User:Mr. Ibrahem/Hives
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hives, also known as wheals and urticaria, is a kind of skin rash with red, raised, itchy bumps.[1][2] They may also burn or sting.[3] Often the patches of rash move around.[3] Typically they last a few days and do not leave any long-lasting skin changes.[3] Fewer than 5% of cases last for more than six weeks.[3] The condition frequently recurs.[3]
Hives | |
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Other names | Urticaria, wheals[1] |
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Hives on the upper leg, note how they are slightly raised | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Symptoms | Red, raised, itchy bumps[2] |
Duration | A few days[2] |
Causes | Following an infection, result of an allergic reaction[3] |
Risk factors | Hay fever, asthma[4] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, patch testing[3] |
Treatment | Antihistamines, corticosteroids, leukotriene inhibitors[3] |
Frequency | ~20%[3] |
Hives frequently occur following an infection or as a result of an allergic reaction such as to medication, insect bites, or food.[3] Psychological stress, cold temperature, or vibration may also be a trigger.[2][3] In half of cases the cause remains unknown.[3] Risk factors include having conditions such as hay fever or asthma.[4] Diagnosis is typically based on the appearance.[3] Patch testing may be useful to determine the allergy.[3]
Prevention is by avoiding whatever it is that causes the condition.[3] Treatment is typically with antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and ranitidine.[3] In severe cases, corticosteroids or leukotriene inhibitors may also be used.[3] Keeping the environmental temperature cool is also useful.[3] For cases that last more than six weeks immunosuppressants such as ciclosporin may be used.[3]
About 20% of people are affected.[3] Cases of short duration occur equally in males and females while cases of long duration are more common in females.[5] Cases of short duration are more common among children while cases of long duration are more common among those who are middle aged.[5] Hives have been described at least since the time of Hippocrates.[5] The term urticaria is from the Latin urtica meaning "nettle".[6]