Rash: Recognize and treat hives

• 2012

1. Allergic reaction
2. Hives: causes and symptoms
3. Diagnosis of the rash
4. Handle hives properly
5. Tips: You can do this in acute hives

Allergic reaction

Hives are an allergic reaction characterized by irritated and itchy areas of the skin. One in four in Germany is once affected by the rash . How to recognize and treat hives can be found here.

Hives: causes and symptoms

Hives are characterized first by symptoms such as wheals, which emerge whitish or reddish on the skin. There is also intense itching or burning. The rash may be punctiform or extensive and is divided into two forms: acute hives, which subsides after 24 hours to a few days, and chronic hives, which can last even more than six weeks. Hives arise when the skin's own defense cells release the messenger histamine.

Diagnosis of the rash

Since hives are a very complex disease, it is not easy for the doctor to find the exact cause of the rash in order to treat it effectively. Hives may be due to contact with viruses or bacterial infections. Even stimuli such as light, heat and cold or medication can be the cause of the disease. In rare cases, the consumption of certain foods is the cause of hives. But it is also possible that the rash is a consequence of mental stress.

Handle hives properly

To narrow down the possible causes of the allergic reaction, doctors recommend keeping a calendar or diary of both the hives and the daily occurrences of wheals. If the doctor can identify a specific trigger, you should avoid it. On the other hand, the physician will treat the rash with antihistamines, ie allergy pills. You will probably need to take the medication for several months.

Tips: You can do this in acute hives

Even if it is difficult: You should try as far as possible not to irritate or even rub up the affected skin areas by scratching. If a food intolerance is the reason for the hives, you should definitely avoid the triggering food in the context of a diet. Since mental factors also have a beneficial effect on the rash, you should reduce stress such as excessive stress .