Hives, also called urticaria, are itchy, slightly raised rashes on the skin that can develop into inflamed welts.

The disease is extremely prevalent, affecting about 20% of the general population at some point during their lives. A hive is a form of skin rash that can be caused by allergies to drugs or foods. Medicines (pain relievers or antibiotics), foods (egg, shellfish, and peanut), illegal drugs or alcohol, bacterial or viral infections, blood transfusion, insect bites, pollens, pet dander, emotional discomfort, hot or cold temperature, sunshine, scratching, or exercise can all induce an allergic skin reaction. Itchy patches/welts come in a variety of sizes and can appear on any part of the body. Small welts may often combine to create very large single welts. Wide welts may appear deeper beneath the skin in some cases, a condition is known medically as angioedema. This situation necessitates urgent medical intervention.

Hives that are acute will last for up to six weeks. Some drugs with long half-lives can trigger hives that last for months until the drug is fully cleared from the body. Chronic hives are characterised by repeated hives that last longer than six weeks. People who have persistent hives sometimes feel uneasy and have trouble sleeping. A chronic hive can also cause problems in everyday life.

What is the easiest way to say if you have hives?
Hives are characterized by itchy red or skin-colored bumps on the skin. Rashes of this nature may occur on any part of the body and may fade or continue. They can also return after a limited period of time. Blanching, which happens when a red bump is pressed in the middle, is another symptom of hives.

Batches of welts can occur anywhere on the skin in the case of recurrent hives, and itching can be serious. Angioedema may also grow on the lips, eyelids, or within the throat, causing discomfort.

When exposed to heat, exercise, or stress, symptoms are more likely to flare up.         

Hives may be associated with severe swelling within the airways, causing trouble breathing in some extreme cases. This is potentially dangerous, and the condition necessitates urgent medical treatment.

What are the signs of hives, and how do you know if you have them?

A single bout of hives is typically painless and does not necessitate medical care. If the hives are persistent or last for a long time, you should see a doctor. A doctor begins by taking the affected person's full medical history, including the specifics of any prescribed medications.

A doctor would also inquire about the patient's food consumption, drugs to which he or she was exposed at work or at home, and any pet exposure.

A doctor can order skin tests, blood tests, urine tests, or a skin biopsy to determine the exact causative factor and confirm the diagnosis.

What is the only way to get rid of hives?

Antihistamine medications are often used to treat mild to severe hives, which help to alleviate the itching. If antihistamines don't work, a doctor can prescribe histamine blockers, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, or immune-suppressing drugs.

An epinephrine shot may be needed to provide faster management in the case of serious symptoms such as breathing difficulties.

 Hives can also be treated with certain lifestyles and home remedies. An episode of hives, for example, can be avoided by wearing loose, light clothing and avoiding common causes.

Scratching the infected area or using rough soap on it should also be avoided. Cold compresses combined with sunscreen lotion or anti-itch cream can also be helpful.

Most significantly, keeping a thorough record of suspected hive episodes and their related activities will assist in identifying the exact cause.