Symptoms of Hives

Itching all over never feels good.  The symptoms of hives is a definite sign of an allergic reaction to something.  The symptoms can develop unexpectedly, and often have the victim wondering, what is wrong with my body?  Or, how did this happen to me?

What are Hives?

Whenever a person develops hives, it is a sign of an allergic reaction to an irritant that is causing the skin to undergo extreme inflammation.  It is usually a harmless type of round-shaped rash that appears as welts or as circular bumps on the skin.  It's formal name is urticaria, and it can start off affecting arms, legs, the stomach and throat.  Studies indicate at least 16 percent of the population will experience some form of the rash at some point in their lives.  

Hives can also develop and because of certain medications, foods or even insect bites.  When children experience hives, a parent may have to determine what types of food went into the child's diet.  If you are a person who contracts hives, it's important that you remember there are certain triggers that causes the allergic reaction.

The most common triggers of hives include:

• Prescription medicines such as, antibiotics, codeine, penicillin, aspirin or any anticonvulsant drugs
• Cat and dog dander
• Bedbugs, bee or other insect bites
• Pollen or dust
• Foods such as, nuts, shellfish, soy products, berries, chocolate and red syrups like grenadine
  

Symptoms of Hives

Remember, food is not the only thing that causes hives to develop.  Symptoms of urticaria usually start with a rather dull itch.  The itch doesn't become severe until a person starts constantly picking with their skin.  But symptoms of hives develop from a histamine released from mast cells that exist deep within the skin.  Symptoms of hives can make the skin appear reddish in color followed by welts.  The rash is similar to mosquito bites and can last for more than 24 hours if not treated properly. 

Causes of Hives

Hives may develop more in children than adults but the causes are similar in each.  Hives are considered an immune or allergic reaction when something triggers the release of histamine in the body. The symptoms of hives can cause an itchy single bump or come in groups that vary in size.

Hives typically combine on the skin into a single, much larger area that can cover the entire abdomen or travel to various parts of the body.  Hives have a tendency to go away and reappear in different places.

Hives Natural Treatments

• Cold, cool, and wet compressed help relieve the itching.
  
• Warm oatmeal baths help if the area is very large or on multiple body parts.
  
• Add cornstarch to a normal bath.
  
• Aloe Vera, either natural or as a lotion or gel, help sooth and provide comfort.
  
• Acidophilus reduces allergic reactions and future breakouts.
  
• Quercetin helps stop future outbreaks and relieve inflammation.
  
• Vitamin C help reduce the effects of allergens.  Taking 1,000 mg supplement helps greatly.
  
• Herbs like alfalfa, echinacea, ginseng and licorice to prevent the onset of hives.
• Carefully research the causes and symptoms of hives before you treat it. 
• Avoid things that have caused hives in the past.
  
• Antihistamines can provide temporary relief in severe cases.