Hives can occur in any season but the risk increases even more during monsoon. Let us know what hives are and how to treat it, let’s know in detail
During monsoon days, the problem of itching, burning and irritation on the skin suddenly increases. In this season, apart from insect bites, many types of infections can also occur. These infections found in air, water and around trees and plants start damaging the skin. Due to which swelling, red rashes and hives can emerge on the skin. Which is called hives in English. Although hives can occur in any season, but its risk increases even more in monsoon. Let us know in detail what are hives, why do they occur and how can you treat them.
What are hives and how do they grow on the skin?
Dermatology Consultant, Hinduja Hospital, Dr. Raina Nahar says that people who are allergic face the problem of hives. Hives can be of both acute and chronic types. In this, swollen patches start appearing on the lips, tongue, ears, hands and legs. This can also cause difficulty in breathing. Sometimes due to hives, inflammation also starts occurring in the body tissues.
It causes itching and burning sensation (how to deal with itching), which can be mild, moderate and severe over time. If the number of hives is 10 to 20, then it is called mild. If it is between 20 to 50 then it is called moderate and if it is more than 50, then it is called severe. It is normal in children to have hives 1 to 2 times a year.
Hypersensitivity is a condition in which mast cells get stimulated after being stimulated by immunoglobulin E or IgE. This leads to the release of several mediators including histamine to trigger an inflammatory response. The cases of hives increase during the rainy season. One may get hives due to the increased humidity in the weather or due to insect bites (tips to deal with insect bites).
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, many times the problem of hives is faced due to changes in diet, medicines and genetic reasons. Due to this, swelling starts to be felt on the skin, which gets cured on its own after some time. One has to face itching on the swollen skin and irritation also increases.
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What are the causes of hives?
You can easily find out the causes of hives occurring for the first time. Sometimes excessive intake of some food or nutrients and some other activity can prove to be the cause of this problem. If this problem has been going on for a long time and occurs occasionally, then sometimes it gets cured on its own.
In such a situation, sweating, infection, fungus and heat can increase the problem even more. Many people start having allergic problems due to cold. This increases rashes. Apart from this, tight belts and tight clothes also increase this problem. The cause can be found out by doing an allergy test.
Antihistamines provide relief from hives. It also provides relief from irritation and stress. Acidity can also be dealt with due to this. Apart from this, anti-fungal medicines also prove to be beneficial. Apart from this, IgE injectables are also beneficial. This problem can also be overcome with the help of vaccine.
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Solve the problem of hives with the help of these tips (How to deal with hives)
1. Cold compress
The use of cold compress proves beneficial in reducing skin irritation and giving a soothing effect to the skin. For this, wrapping ice in a cold compress or handkerchief and placing it on the swollen area for some time provides relief from irritation and the problem of itching starts to get solved.
2. Witch hazel
Applying witch hazel oil, which is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, on the skin can prevent burning sensation. The medicinal properties present in it provide benefits to the skin. According to a research by NIH, adding 10 percent witch hazel extract or oil to the moisturizer applied on the skin helps in reducing redness and inflammation.
3. Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal bath is very beneficial to remove oxidative stress. Put 2 to 3 spoons of oatmeal in water and keep it for some time and then take a bath with that water. This reduces the swelling and irritation on the skin and gives relief to the skin.
4. Baking soda
Make a paste by mixing 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a bowl of water which has antibacterial properties and then applying it on the rashes gives relief. Applying this paste twice a day helps in solving the problem of inflammation.