hives Archives - Health Beat

Urticaria (hives) is a skin condition caused usually by an allergic reaction or in some cases, unknown reasons. Hives can appear on any part of the body and appear when a substance within the body called histamine is released from cells called mast cells. This causes fluid to leak from blood vessels, causing a reaction on the surface of the skin.

Hives can be as small as a pencil point or appear as big welts and are usually red, itchy and have varying shapes. They usually last a few hours but can last a day or so, and if there is constant exposure to what is causing the condition, they will last much longer. The condition can be acute, lasting just a few weeks, to chronic which can go on for months.

The allergic reaction may be a result of exposure to certain allergens, chemicals in some food, insect bites, heat, cold and being out in sunlight. Certain medications can also be responsible for causing hives, most notably nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), aspirin, codeine, and morphine.

Hives usually resolve on their own in a few hours or days. One way to try to control the symptoms of hives is to avoid what is causing it, if it can be determined. Often times a physician will recommend taking an antihistamine. It is always suggested to see a physician if the condition becomes very uncomfortable or doesn’t resolve in a few days. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Everyone is aware of seasonal allergies. They are very common beginning in the spring and lasting through fall – and many are affected by them. While these types of seasonal allergies are not prevalent in the winter months, there is another, much less common form of allergic reaction that affects some when the thermometer dips.

Cold urtcaria is an allergic reaction to cold temperatures. The skin of those with this condition will break-out into welts or hives when exposed to cold temperatures. No one knows exactly what causes cold urticaria. Certain people appear to have very sensitive skin cells, due to an inherited trait, a virus or an illness. In the most common forms of this condition, exposure to cold triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. Cold urtcaria is most common in young adults and it usually clears up within a couple of years.

Cold urticaria signs and symptoms include:

• Temporary reddish, itchy welts (hives) on the area of skin that was exposed to cold
• A worsening of the reaction as the skin warms
• Swelling of hands when holding cold objects
• Swelling of the lips and throat when consuming cold food or drink

In rare cases, a reaction could be more severe and may result fainting, a racing heart, swelling of the limbs or torso, and even shock.

There is no cure for cold urticaria, but treatment can help. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines to treat the condition. If they do not help, talk with your doctor about finding a prescription drug or combination of drugs that works best for you.
It is recommended that you see a doctor if you have skin reactions after cold exposure, even if the reactions are mild. Your doctor will want to rule out underlying conditions that may be causing the problem.

Seek emergency care if after sudden exposure to cold you:

• Feel dizzy
• Have trouble breathing
• Feel your tongue or throat swelling

Tag Archives: hives

Allergic to the Cold Temperatures? It’s Real For Some