How Much Do You Know About Hives?

Understanding Hives: Causes, Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis

• Hives are a skin reaction that causes bumps and patches due to high levels of histamine in the body, triggered by various factors such as allergies, stress, infections, and autoimmune diseases.
• Mast cells, which are immune system cells located in tissues throughout the body, release histamine and other chemicals that cause symptoms like itching, swelling, and redness when activated by allergens or infections.
• Hives are characterized by red and itchy welts on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body, change shape, move around, and disappear and reappear over short periods of time, and may also cause painful swelling in the lips, tongue, throat, and eyes.
• Hives differ from other skin conditions like contact dermatitis, shingles, psoriasis, and eczema in some key ways, such as their duration, triggers, and symptoms.
• There are two types of hives: acute hives, which typically last from a few days to 1-2 weeks and are often an allergic reaction to something ingested, and chronic hives, which can last more than 6 weeks and are more likely continuous and caused by infections or medical conditions.
• Hives are not contagious, but their triggers, particularly infections, may lead to the disease.
• The incubation period of hives occurs within one to two hours of exposure to the trigger, and they usually go away within six to eight hours.
• Diagnosis of hives involves a physical examination of the welts and medical history, as well as two types of tests: an allergic skin test, which exposes the skin to suspected allergens, and a blood test, which checks the level of antibodies in the blood and helps identify the trigger.
• Allergic skin tests are the most accurate way to determine the cause of hives, but they may be invalid for people taking certain medications or with hypersensitivity to allergens.
• Blood tests can help develop a treatment plan for hives, including allergen avoidance and medication, by identifying the trigger and the level of IgE in the blood.
• Hives can last anywhere from minutes to months or even years, and their symptoms can be managed with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other medications.
• It is important to identify and avoid triggers of hives, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, or if severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis occur.

Test your knowledge about hives with this quiz! Learn about the causes, symptoms, types, and diagnosis of this common skin condition. From acute hives to chronic hives, discover the differences and similarities between them. Find out how to identify triggers and manage symptoms with medication and allergen avoidance. Take this quiz to gain a better understanding of hives and how to protect yourself from severe allergic reactions.