets hives. I remember developing hives after eating bananas. After awhile, bananas didn’t affect me except cause a little itch on the roof of my mouth.
It is unusual but also heat or cold, even pressure can elicit an allergic response that creates hives. The distribution of the rash can give you a clue. If hives occurs only in both lower legs, maybe socks or pants can be the culprit.
If the symptoms are too unbearable, try antihistamines over-the-counter. Try to stay away from drying agents like calamine lotion. There is nothing lotiony (is this a word?) about it. Stick to Aquaphor ointment to keep your skin moist. Like I said, moist skin doesn’t itch, but dry skin does. Apply twice daily. If you have moist skin, and are taking an antihistamine, and still have suffrage, start on some over-the-counter steroid cream.
If all else fails, and you are itching so bad that your dog or cat is worried about you, call your doctor and let them know what all you have tried. We would be more than happy to alleviate your suffering. Until next time, be safe and healthy!
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