There are many skin inflictions that individuals suffer from, ranging from topical infections, insect bites, and skin disease to hives. Symptom of a histamine reaction that causes blood plasma to enter the skin tissue, there are several specific signs of hives that can help distinguish them from other forms of skin irritations. Though histamine reactions are often the sign of an allergy, it is not always the case. Hives are defined as a rash of unknown origin however, by isolating the onset of symptoms, you will be better able to identify the cause, treat it and, in the future, prevent its onset.

Hives Symptom Checklist

The Mayo Clinic has identified the following as the hallmark signs of hives: raised red or white welts of any that can cover large areas of skin; the proliferation of new welts after old ones clear giving the appearance of the rashes spread; itchiness; in rare cases burning or stinging. Symptoms of hives can last for a couple of hours, one day, or up to six weeks. Hives can manifest immediately or several hours after contact with an allergen or trigger such as heat, sun, or pressure. Hives that last less than six weeks are considered acute hives while those that endure longer than six weeks (they can last months or years) are considered chronic. Most cases of hives do not require medical attention however if the above symptoms do not clear in several days or you are very uncomfortable you should visit your doctor. Seek emergency medical attention if you have shortness of breath, feel lightheaded, or feel your throat is swelling. You may be having a severe allergic reaction that requires an injection of adrenaline.

Hives Symptom Relief

Treatments are generally unnecessary, as the hives symptom will normally clear on its own. For most people with hives the greatest discomfort is itching. Over the counter antihistamines such a Claritin, Alavert, or Zyrtec can help to alleviate symptoms, as can topical anti-itch creams. For those who prefer home remedies, placing a cool compress on the effected areas can bring comfort as can milk of magnesia, which is alkaline and can help with itchiness. Particularly in adults, hives can be triggered by emotional factors such as stress. Drinking an herbal tea such a chamomile or peppermint can be soothing as can putting cooled herbal tea bags on the skin. Taking a bath in a solution of ½ cup cornstarch and ½ cup baking soda can also relieve itchy skin as can milk baths. It is important to remember however that heat can cause hives and you should adjust you bath water temperature appropriately.

Characterized by raised red itchy bumps, hives are often associated with an allergic reaction. While most people associate hives and allergies with food, medicines are often the culprits and underlying cause of the raised red itchy bumps. Hives may form suddenly and disappear equally rapidly however, if you are suffering form an allergy to your medicine you will continue to have hive outbreaks until the medicine leaves your system.

Raised Red Itchy Rash – Is It Your Medicine?

There is a range of prescription and over the counter medicines that list red itchy bumps (hives) as a possible side effect. Any adverse reaction to drugs whether it be allergic or non-allergic is called an adverse drug event (http://www.cdc.gov/MedicationSafety/Adult_AdverseDrugEvents.html). Drug allergies can occur at anytime during the course of the drug treatment even if there have been no prior symptoms of an allergy or adverse reaction. According to the Resnik Skin Institute aspirin is a likely culprit for non-allergic adverse reactions and is a medicine found in most medicine cabinets. Known both to cause hives and exacerbate them, you should immediately eliminate aspirin and any medicines containing it, such as over the counter cold and flu remedies. Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) high blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors), and painkillers that contain codeine are all known to cause hives in certain patients. Read ingredients carefully and stop any over the counter medication that contains a suspected allergen.

Drug Allergy – Raised Red Itchy Bumps (Hives)

It is extremely important that you speak with your doctor if you suspect that your prescription medications are causing an allergic reaction, consulting to see if an alternative medicine would be appropriate. It should be noted that individuals with weakened immune systems, those who have had a previous allergic reaction, patients with asthma, heart disease, and high blood pressure have a higher risk of drug allergies and adverse reactions to drugs. Antibiotics containing penicillin or sulfonamides are common drug allergens to be careful of.

There are several symptoms that indicate if you are having an allergic reaction to your medication: red itchy bumps or rash, hives, fever, facial swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is by far one of the most severe symptoms and comprises a series of its own symptoms: weak or rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, dizziness or loss of consciousness. Severe reactions requiring medical attention are drug-induced anemia (destruction of blood cells) and serum sickness, which can cause organ damage. Symptoms of serum sickness include joint pain in addition to hives and rash.

Have you ever looked down to see yourself covered in red hive welts? Chances are that at some point in your life you or someone in your family will have a case of hives. Roughly 20% of the population suffers from hives at some point in their lives. Hives is an umbrella term to describe skin conditions characterized by raised, red and/or white wheels and welts that can vary in size, color, itchiness, and location on the body. Caused by the leakage of fluids beneath the skin hive wheels often appear and can seem to join together if you itch them, differing from other types of rashes and skin irritations that appear as red bumps. In most incidences red hive wheels aren’t serious and clear on their own after a couple of hours and in some cases days or weeks.

What to Do When You Have Red Hive Welts

The first thing you may notice when you find yourself with a case of hives is the itching. Do not scratch! Scratching can cause the welts to swell and spread across the skin. Additionally, your fingernails are dirty and can cause infection if the surface of the skin breaks. Hives breakouts can be in response to extreme heat or cold, an allergic irritant on the skin, food or medicine allergy or to nothing in particular. For immediate relief apply a cool compress to the skin to help with the swelling. Topical hydrocortisone creams can help with the itching and it is generally advised to take an oral antihistamine. Antihistamines work internally to reduce the production of histamines by the body’s mast cells, eliminating the formation of red hive welts and the sensation of itching. Because the cause is often unknown, over the counter antihistamines can be the fastest form of treatment for an isolated hives breakout. If however, you suffer from recurring acute red hive breakouts it is advisable to see a doctor.

Red Hive Welts – Doctor’s Visit

If your hives are particularly bothersome you may want to visit your doctor or make an appointment with an allergist. To prepare for your appointment you may want to bring several photos of the hives on your body, taking note of where the outbreaks occur. Also your doctor will want to know about the factors leading up to the outbreak such as any foods you ate prior and medications and vitamins you take. As hives can also be related to other infections and diseases be sure to speak honestly about your overall health and wellbeing.

Red itchy welts that itch are signs of a histamine reaction in the body. While the actual cause of the welts can be attributed to a number of things, most people’s first concern is how to soothe the itching. You can usually find some relief from red itchy welts that itch with over the counter antihistamines and topical creams such as calamine lotion or creams that contain hydrocortisone. However, if the red itchy welts that itch continue for more than a week you should visit your doctor for an examination. Once your doctor is able to physically examine the red itchy welts that itch, the cause of the rash can be narrowed down.

Welts on Hands

Welts on hands are often a sign of an allergic reaction and are a common place for the development of hives. Contact dermatitis, a skin condition caused by contact with an allergic substance is often itchy and manifests as red welts that vary in size. Contact dermatitis only occurs on parts of the body where the skin has come into contact with an allergen. Thus, the hands are a common area as the mere handling of an allergic substance can cause a breakout. If the red itchy welts that itch clear on their own, only to return contact an allergist to conduct an allergy test. Patients with celiac disease seem particularly prone to gluten related rashes on their hands after ingesting or touching wheat and gluten products. Patients should also be aware of what they are handling, taking note of the onset of symptoms and the duration of the welts. If there are certain products that you suspect could be causing the hives stop using them and bring them with you on your doctors visit. Additionally, if you are taking any medications is it important to check with your doctor for possible allergies or side effects.

Welts on Arms

Welts on arms can also be a sign of a contact dermatitis as well as an indicator of stress. Interestingly, stress is a common cause of hives. Any level of stress affects the body’s natural balance and can directly affect the immune system. The exact reason why stress triggers hives is unknown. Stressful situations such as job interviews as well as emotional stress such as grief and depression are known to be triggers, resulting in outbreaks of hives on the arms, wrists, and hands. If stress is a suspected trigger, develop a plan to calm yourself such as taking deep breathes, closing your eyes, and taking a moment to collect yourself.

Much of the same causes of hives on other parts of the body are responsible for causing hives on the back. Hives occur most frequently on the trunk of the body (chest, abdomen, and back) and sometimes spread to the extremities (legs and arms) and rarely the head. If however hives on the back occur with other symptoms or signs of a severe allergic reaction you should consult with your doctor as an allergy or disease such as celiac or another autoimmune reaction could be to blame. Signs of severe allergic reaction are wheezing, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat.

Raised Red Welts

Raised red welts are the hallmark indicator of hives versus other forms of skin rash. Welts vary in size and can be red or skin toned. Generally forming in circular shapes, hives welts can come on suddenly and just as quickly disappear before a new bout erupts. It is common to not know the exact cause of hives. Generally speaking however, isolated hives (those that only appear on a particular area of the body) are due to contact with a triggering substance known as contact dermatitis. Because the area is so large hives on the back may be due to a contact allergy or completely unrelated. By paying attention to the patterns in your life you can start to deduce the possible causes.

Hives on the Back – Bath Products

Shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products that come into contact with the skin on your back, especially if you have long hair, are a good place to start in your search for skin irritants. Switching to a gentle, allergen-free formula such as baby shampoo may be able to alleviate the hives. When selecting styling products, soaps, body washes and laundry detergents, fragrance-free or natural products can also help as they usually contain different ingredients and gentler formulas. By switching these for allergy-free formulas you may be able to determine if you are allergic to a common ingredient found in soaps. According to Discovery Health (www.health.discovery.com) the five most common allergens found in soap are: sodium lauryl sulfate (a detergent responsible for creating suds), fragrance, coconut diethanolamide (another detergent that creates suds), paraben (an ester, this ingredient can go by many other names such as parahydroxybenzoic), and balsam of Peru (known as myroxylon, it is used for its fragrance as well as a fixative). Taking warm rather than hot showers can help with hives on the back, helping to prevent excessive drying of the skin. Following your shower a light, allergen-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free lotion can help soothe skin and prevent excess drying and rashes.

Hives and welts are usually just a harmless skin rash however, studies have shown that certain diseases such as lupus, lymphoma, and thyroid disease may make you more susceptible to hives, making hives and welts possible early indicators of a more serious condition. The skin is the largest organ of the body and as such, it is a window doctors can use to better understand the maladies of the body. For example, cancer can make patients more susceptible to the sun causing itching, hives, and welts. Reactions to chemotherapy can cause hives and welts making it essential to call your doctor if you are a cancer patient and suffer from hives or itching.

Hives or Welts and Other Symptoms of Lymphoma

While hives and welts alone are usually not the sole indicator of a more serious disease such as lymphoma, when they are paired with other symptoms they can act as a warning sign. There are three distinct forms of lymphoma (www.cancer.org). Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins patients may suffer from itchiness paired with night sweats, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and swelling of the lymph nodes. Cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma (CTCL), which affects the skin, presents itchiness as well as skin infections, dark patches, and tumors. Hives are particularly associated with gastrointestinal, thyroid, and lymphoma cancers. Cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma is easily mistaken with eczema, psoriasis, and hives and welts caused by contact dermatitis. Corticosteroid creams used for these skin conditions can calm CTCL further delaying correct diagnosis for years. While hives and welts are not a cause for immediate panic, when they are paired with the above symptoms it is important to visit your doctor as multiple biopsies may be necessary to diagnose CTCL.

Hives Welt and Autoimmune Disease

Rashes are also symptoms of lupus and thyroid disease. Hives most often occur in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease (thyroid.about.com). Patients suffering from these two forms of thyroid disease typically have high levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies and suffered from chronic hives or angioedema (effecting the deeper levels of the skin) without other indicators of the thyroid disease. Relief for patients with high antibody levels was found in levothyroxine treatment though for those without antibodies the drug has little effect. Hives can also be a symptom of celiac disease (inability to digest gluten). Interestingly in a study from 2008, individuals with thyroid disease were also found to have a high incidence (3.4% versus 0.6% and .25% in control groups) of celiac disease. Researchers also found that untreated celiac disease could trigger autoimmune responses and disease (http://thyroid.about.com/cs/latestresearch/a/celiac.htm). Hives can develop with systemic lupus, often indicating inflammation of the capillaries.

Red welts on the skin can be indicators of a common rash, bacterial or fungal infection, and in certain instances of a skin disorder or internal disease. Most individuals will experience some form of rash or hives during their lifetime most, starting with “diaper rash” and a case of poison oak or ivy. Often red welts on the skin will clear on their own without the need for specialty treatments. When the red welts are recurring or do not clear on their own medications may be necessary and in more severe cases a visit to the doctor required.

Red Welts on the Skin – Common Skin Irritations

The most common skin rash among adults is seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001959/) is characterized by red, whitish, or yellowish scaly skin usually found on the head, face, and ears, and other oily areas of the skin. In infants it is often referred to as “Cradle Cap” due to its prevalence with infants. Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with dandruff shampoos that contain one of the following ingredients: salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketonazole, or selenium. On the skin topical immune modulators can be used.

Another common cause of welts on skin is contact dermatitis. An allergic or chemical reaction on the skin, your skin must physically come into direct contact with an irritant for contact dermatitis. Red welts are commonly found on the neck and other parts of the body where nickel jewelry is worn. Other irritants may be ingredients in shampoos, soaps, and laundry detergents as well as specific allergies to certain fabrics. Poison oak and poison ivy are also caused by contact dermatitis. Especially in cases of poison oak and ivy it is important not to itch as the welts can begin to weep and are very uncomfortable.

Red Welts on the Skin – Chronic Skin Conditions

Eczema is a common skin disorder that can be found on both children and adults. Eczema is characterized by red, itchy, weeping rash on the skin. It can be found on the joints such as the ankles, elbows, and knees, the cheeks, and neck. A link has been shown between asthma and hay fever and eczema, underlying a histamine cause of the skin welts (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518213939.htm). Scientist found that untreated cases of eczema led to atopic skin march, triggering the symptoms of asthma. Statistically 50-70% of children with eczema will develop asthma. As dry skin can also be a cause, omega-3 supplements can help eczema. Psoriasis is another condition that forms in bumpy patches and red welts on the skin. Often times painful, psoriasis sufferers may need specialty prescription medication to manage outbreaks.

Skin eruption and hives effect nearly 20% of the population at some point in their lives. While general skin eruptions may take on a variety of physical forms with distinct characteristics, raised welts on skin are characteristic of hives. Skin eruptions and hives have specific triggers that lead to the reaction. Often allergic in nature, skin eruptions can be due to an internal trigger like the ingestion of a food or drug that you are allergic to, or an external trigger such as welts caused by a wool allergy. Taking note of the physical characteristics of the outbreak can help you to determine the trigger and avoid it in the future.

Large Itchy Welts – Deducing the Cause

Large itchy welts are indicators of a histamine reaction by your body. Large itchy welts and their prevalence on the body can actually help to deduce the cause of the skin eruption and hives. Welts that are isolated to a specific part of the body and do not spread are most likely a reaction to something the skin has come into direct contact with such as wool, jewelry, soap, or lotion. In cases where the welts begin to spread or become more pronounced an internal reaction may be the culprit. Take note of what you have eaten recently as food allergies and intolerances tend to manifest within a short amount of time after ingestion. Reactions to drugs can happen immediately after taking the drug or several hours later. Drug reactions differ from simple food allergies as the skin may erupt in welts, purple or red discoloration, or scaly and thickened patches. If you suspect a reaction to a drug you are taking call your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the reaction and notify them if you stop taking the medication.

Skin Eruption and Hives

Other forms of skin eruption can be caused by more serious medical conditions. Stasis dermatitis is a weepy, oozing skin eruption that occurs on the legs of individuals with poor circulation. Many people who have celiac disease complain of skin eruptions and hives after eating contaminated foods or using products that contain gluten. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease with a propensity that is considered to be hereditary. Celiacs are unable to process the protein found in gluten (sources include wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and other grains), which causes an allergic reaction in the intestinal tract that can cause severe damage and increases the likelihood of developing cancer. In a medical case study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2659909/) physicians found that chronic hives dissipated within five to eat weeks of the patient adhering to a 100% gluten free diet.

Red itchy bumps on the skin are a general symptom and can be a sign of harmless bug bites, chicken pox, rashes, or something more serious. While minor skin inflammations can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies, it is important to check with your doctor when you experience irritation for an extended amount of time or if the red bumps spread, reducing the risk of infecting other people. It is also important not to scratch red itchy bumps on the skin to prevent infection, scarring, and further inflammation. Depending on the location of the red itchy bumps on the skin, lice could be the cause.

Red Itchy Bump – Lice

Lice can be found living in body hair and clothing. There are three types of lice: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice (http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/). Body lice are larger than other forms of lice (about the size of a sesame seed) and live in clothing, bedding, and on the skin. Severe itching, due to bites, usually is centered in areas where fabric is close to the body such as the waist, underarms, or bra area. Body lice can carry trench fever and other disease making it important to see a doctor. Pubic lice (crabs) are found in the pubic hair as well as armpit hair and eyebrows. Lice eggs or nits can be seen attached to the hair shaft. Most cases are due to sexual contact though rare cases of transmission may be due to coming into contact with contaminated fabrics or public toilet seats. In young children, it is also important to check eyelashes with a strong magnifying lens to ensure there are no lice present which can cause an eye infection (blepharitis). Head lice are common among children and are easily spread. Red itchy bumps on the skin of the head (scalp), shoulders, and neck is an indicator of head lice infection. Head lice are small and hard to see requiring a magnifying glass.

Treating Lice and Red Itchy Bumps

Treatment for lice varies on the type the patient has. In general, permethrin can be used for all types, either washing the clothing, body, or hair with a wash and/or shampoo. Body lice are largely a hygiene issue with frequent bathing and washing and drying of clothing in a hot dryer sufficient means to kill body lice. Permethrin is required to treat pubic lice as is washing all clothing, towels, and bedding. For head lice shampooing with a 1% permethrin wash can usually eliminate head lice when used along with a fine-toothed comb to extract nits.

Among the triggers of hives, infection plays a prominent role. Various infections can play a role in triggering hives: infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites come to mind. Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that have been associated with the development of some stomach ulcers, have also been shown to be associated with hives. Some medical studies on patients with Helicobacter pylori have shown that, upon antibiotic treatment for this bacterial infection, hives and stomach ulcers alike are cured.

In addition to Helicobacter pylori infections, other bacterial infections have been shown to trigger hives: Cystitis and tonsillitis have been associated with acute hives. Infection with Yesinia and various streptococci and staphylococci, especially in the gastrointestinal, upper respiratory, dental and ENT regions has been tied to chronic hives. The successful treatment of all these bacterial infections using antibiotics cures the patients’ hives.

Viral Infection and Hives

As mentioned above, infections of various kinds are responsible for triggering different forms of hives. Viral infection is a common acute hives trigger among children. Rubella, herpes, influenza, the common cold and infectious mononucleosis are just a few examples of viral infections that have been associated with hives in children.

The mechanisms by which viral infections trigger hives are often not clearly understood. Thus, it would be problematic to unambiguously assert that viral infections caused hives. However, it is appropriate to say that viral infections trigger hives. The word “trigger” implies that sometimes viral infections play a role in setting the hives mechanism into motion, even though such a role might not be direct.

When they are triggered by a viral infection, hives tend to appear spread out on different parts of the body. This is referred to as a generalized skin condition. It is distinctly different from the localized skin condition known as contact urticaria. Contact urticaria is provoked by direct contact with allergenic substances. Hence the rash develops in the area of skin that comes into direct contact with the allergen. Something similar happens with forms of physical urticaria such as dermatographism: The urticarial wheals develop on the areas of skin that are subjected to physical pressure.

Yeast Infection, Hives and the Connection between Them

Candida albicans is the fungus responsible for causing oral thrush and vaginal yeast. When the body’s friendly bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus fails to keep the growth of Candida and other organisms under control, then they allow the development of a yeast infection. Hives is sometimes associated with yeast infections: it has shown to be a factor in sensitizing the body and predisposing it towards developing chronic hives. Infection with yeast has the added disadvantage of playing a role in the development of conditions like psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome and asthma.