hives on the body

This may not be the exact look of your condition. Please confirm your diagnosis with your dermatologist.

What are they?

Hives, or urticaria, is an itchy skin rash that can have many causes. Initially, hives appear as raised, red bumps. Hives can appear anywhere on the body, including the tongue or throat, and they range in size. The duration of an outbreak of hives varies but may be as short as a few hours, or days to weeks.

Hives develop when histamines are produced in the body. Histamine production causes the tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, to leak fluid. When the fluid accumulates under the skin, it causes the red bumps that are hives. Hives often itch uncomfortably.

There are several reasons for hives, the most common causes are:

Ingesting certain foods or medication or through infections. Insect bites may also be a cause.

Chronic urticaria and angioedema: Usually affects internal organs and the exact causes are unknown, except that it is allergy related.

Physical urticaria: Caused by direct physical stimulation of the skin, such as extreme heat or sun exposure, this form of hives develops in about an hour.

Dermatographism: Hives formed after aggressive stroking or scratching of the skin.

There are many other potential causes for hives/urticaria.

Symptoms?

The skin swellings associated with hives are usually round, pink or red bumps. The surrounding skin may also be red. Itching is often, but not always present.

Could this be what you have?

Though symptoms differ with each person, anyone can get hives. 

Treatment Options @ Pinnacle

Antihistamines may provide temporary relief and can be preventive when taken regularly, not just when an outbreak occurs. For chronic hives, oral corticosteroids and other medications may be prescribed.