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Hives (Urticaria) Information

http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/skin-allergies/hives/Pages/default.aspx N/A

Symptoms

• Can come and go, lasting minutes, hours, days, several weeks, months or even years
• Two types:

1. Acute: hives that last six weeks or less
2. Chronic: hives that last or recur for more than six weeks

Causes

Acute: hives resolve when the cause is avoided, removed or treated.

• Food and additives (peanuts, eggs, nuts, and shellfish)

• Medications such as aspirin and antibiotics (especially penicillin and sulfa)
• Insect stings or bites
• Blood transfusions
• Infections including the common cold, urinary tract infections, strep throat, infectious mononucleosis and hepatitis, or other viral infections

Chronic: gradually disappear over time. However, may be associated with: 

• Inflammation of blood vessels
• Rubbing or sctraching
• Constant pressure
• Change in temperature
• Sun exposure

Treatment

• Improve with antihistamines
• Foods: not eating foods that intially started the reaction. Make sure to read labels or ask ingreidents in meals.
• Avoid harsh soaps and tight clothing
• Loose-fitting clothing
• Keep body warm if colder situations cause hives
• Sun exposure: wear protective clothing and apply sun block
• If a specific medication is causing the hives, stop taking it and notify your health care provider

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