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.
