Hives And Your Skin
- Date: 2008-06-16 - Word Count: 422
Share This!
Hives are very common. It has been estimated that at least one in ten people get an attack at some time in their lives. If this has ever happened to you, then you know all about it.
Hives are intensely itchy wheals. They often appear very suddenly, and can occur on any part of the skin. The wheals move about all the time, with new spots appearing while others disappear. Attacks can last anywhere from hours to days.
The rash itself is caused by the release into your skin of a natural chemical called histamine, which is made in your body. Histamine is an important part of your immune system. When people come into contact with an allergy-causing substance (allergen) which produces hives, the immune system goes a little haywire, and releases large amounts of histamine, which is usually only found in traces. The histamine, in excess, causes the itchy, swollen red patches.
Very occasionally, so much histamine can be released that swelling occurs around the eyes, face and throat. This can cause difficulty swallowing and breathing. In very rare instances, the person can collapse and become unconscious. If your child has hives and this seems to be happening, take him straight to hospital-it could save his life.
There are many things which can cause this type of allergic reaction. Foods, medications, insect bites, vaccinations and pollens can all do it. These are things that are swallowed, injected or inhaled. Another common cause of hives in children is a simple viral illness. The duration of the attack is related to how long it takes for the allergy-causing substance to be eradicated from your system. This is why length of attacks is so variable, and in the case of viruses, can last a few weeks. It's not at all uncommon for a child to be allergic to some common substance which is being eaten every day, and in such cases the hives can seem to be continuous for many weeks.
If your child has hives, the attacks can usually be relieved with antihistamines, which can be obtained from the chemist. But make sure you know what the skin rash is before you treat it. This may require a visit to your doctor. Fortunately most attacks are brief, and only when the problem becomes long-standing will your child need investigation to determine the cause of the allergy. Be patient, and in most cases the attack will be over in a week or two. Remember that although hives are itchy and uncomfortable, it is almost always a harmless allergic condition.
Hives are intensely itchy wheals. They often appear very suddenly, and can occur on any part of the skin. The wheals move about all the time, with new spots appearing while others disappear. Attacks can last anywhere from hours to days.
The rash itself is caused by the release into your skin of a natural chemical called histamine, which is made in your body. Histamine is an important part of your immune system. When people come into contact with an allergy-causing substance (allergen) which produces hives, the immune system goes a little haywire, and releases large amounts of histamine, which is usually only found in traces. The histamine, in excess, causes the itchy, swollen red patches.
Very occasionally, so much histamine can be released that swelling occurs around the eyes, face and throat. This can cause difficulty swallowing and breathing. In very rare instances, the person can collapse and become unconscious. If your child has hives and this seems to be happening, take him straight to hospital-it could save his life.
There are many things which can cause this type of allergic reaction. Foods, medications, insect bites, vaccinations and pollens can all do it. These are things that are swallowed, injected or inhaled. Another common cause of hives in children is a simple viral illness. The duration of the attack is related to how long it takes for the allergy-causing substance to be eradicated from your system. This is why length of attacks is so variable, and in the case of viruses, can last a few weeks. It's not at all uncommon for a child to be allergic to some common substance which is being eaten every day, and in such cases the hives can seem to be continuous for many weeks.
If your child has hives, the attacks can usually be relieved with antihistamines, which can be obtained from the chemist. But make sure you know what the skin rash is before you treat it. This may require a visit to your doctor. Fortunately most attacks are brief, and only when the problem becomes long-standing will your child need investigation to determine the cause of the allergy. Be patient, and in most cases the attack will be over in a week or two. Remember that although hives are itchy and uncomfortable, it is almost always a harmless allergic condition.
Related Tags: skin, condition, hives
Information provided by editor of Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Genuine Leather Handbags - Your Top Selection For a Xmas Gift
Don't be too enthusiastic about cheap leather bags. There's a reason why authentic leather is so exp - The Best Anti-wrinkle Treatment This Christmas
As the year comes to an end and the stresses of 2010 are starting to take a visible toll on your loo - Botoxed and Proud: Why More People Are Coming Out of the Cosmetic Procedure Closet
There was a time when those of us who accepted a little 'extra help' in the beauty department did so - Ladies Who Laser: Trim up for the Office Party With Laser Hair Removal on Your Lunch Break
Waxing, plucking, trimming, shaving - we all have our pet solution to the perennial problem of unwan - Be a Princess-For-A-Night in a Corset Prom Dress
Prom nights which are usually set during February or March are the most awaited school event of most - Funky Fall Maternity Dresses
Today's maternity fashion is now better than ever. No need to be frumpy or live in sweatpants or tha - Jewellery For Sale Deals
Jewellery for sale is a phrase that is like honey to our ears. The thought of begin able to buy fine - How to Apply Mineral Eye Shadow For Beginners
We have all used pressed eye shadows before. They are simple and every brand has their colors. Some - The Eternal Question: Platinum or White Gold?
Every man has to contemplate this question before taking the plunge into engagement. Some guys simpl - A Few Facts About Jewellery
Brilliant, romantic, absolutely priceless in terms of sentimental and historical value, jewellery ha
Most viewed articles in this category:
- How to spot a fake Coach Handbag
Spotting a fake Coach Handbag could be difficult but I hope this guide will give you enough backg - The Chocolate Princess
The older I get the more determined I am to not have to settle. When I was young I always could pick - Unique And Unusual Contacts
Contact lenses have grown to become as much a fashion statement as they are a corrective device aft - Bone Spurs and Coral Calcium
Be Wary of Treating Bone Spurs with Coral CalciumThere are many websites that claim coral calcium - Symptoms of Early Menopause
Forewarned is forearmed. This is one of life's adages that women should live by especially when - How To Talk To Men
Have you ever gone out for dinner or coffee with a man you were really interested in, only to find t - Bridesmaid Dresses Can Be Beautiful And Still Not Outshine The Bride!
In the past bridesmaids were never included in the selection of their dresses, this was always done - Why Men Leave - (Common Reasons Why Men Leave Relationships )
There are many different reasons why men leave relationships or refuse to settle down with the woman - Moissanite Ring, With A Large Crystal On A Tight Budget
First discovered inside a meteor at the end of the nineteenth century, Moissanite crystals were thou - Menopause Natural Solutions
As women age, they go have to go through menopause. The most common discomfort during this stage is