Hives and Angioedema – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Hives, or urticaria, appear as itchy welts on the skin. These welts vary in size from tiny dots to large patches. Many things can trigger hives, including certain foods and medicines.
Angioedema often happens with hives but can occur alone. It causes swelling in deeper skin layers, mostly around the face and lips. Both acute hives and angioedema typically last less than a day and go away without treatment.
When hives persist longer than six weeks, doctors call them chronic hives. Most cases are harmless, but angioedema can become dangerous if swelling blocks the airway, especially in the throat or tongue.
Treatment usually involves antihistamine medications to reduce symptoms. These conditions don’t typically leave permanent marks on the skin after they resolve.
Signs and Symptoms
Skin Rashes
Hives appear as welts on the skin that can have different characteristics:
- They may look skin-colored, red on lighter skin, or purple on darker skin
- Itching ranges from mild to severe
- Shapes vary from round to oval or worm-like
- Size can be as small as a pea or as large as a dinner plate
Most hives develop quickly and disappear within 24 hours. This is called acute hives. When hives last for months or years, they are considered chronic.
Swelling
Angioedema affects deeper skin layers and may appear with or without hives. Key features include:
- Welts that develop within minutes to hours
- Swelling, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and lips
- Mild pain and warmth in affected areas
When Medical Help Is Needed
Mild cases of hives or angioedema can often be managed at home. However, you should contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist for more than a few days.
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience swelling of your tongue, lips, mouth, or throat, or if you have trouble breathing.
These symptoms might indicate a serious allergic reaction, especially if your hives or angioedema was triggered by a known food or medication allergy.
Causes
Many people who get sudden hives and swelling have no clear reason for their symptoms. However, certain triggers can lead to these reactions.
Common Food Triggers:
- Shellfish and fish
- Peanuts and tree nuts
- Soy products
- Eggs and dairy
Medications often cause these skin reactions. Antibiotics like penicillin, pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and some blood pressure drugs are frequent culprits.
Environmental Factors can also play a role. When you breathe in allergens like pollen, you might develop hives along with breathing problems.
Other Triggers include insect stings and bites, as well as various infections. These can prompt your immune system to react with hives or swelling.
Risk Factors
People who have experienced hives or angioedema in the past face a higher chance of getting them again. Other risk factors include:
- Previous allergic reactions
- Family history of hives
- Family history of angioedema
- Hereditary angioedema in the family
These conditions often run in families, so knowing your family’s medical history can help predict your risk.
Complications
Severe angioedema can become dangerous when swelling affects the tongue or throat. This swelling may block the airway, making it hard to breathe. Without quick medical help, breathing difficulty can be life-threatening.
When throat swelling occurs, seek emergency care right away. Warning signs include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hoarse voice
- Trouble swallowing
- Feeling of throat tightness
Prevention
Reducing the chances of getting hives or angioedema is possible by taking certain steps. The key is understanding what causes your symptoms and avoiding those triggers.
Know Your Triggers
If you have identified specific substances that cause your hives, stay away from them. Common triggers include:
- Certain foods (shellfish, nuts, eggs)
- Medications
- Insect bites or stings
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Latex
Clean After Exposure
If you know pollen or animals trigger your hives, take action after being exposed:
- Shower or bathe as soon as possible
- Change into clean clothes
- Wash your exposed clothes promptly
Skin Care Tips
Taking care of your skin can help prevent flare-ups:
- Use mild, fragrance-free soaps
- Avoid hot water when bathing
- Apply moisturizer to keep skin from drying out
- Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing
Temperature Management
For people sensitive to temperature changes:
| Temperature Trigger | Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|
| Cold | Wear warm layers when outdoors in winter |
| Heat | Use air conditioning and cool compresses |
| Pressure | Avoid tight clothing and heavy bags |
Stress Reduction
Stress can trigger or worsen hives for some people. Try these techniques:
- Regular exercise
- Meditation or deep breathing
- Adequate sleep
- Time management
Keep a Diary
Tracking your hives outbreaks can help identify patterns. Note the following:
- When symptoms appear
- What you ate in the last 24 hours
- Activities before outbreak
- Emotional state
- Medications taken
This information helps you and your doctor pinpoint specific triggers to avoid in the future.
