According to a recent study, more than 20% of Americans are affected by hives. Hives are an allergic reaction characterized by itchy and red bumps that may appear and disappear at any time. The small pink, red, or flesh-colored bumps of hives may sometimes sting or hurt. Hives can be an acute or temporary condition as well as a chronic or ongoing condition. The leading cause of acute hives in Gilbert is allergic reactions to certain food items, medications, or some irritant in the environment. 

If hives come along with severe allergic reactions, they may lead to serious health complications. Therefore, it is essential to identify the symptoms of hives, diagnose the condition at the right time, and give proper treatment.

What are Hives?

Hives are itchy and red or pink-colored bumps are formed on the skin due to your exposure to some allergens. This condition is also called Urticaria. The main cause for hives can be any irritants, including pet dander, insect bites, medication, food, or even some kinds of fabric. In addition to these irritants, tight clothes, stress, change in climate, and some illnesses can also be a reason for the outbreak of hives. Moreover, as there are infinite causes for hives, the root cause of hives in any individual mostly remains undetermined.  As with the case of eczema, the symptoms and condition can significantly vary among individuals in the case of hives as well. 

Different Types of Hives

• Acute hives

Acute hives disappear in a span of a few weeks or even hours. Most hives cases are acute conditions. That means they go away sooner. In most cases, the cause of acute hives is insect allergies, latex allergies, and food allergies. Other triggers for acute hives include exposure to excess heat, certain medications, and even heavy exercise.

• Chronic hives

Chronic hives persist for an extended period, ranging from six weeks to a year. This type of hives is not often caused due to allergic reactions, but the cause mostly remains undetermined.

Treatment of Hives

The treatment of hives is based mainly on certain individual factors like the severity of symptoms and triggers. Doctors usually try to find out the trigger or leading cause by carefully questioning the patients or making them undergo an allergy test. The first and essential step in hives treatment is finding and removing the trigger. However, that only will certainly not cure hives. Your doctor may also prescribe steroids or antihistamines to ease the discomfort and symptoms of hives. In addition, oral immunotherapy or allergy shots can give relief in allergy-induced hives.