Hives (Urticaria and Angioedema)

Hives, also known as urticaria, are an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or patches (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly -- either as a result of the body's adverse reaction to certain allergens, or for unknown reasons.

Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears. Hives vary in size (from a pencil eraser to a dinner plate), and may join together to form larger areas known as plaques. They can last for hours, or up to several days before fading.

Angioedema is similar to urticaria, but the swelling occurs beneath the skin instead of on the surface. Angioedema is characterized by deep swelling around the eyes and lips and sometimes of the genitals, hands and feet. It generally lasts longer than urticaria, but the swelling usually goes away in less than 24 hours.

Occasionally, severe, prolonged tissue swelling can be disfiguring. Rarely, angioedema of the throat, tongue or lungs can block the airways, causing difficulty breathing. This may become life threatening.

What Causes Hives and Angioedema?

Hives and angioedema form when, in response to histamine, blood plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin. Histamine is a chemical released from specialized cells along the skin's blood vessels.

Allergic reactions, chemicals in foods, insect stings, sunlight exposure, or medicines can all cause histamine release. Sometimes it's impossible to find out exactly why hives have formed.

There are several different types of hives and angioedema, including:

• Acute urticaria and/or angiodema: Hives or swelling lasting less than six weeks. The most common causes are foods, medicines, latex, or infections. Insect bites and internal disease may also be responsible.
  The most common foods that cause hives are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, soy, wheat and milk. Fresh foods cause hives more often than cooked foods. Certain food additives and preservatives may also be to blame.
  Medicines that can cause hives and angioedema include aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, high blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors), or painkillers such as codeine.

• Chronic urticaria and/or angioedema: Hives or swelling lasting more than six weeks. The cause of this type of hives is usually more difficult to identify than those causing acute urticaria and/or angioedema.
  Chronic urticaria and angioedema can affect other internal organs such as the lungs, muscles and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include muscle soreness, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhea.

• Physical urticaria: Hives caused by direct physical stimulation of the skin -- for example, cold, heat, sun exposure, vibration, pressure, sweating, and exercise. The hives usually occur right where the skin was stimulated and rarely appear anywhere else. Most of the hives appear within one hour after exposure.

• Dermatographism: Hives that form after firmly stroking or scratching the skin. These hives can also occur along with other forms of urticaria.

How Are Hives and Angioedema Diagnosed?

Your doctor will need to ask many questions in an attempt to find the possible cause. Since there are no specific tests for hives -- or the associated swelling of angioedema -- testing will depend on your medical history and a thorough examination by your primary care doctor or dermatologist.

Skin tests may be performed to determine the substance that you are allergic to. Routine blood tests are done to determine if a system-wide illness is present.

How Are Hives and Angioedema Treated?

The best treatment for hives and associated swelling is to identify and remove the trigger, but this is not an easy task. Antihistamines are usually prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist to provide relief from symptoms. These medications may also be taken on a regular schedule to help prevent hives and associated swelling from forming in the first place.

Chronic hives may be treated with antihistamines or a combination of medications. When antihistamines don't provide relief, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed.

For severe hive or angioedema outbreaks, an injection of epinephrine or a steroid medication may be needed.

How Can Hives Be Managed?

While you're waiting for the hives and swelling to disappear, here are some tips:

• Avoid hot water; use lukewarm water instead.
• Use gentle, mild soap.
• Apply cool compresses or wet cloths to the affected areas.
• Try to work and sleep in a cool room.
• Wear loose-fitting lightweight clothes.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

If hives or angioedema occur with any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:

• Dizziness
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or face