Face Breaking Out in Hives? 37 Tips & Tricks to Calm the Itch

What Are Hives?

Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body. They are caused by the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells in the skin. Hives can be acute, lasting for less than six weeks, or chronic, lasting for more than six weeks.

What Causes Hives?

There are many different things that can cause hives, including:

• Allergens: Allergens are substances that trigger an allergic reaction. Common allergens include foods (such as peanuts, shellfish, and milk), medications (such as penicillin and aspirin), and insect bites or stings.
• Infections: Infections, such as the common cold, flu, and strep throat, can also cause hives.
• Physical factors: Physical factors, such as heat, cold, pressure, and sunlight, can also trigger hives.
• Emotional factors: Emotional factors, such as stress and anxiety, can also lead to hives.

How Are Hives Diagnosed?

Hives are typically diagnosed based on a physical examination. Your doctor may also order blood tests or other tests to rule out other conditions.

How Are Hives Treated?

There are a variety of treatments for hives, depending on the cause. Treatment options include:

• Antihistamines: Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, which can help to relieve itching and swelling.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. They can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.
• Epinephrine: Epinephrine is a medication that can be used to treat severe allergic reactions. It is typically given by injection.

How Can I Prevent Hives?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent hives, including:

• Avoid triggers: If you know what triggers your hives, avoid exposure to those triggers.
• Take medications: If you have a history of hives, your doctor may recommend taking antihistamines or other medications to help prevent outbreaks.
• Use sunscreen: Sunscreen can help protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can trigger hives.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing: Loose-fitting clothing can help to prevent friction and irritation, which can trigger hives.

When Should I See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if your hives:

• Are severe or widespread
• Are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chills, or shortness of breath
• Do not improve with home treatment

Additional Tips & Tricks for Calming the Itch

In addition to the treatments listed above, there are a few other things you can do to help calm the itch of hives, including:

• Take a cool bath or shower: Cool water can help to soothe itching.
• Apply a cool compress: A cool compress can also help to relieve itching.
• Use calamine lotion: Calamine lotion can help to dry out hives and relieve itching.
• Avoid scratching: Scratching can make hives worse.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing: Loose-fitting clothing can help to prevent friction and irritation, which can trigger itching.
• Take an oatmeal bath: Oatmeal baths can help to soothe itching and inflammation.
• Try relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger hives.

Conclusion

Hives can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but there are a variety of treatments and self-help measures that can help to relieve symptoms. If you have hives, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to get the best possible treatment.

Keywords

• Hives
• Urticaria
• Itching
• Welts
• Allergens
• Infections
• Physical factors
• Emotional factors
• Treatment

Tables

Table 1: Common Allergens That Can Cause Hives

Table 2: Physical Factors That Can Trigger Hives

Table 3: Emotional Factors That Can Lead to Hives

Table 4: Treatments for Hives