Hives are skin reactions that cause red and white itchy swelling that vary in size and appear and fade as the reaction continues. Chronic hives is a condition where the swelling last more than six weeks or recur again in months or years. Chronic hives is a cause of some underlying conditions like thyroid disease or lupus. Chronic hives is also known as chronic urticarial.
Symptoms of chronic hives
- Swelling that results to pain or burning also known as angioedema that can be felt within the throat and area surrounding the eyes, lips, cheeks, feet, hands and genitals.
- Severe itchiness
- Batches of red or white swelling on the face, trunk, arms or legs
- Changes of shapes of the swelling that occurs and fade as the reaction continues its course.
- Tendency of the symptoms to worsen caused by heat, stress and exercise.
- Tendency of the symptoms of recurring frequently and unpredictably for months or years.
- Symptoms that are severe, infections do not respond to treatment and hives that continue to occur for several days require medical care.
Causes of chronic hives
Skin reactions can be caused by the following:
- Insect or parasite infections
- Certain pain medications
- Heat or cold
- Scratching the skin
- Sunlight and engaging in some exercises
- Stress and pressure caused on the skin due to a tight waistband
- Alcohol, food and some food additives
Complications that can be caused by chronic hives include difficulty in breathing where the swelling occurs inside the mouth or throat. Anaphylactic shock also known as anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that involves the heart and lungs. People suffering from chronic hives have a high risk of developing some disorders of the immune system such as Lupus, thyroid disease, celiac disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Treatment and home remedies
- Avoid scratching the affected areas and using harsh soaps
- Wear loose and light clothing
- Make the affected areas cool by taking a cool shower, cool clothing and apply a soothing lotion on the skin
- Keep a diary of when and where the hives happen, what the person is doing, and what is being eaten in order to help in identifying the causes of the infection.
- Avoid food additives, alcohol, certain pain relievers, heat, cold, exertion and stress.
- Take antihistamine or steroids in order to minimize the symptoms
- If there is swelling and pain, apply a cold compress or ice to the affected areas for 10 to 15 minute at a time. If you want to learn more about cold therapy, click here.
- After removing the cold compress, soak a cotton ball in calamine lotion and dab at the affected areas until the skin has absorbed all the lotion in order to minimize itchiness, swelling and pain.
- Rotate the ice and calamine lotion for 10-15 minute intervals and avoid scratching at the hives.