What Are the Causes of Instant Hives?
Hives (uticaria) are raised reddish welts and bumps that appear on the surface of the skin. These welts are often itchy and may appear suddenly and then disappear.
-
Types
-
There are two types of hives: acute and chronic. The hives that show up instantly are acute hives--they typically last less than a day. Chronic hives can last for many months.
Symptoms
-
Symptoms of hives include a sudden swelling of the surface of the skin into red or skin-colored welts (called wheals) with clearly defined edges. The welts may disappear and reappear over minutes or hours and change shape or size.
-
Where Hives Appear
-
Hives may appear anywhere on the body, but typically show up on the hands, arms, genitals and face (particularly the mouth and eyes).
Causes
-
Acute or "instant hives" (angioedema) are caused by an allergic reaction of the immune system that causes cells within the skin to release the chemical histamine. This allergic response may be triggered by foods, medications or external environmental factors such as smoke or chemicals.
Other Causes
-
Hives may also be caused by a blood transfusion, immune system disorders and viral infections.
Dangers
-
A person who is prone to outbreaks of hives should see a physician to determine the cause. While hives are normally not life threatening, an outbreak of hives in the mouth or throat can lead to difficulty breathing or even death from anaphylactic shock.
-
