Hives Research
Hives is a rash of pink or red bumps also called urticaria, which usually itch but can also burn, or sting. Hives may develop on any part of the body and vary in size and shape. Hives have various forms of behavior because they may appear on the arms then disappear to later appear on another part of the body. Hives may be caused by allergens or their cause may not be known. Common allergens are insect stings, drugs or certain foods. Food allergens could be eggs, shellfish, fruits or nuts. Hives are common with up to twenty five percent of people getting them at least once. When exposed to an allergen or any other action that causes cells in the body to release histamine and other substances it causes small blood vessels under the skin to leak fluids which collect to form bumps which indicate hives. In most cases hives are harmless and go away without treatment, but there are some that indicate a serious allergic reaction that must be corrected because it could affect breathing or some other serious complication.
Treatment will vary because most bouts with hives require no treatment. A doctor should check severe allergic reactions and the person might need to carry an emergency shot of epinephrine to deal with a sudden severe allergic reaction. Prevention of hives can be done if the cause is known by avoiding the cause. Otherwise nothing can be done but the exposure is small and an occasional mild bout with hives is harmless.
