Hives: What you need to know when they attack you

International superstar Beyonce’s sister Solange’s recent wedding has been making the news.

Unfortunately, what’s also been making the news was the outburst of raised rash-like swellings on her face. Yes, it’s that photo of her inside the car with her sister!

However, after some medication, the gorgeous bride reappeared a couple of hours later with much clearer skin.

That’s what normally happens when you’re experiencing an outbreak of hives.

Speaking to ‘Emirates24|7’, Dr Naheed Kahn, MD, said, “Hives are known as Urticaria, it’s a condition where an itchy rash suddenly develops.”

The itchy reddish or pinkish rash may be prompted by many things.

The doctor explains, “Hives are usually triggered by an allergic reaction where the body releases histamine and other chemicals in the bloodstream, and this causes itching and swelling.”

She added, “The most common triggers include certain food such as fish, shellfish, eggs, nuts, insect bites, pollen and stress.”

In most cases, the rash is accompanied by an itching and burning sensation that lasts 24-48 hours.

How does one get Urticaria in the first place?

Dr Naheed explained, “Studies show that at least 20 per cent of people will develop hives at some point in their lives, and its more common in women than in men.”

One trademark of hives is its tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.

Because of the rapid changes, it becomes difficult to physically show a doctor as by the time you reach the clinic for a check, there’s no evidence of the hives at all.

What helps doctors diagnose the disease depends on how accurately you describe the symptoms and signs.

And since hives fluctuate so fast, doctor also advise to take a photo of what the outbreak appeared as in its worst state.

“Hives usually do not stay longer than 24 hours. If you get an alarming outbreak, say first thing in the morning, its normal for the rashes to be completely gone  by noon time,” explained Dr Naheed.

Besides the various treatments available, it helps if you can identify what triggers the hives, such as food, so you could avoid it in future.

Antihistamine tablets can also ease symptoms.  They block the action of histamine that is involved in causing urticaria.

And in severe cases, sometimes doctors prescribe a short course of steroid tablets to help reduce the swelling.

Dr Naheed explained, “I have observed that chronic hives in many patients are associated with a bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections. Once the infection is cured, hives stop coming back.”

Image courtesy Shutterstock

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