$Unique_ID{BRK01424}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{What Can be Done About Hives?}
$Subject{skin hives causes}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can be Done About Hives?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My problems is that I break out frequently with large red blotches
all over my body.  They seem to come and go, and I have never been able to get
a doctor's appointment while I still had something to show him.  My boyfriend
says they are hives and nothing to worry about, but I am still very anxious.
Can you tell me what the condition is and what I can do about it?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  It's always extremely difficult to make an accurate diagnosis about a
skin condition without actually seeing the lesion or rash, but since your own
doctor seems to be in the same boat, let me try.  Your boy friend's assessment
of the situation may be correct.  Hives are itchy red blotches that suddenly
appear anywhere on the body, and then tend to fade out with a new crop
arriving within minutes.  They may be as small as a pea or as large as a
dinner plate, with all sizes in between occurring at the same time.  Swelling
may accompany the rash, and the appearance of the skin changes constantly for
the duration of the "hive attack".  That may last anywhere from a few minutes
to a few days.  They are the result of an allergy or exposure to some type of
skin irritant.  The allergy may be to food, food additives (such as food
coloring or preservatives), medications (either prescribed or
over-the-counter), or substances that have been inhaled during breathing
(dander, dust or pollen as examples). They may also result from an infection
or insect bite, and some people develop hives when their skin is exposed to
extremes of heat or cold.  First aid for ordinary hives requires you to stop
any vigorous physical exertion and apply cool compresses to the skin.  This
will help reduce the itch which becomes worse when you are warm.
Antihistamines are useful in combatting the hives, but the most important
thing you can do is to try an discover just what sets them off.  Keeping a
diary of daily activities can help.  If the hives or swelling becomes worse or
is accompanied by wheezing, dizziness or shortness of breath, an emergency
visit to your hospital or physician is a must, as these are signs of a severe
reaction.  Short of that, hives are more of a nuisance than a severe disease,
so you need not be overly concerned.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
