Probably resulting from Hives

If a rash seems to move around your body, it is likely hives.

Hives,medically known asurticaria, are a common rash that can be triggered by many different substances.

This article will discuss hive symptoms and treatment.

rash on kids' arm

Kwangmoozaa / Getty Images

It will also cover when to contact a healthcare provider.

The released histamine causes dilation of the blood vessels and fluid to leak into the skin.

This results in skin discoloration and swelling.

Marisa Garshick, MD

Hives are made up of welts.

Hives are red, itchy welts that are always an immune reaction.

Triggers

Triggers are substances that cause hives.

Triggers are either related to allergies or have no relation to allergies.

Hives not related to allergies are more common.

Hives can also move around.

They may start in one spot, disappear, and then reappear in another area.

Hives can be accompanied byangioedema, which is swelling of the deeper tissues and may feel warm and painful.

The redness and itching are common symptoms with many rashes.

This can prevent future occurrences as well.

Antihistamines

Antihistaminesare used to block the histamine response and are very useful in treating hives.

Topical Treatments

Two types of topical creams can help treat hives.

The first are anti-itch lotions, which may include ingredients like calamine, menthol, camphor, and pramoxine.

These can help soothe itchiness sparked by hives.

The second jot down of topical cream is hydrocortisone cream.

This is a steroid-based cream that reduces swelling and itching.

A cold compress is a nondrug option to reduce the itchiness and swelling from hives.

Ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth can provide some relief.

It is typically done in a healthcare provider’s office a few times per week for several months.

However, for some people hives can become chronic.

Call 911 immediately if hives are accompanied by difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue or lips.

This may be ananaphylactic reactionand is a life-threatening emergency.

Summary

Hives are a bang out of rash that causes discolored, itchy welts.

More severe cases need to be seen by a healthcare provider.

Schaefer P.Acute and chronic urticaria: evaluation and treatment.afp.

2017;95(11):717-724.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: signs and symptoms.

Center for Allergy & Asthma.Is it hives or something else?

Matos AL, Figueiredo C, Goncalo M.Differential diagnosis of urticarial lesions.Front Allergy.

2022;3:808543. doi:10.3389%2Ffalgy.2022.808543

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Hives.

2022;4:83-86. doi:10.25259/JSSTD_77_2021

National Health Services.Steroids.

American Academy of Dermatology Associations.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.