If you’ve noticed red, raised and itchy skin rash, you could probably be experiencing hives. Unfortunately, the worst part is there’s no clarity regarding the cause. You can never be sure what caused them.
What Are Hives?
- Hives are itchy bumps that are red or pink. They may have a pale centre and can also burn or sting.
- Medically, they are known as urticaria and are also known as welts, nettle rash or wheals.
- They may erupt as rings or groups of rings that appear in clusters anywhere in your body, including face, arms, ears, legs and inside your mouth.
- They have this peculiar quality of changing location in a matter of hours. First, you may notice them on your face; then, they may suddenly disappear. Then, after a few hours, they can again appear in some other area of your body.
- Usually, they are harmless, but they can be severe too. Therefore, it is best to consult a dermatologist for clarity.
How Can You Recognise Hives?
They don’t have a particular look or appearance, which makes them challenging to recognise. However, one common aspect is that hives are generally red. A few other elements that you can keep in mind are:
Appearance
Some may appear as raised or spongy, while others can be flat. In addition, they may appear in large patches without any particular shape.
Overlapping
You may notice hives that resemble circles and lie over each other.
Sponge-Like Appearance
Hives can also appear “sponge-like” along with swelling.
Chronic Hives
These repeatedly occur in different areas of the body. Chronic hives can last for about six weeks, several months or years too. They aren’t life-threatening but can surely make you uncomfortable. Underlying health conditions can also be a reason for their occurrence.
What Causes Hives On Your Body?
Allergic Reactions
Hives can occur in areas such as the stomach or other parts of your body because of allergic reactions to medications or foods. The reaction can happen after a short while or may take some time to appear. Areas such as lips that have touched the food or medication may also swell.
Heat or Cold Exposure
Being exposed to extreme cold temperatures or heat and sweating can lead to hives. Try to stick to regular and constant body temperature. As babies aren’t capable of regulating their body temperatures, they are at a higher risk than adults.
Insect Bites
Even insect bites and stings can cause hive reactions. These can occur at the site of the bite or may spread to other parts of your body.
Chronic Hives
There’s precisely no known cause for chronic hives. However, according to doctors, it could be the result of an autoimmune disorder. In other words, this means that the body starts attacking healthy cells assuming that they are harmful.
Stress
It’s not a casual statement that mind and body are connected. In true sense, your body and mind do have a connection. For example, as you become stressed, your body responds in the form of hives on your stomach. The skins may feel itchy too. Avoid scratching it, or else things can turn worse.
Viral Infections
One of the reasons leading to hives could be viral infections. Especially young people and infants who are most likely to get viral rashes.
Too Much Sun
Excess sun exposure can lead to hives on the stomach, referred to as solar urticaria. Excess sun exposure can have different meanings for everyone. Individuals with a fair tone may find even a few minutes under the sun too much, but others may not feel the same.
How Can You Treat Hives?
Treatment may solely depend on your condition as well as the underlying cause. For example, in some severe cases, you may experience difficulty in breathing and swallowing. You may also feel dizzy or notice swelling in the tongue, eyes or lips. Also, keep a tab if hives are a recurring event and hamper your daily life. In any case, minor or major, talk to a doctor for guidance and treatment.
Summing Up
Hives can be of varied types and forms. However, not all of them are severe and usually disappear within 24 hours. Though, if they continue to reappear regularly or the condition is worse, immediately consult a doctor.
FAQs
- What do small itchy bumps on my body mean?
These could be hives, but it would be better to check with a doctor. Bumps on bodies can be due to various reasons, and it’s best to be sure than assume. Early diagnosis can help get proper treatment.
- How long do hives last?
They should typically disappear within 24 hours. Though, some may stay for weeks, months or years too.
- Can hives spread due to scratching?
Yes, scratching may cause them to spread to other parts of your body.
