It’s not surprising that a list of hives book names may include over 500 titles. With 20 percent or better of the population suffering from hives, there have been plenty of books written on the topic. If you were to decide to spend your money, what is it that you want to learn from the hives book?

The expensive hives book option

Unless you are a physician or a dermatology student, chances are you don’t need to spend close to $200 on a textbook covering the urticaria condition. But they do exist and they will set you back a good bit of money. One hives book of this type sells for about $295 titled Urticaria and Angioedema. It is a hardcover hives book edited by Allen Kaplan and Malcom W. Graves. Published in hardcover and in its second edition, there is over 400 pages of information and is probably the most comprehensive book on the subject. This is way more than the average hives sufferer needs to learn or could even get through. But if you want a hives book that covers urticaria from every angle and aspect, this is a book for you. While not meaning to diminish the value of the information contained in this hives book, it’s doubtful you would ever get through it.

The cheap hives book option

While not necessarily a hives book, there is certainly lots of free nformation, some of it in PDF book form that you can get for free. Some of this information is very good and much of it thorough. But the problem with the free information is that it tends to be very general and repetitive. A free hives book online is probably worth what you pay for it. You’ll get the basics, but not much more. If you are looking for specific treatment recommendations or diagnosis, it’s doubtful that a free hives book will provide that.

A reasonably priced e-book is probably best choice

With the proliferation of information on the internet, your best alternative is probably a well-written and researched e-book. Hives books that address the area of hives you want to focus on can be found at reasonable prices.

A hives book that provides treatment methods not commonly found are well worth the modest price and will be able to give you ways to end the suffering. A hives book that outlines a treatment plan that will rid you of the problem is money well-spent. There are a few good ones out there written by doctors that have actually treated hives patients with success and are willing to share their work with you for a reasonable price.

A hives book offering a treatment that works is better than an office visit to confirm you have hives and then sends you home with an antihistamine. The price of the book should be about the same or less than an office visit but is worth it because you will have reference information to read again if needed and rid you of your suffering. Do a little research and look for a hives book that offers you something that works other than the same information you can easily find with a simple internet search.

The relationship between hives and virus is sometimes confusing. Hives is medically referred to as urticaria and virus can be one cause of urticaria, but by no means the only one. Hives are the raised red areas that appear in splotches called wheals on the skin in any area of the body. They usually appear suddenly and are sometimes frightening when experienced for the first time. It is not unusual to experience hives and virus at the same time and hives after a virus infection is not uncommon but there is no such thing as a hives virus. But since the urticaria and virus relationship is common it might be helpful to list some of the virus that cause hives.

List of possible virus causing hives

The relationship between hives and virus in children is the most prevalent. It is estimated that greater than 80% of hives in children are caused due to their reaction to a viral infection.

The appearance of urticaria and virus that cause them are partially listed below:

• Common cold
• Human Immunodeficiency virus
• Mononucleosis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

Usually, the hives will appear as the body tries to clear the infection. But unless the hives and virus are accompanied by fever, swelling in the mouth or tongue, or difficulty in breathing, a visit to the doctor is not usually needed. You need to use your own judgment on this matter, especially in young children, as you know what is normal with your child and what may be cause for alarm.

Hives with virus could be from medication

The other relationship that often goes unnoticed between urticaria and virus is that it may not be that the hives are caused by a virus but rather medication taken for the virus. Aspirin can cause hives and many of the antibiotics prescribed for an illness can also cause hives. Penicillin and cephalosporin are notorious for causing an outbreak of hives. The hives might appear right after the first dose – in which case the diagnosis is an easy one – or may start days into the treatment, making the connection not so obvious. Even more confusing is that hives don’t always appear the first time the medication is taken. Sometimes they appear after the medication has been taken several times in the past.

The connection between hives and virus is a tricky and sometimes confusing one. You may need a doctor to help you sort it out. But remember there is no hives virus, only hives caused by virus.

Urticaria in babies sounds a lot more frightening than it really is. What your pediatrician is really telling you is you are one of thousands of parents experiencing hives in babies. We all know that hives is fairly common in adults but most people are not aware that hives in babies is just about as common. Urticaria in babies presents the same as they do in adults. They are different shapes and sizes but normally have well-defined areas with pale raised central areas surrounded by a red border.

What Causes Hives in Babies?

Urticaria in babies is caused by the same release of the chemical histamine that is responsible for the condition in adults. The biggest problem with hives in babies is that they cannot communicate with you so pinning down the cause of the histamine result can be more difficult. One word of caution is that some parents confuse urticaria in babies with diaper rash. If the area of concern is in an area that would be prone to diaper rash, you may want to look at some pictures of hives in babies and compare them to your child. The difference should be clear to you. Another condition that often confuses parents is urticaria pigmentosa in babies. This is a different condition usually presenting as brown patches. These are due to an abnormal collection of mast cells, is not serious, and goes away by the teenage years without treatment

Once you have rules out diaper or other rashes and conditions, you need to narrow down the cause.

Viral Hives in Babies is Most Common Cause.

Unlike in adults, the most common cause of hives in babies is a viral infection like the flu or a cold. If your baby has just gotten over or is still suffering from a viral infection like this, you have identified the cause. But more commonly, urticaria in babies has another cause. Some of the more common are:

• Insect bites or stings – your child could be allergic to, say, bee or ant bites and stings, causing hives
• Foods – hives in babies is often a reaction to a food just digested. Dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soybeans, or some additives may cause an outbreak of hives. Breastfeeding is the best way to avoid this. But if that is not practical or possible for you, a process of elimination will usually narrow down the culprit.
• Temperature extremes – especially cold temperatures can cause hives in babies
• Drugs – if your baby is on a medication, prescription or not, it may be the cause of the hives

When Should You Call a Doctor?

If you think it is a result of contacting something causing an allergic type reaction like pollen or pet hair, urticaria in babies responds well to a bath. And a cool bath, not cold, will almost always sooth hives in babies, stopping the discomfort and the crying and fussing. This can be as relieving to the parents as the baby! Your doctor may allow you to use an oral antihistamine to reduce the discomfort.

But if the hives are accompanied by breathing problems, a swollen tongue, or unconsciousness, medical help should be sought immediately. And any time urticaria in babies lasts for longer than a week or so, you should seek medical advice. Hives in babies shouldn’t be treated with drugs on your own without a doctor’s supervision. The cool bath and other natural remedies should be tried first before going with steroids or antihistamines.

In general, there are two different types of hives categories recognized by the dermatologists. Assuming you are not interested in the different types of bee hives, the dermatologist will need to determine which of the two types of hives you are experiencing before beginning treatment, if treatment is even required.

The medical term for hives is urticaria. Dermatologists distinguish between the hives types by categorizing them as either Ordinary Urticaria or Chronic Urticaria. In the most general description, ordinary hives are those that last from a few hours to less than 8 weeks. Chronic hives continue on past the six to eight weeks and may even last for years.

Ordinary hives

Of the different types of hives, this is by far the most common. It is estimated that at least 20% of the general population will come up with one of the different types of hives and most of them will be of the ordinary variety. They usually appear quite suddenly and often for no obvious reason. Many times you will never know the reason because this acute condition can often go away just as fast as it appears.

In general, they will present as slightly raised welts appearing in groups fairly close together in one area of the body. Often times the disappearance in one area will be followed by reappearance in another area.

Chronic Hives

The other main category of the different types of hives is Chronic Urticaria. The distinction is that the condition lasts for longer than 6 to 8 weeks. There is no definite time period to separate the different types of hives, but if the condition goes on longer than a couple of months, you most likely have the chronic urticaria variety. It is at this point that you should begin considering investing the time and expense to find out the cause of the hives. This can be very time consuming and is usually a “shotgun approach” type of diagnosis procedure. The range of causes is so wide that you will likely have to rule out various diseases, drug allergies, food allergies, infections, hormonal disorders and other conditions that mimic the symptoms of hives.

Other types of hives

Chronic urticaria can be further broken down into different types of hives that fall under the chronic broad category.

• Physical urticaria is caused by direct skin stimulation and usually manifests at the site of the stimulation. Types of physical stimulation that can cause hives include temperature extremes, sun, sweating, pressure, vibration, and even exercise.
• Dermatographism are one of the different types of hives that is caused by excessive scratching or stroking of the same area. This sometimes is the result of acute hives causing itching that turns into a habit that feeds on itself. It often occurs with other forms of urticaria.
• Hereditary angiodema is a painful type of hives characterized by swelling and is passed on down through generations of families.

Before effectively treating any of the different types of hives, the root cause has to be determined. If you have a type of hives that comes and goes rapidly, it may be helpful to take pictures of different types of hives attacks that you get before they disappear so you can show them to your doctor to aid in the diagnosis process.

What is hives rash? Hives rash is often referred to as urticaria, or just hives. Hives are typically dark red patches of raised skin that are very itchy and often have a stinging and burning sensation as well. They are known to be triggered by allergic or non-allergic factors.

Basically, there are two types of urticaria, acute and chronic. By definition, acute urticaria is any case of hives that lasts less than six weeks; chronic urticaria is any case that lasts more than six weeks, or is very frequent.  According to Hives.org, urticaria are curable in 95% of cases with the right hives rash treatment.

Hives or Rash?

When symptoms occur, sometimes it is hard to tell if the symptoms are of a rash or hives. Health.msn.com explains the difference, stating “‘Rash’ is a catch-all layman’s term, defined broadly as any inflammation of the skin.” The article continues on saying “Hives (urticaria) result from a build-up of fluid underneath the top layer of skin.” In other words, hives are always a rash, but a skin rash may not necessarily be hives.

If you are wonder about a certain rash you should see a dermatologist for a complete diagnosis. However, if you are not sure if it is hives or just rash symptoms you are having you can find hives and rash pictures at Dermatology.about.com and Web.md.com. You can find more hives and rash information on these websites as well. This should help you determine if it is just a skin rash or hives.

Hives Skin Rash

Skin rash and hives symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the causes. Many people think that the allergen that triggered the reaction is the cause. This is not true. Most of the time hives, or urticaria, cases are found to be idiopathic. This means the cause is unknown.

Hives usually have another medical condition as an underlying cause. They are namely, lupus, hepatitis, a thyroid dysfunction just to name a few. Most are linked to autoimmune system problems or over-active immunity conditions. It is, however, the triggers (not the cause) of these outbreaks that define the type that you have. Here are some basic types of urticaria:

• Dermatographism Hives
• Physical Hives
• Chronic Hives
• Acute Hives
• Hereditary Hives

For more information about each of these types and other basic information on urticaria, you should visit Hives.org.

People who suffer from hives and their associated inconveniences are highly likely to appreciate information on how to stop itching from hives. Thus, it makes sense for them to read materials that describe home remedies for their hives and itching.

One of the basic tips on how to stop itching from hives involves taking it easy. It is well known that chronic hives in some people are triggered or exacerbated by stress. Thus, if these people allow their stress to get to them, they are likely to suffer the worst itching of their lives more often than they care to. If it is possible for them to eliminate the factors that provoke their stress, they should do so. If it is not possible, they should learn stress-management techniques and incorporate relaxing exercises and routines into their lifestyles. These can include yoga, meditation, prayer and some sports activities. Some forms of herbal tea can also be relaxing for some patients. They would obviously have to figure out what teas were best for them as each person is unique in biochemical terms.

Other tips on how to stop itching from hives involve the topical application of substances to the skin. These may include cortisone creams, a cream of tartar paste, oatmeal in one’s bath water and even plain, simple cold water in the shower. These can all help to minimize the itching associated with hives and make it manageable. Some people looking for more complete relief from their hives itching can take antihistamine medication instead.  By blocking the action of histamine on the skin, this medication reduces the symptoms associated with hives.

Urticaria Diet and Food

There are other ways for patients to figure out how to stop itching from hives. One of them involves consulting a hives specialist to find out what allergens trigger their hives in the first place. If their hives are triggered by certain foods, then identifying these foods and excluding them from their diets will eliminate their hives episodes and, naturally, the itching associated with those episodes.

They can also eat urticaria diets. These are diets designed to minimize hives in all those who suffer from them. They make the body less conducive to those biochemical reactions that trigger hives. Such diets exclude fermented food and food that contains high histamine levels. They also exclude foods with artificial coloring and foods that contain benzoates and chemicals such as BHA and BHT, which are food preservatives or additives.

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Resources

http://www.hives-treatment.com/how-to-stop-itching-from-hives.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5303873_stop-hives-itching.html

http://www.urticaria.thunderworksinc.com/pages/lowhistamine.htm

If you happen to have access to the website of the reputable Mayo Clinic, and hives is on your mind, a simple search can put a wealth of information about hives or urticaria at your fingertips. Type “Mayo Clinic” and “hives” into a search engine and see for yourself where the subsequent search will lead.

The Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit group specializing in medical practice and research. Their website is devoted to putting into patients hands the kind of information that will help them to make wise medical decisions and manage their health. Many medical conditions are described in great detail on the website of the Mayo Clinic, and hives is just one of them. The Mayo Clinic’s web pages on hives cover a wide range of information on the condition. They cover basic information about hives, including its description, symptoms and causes. The pages also cover the complications associated with hives, the processes involved in testing for it and diagnosing it, and the keys to preventing it. Patients looking for more information can also link to other relevant websites or they can read experts’ responses to questions. This makes the website an excellent resource for patients who are motivated to do research on their conditions and to understand them.

Heartburn and Hives

Those searching for useful information about hives are likely to find the information they are seeking on the website of the Mayo Clinic; and hives facts of this kind are likely to concern such matters as unique treatments. There is, for example, the little known fact that, on occasion, the medications typically taken for heartburn and hives medications are one and the same thing. While many people don’t realize this, some forms of heartburn medicine, called H2 antagonists, help to relieve hives when taken in tandem with regular antihistamines. Examples of these drugs are famotidine, ranitidine and cimetidine.

There is a distinct reason why these heartburn drugs work. The development of hives is triggered by the release of the chemical called histamine in the body. When patients take regular antihistamine drugs, their constituent chemicals target receptor molecules in the skin that would typically receive the chemical histamine. In the best case scenario, this prevents hives from developing. Sometimes, however, this is not enough to prevent hives from developing. Thus, patients have to take other drugs that have the capacity to interact with histamine receptors in the stomach. Heartburn drugs have this ability. This is why they can be effective in relieving patients’ hives after regular antihistamines have failed.

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Resources

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/about-mayoclinic.com/AM00073

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601907

http://www.ehow.com/way_5535444_chronic-hives-treatment.html#ixzz1nS873X95

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AllergiesOther/story?id=4521891

By definition, chronic hives are hives which last more than six weeks or hives that go away, but recur frequently. What causes chronic hives? Most chronic urticaria hives remain chronic idiopathic hives, which means their cause is never found. However, many of them have been found to be related to other underlying disorders. In fact with chronic hives, autoimmune symptoms can often follow. In hives, chronic cases have been linked to the following disorders:

• Chronic infections such as viral hepatitis, sinus infections, and urinary tract infection
• Bacterial infections which cause stomach ulcers
• Low or high thyroid function
• Diseases of the kidney or liver
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus

Hives has also been linked to certain medications. In fact, Dermatology.about.com states that about 10% of hives cases are caused by medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics are the medications known to most often cause hives.

Some medications, such as codeine, morphine, and aspirin, cause a direct release of histamine which sometimes makes the body break out in hives. Although, medications are not among the most common chronic hives causes, your doctor may go ahead and change some of your medications to eliminate any possible causes of chronic hives.

Chronic Hives Treatment

Treatment for chronic hives varies by the severity of the case. For a lot of people, simply taking antihistamines regularly will keep their hives under control. Oral corticosteroids may also be used to lessen swelling, redness, and itching. Many doctors have also found that the use of tricyclic antidepressants, such as doxepin, is very useful in cutting down histamine levels and relieving itch.

According to the Mayoclinic.com, symptoms can usually be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medication. However, if the first medication you try doesn’t work well to relieve your symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about trying something else. In cases of chronic hives, it is important to work with your doctor to find the medication, or combination of medications, that work best for you.

Chronic hives in children is often treated with the same types of drugs. Avoidance of potential triggers is a good way to manage chronic hives in children, but it is important to remember that their bodies are still growing. When cutting certain foods from their diet, be sure to add something like it back in so that they get plenty of nutrients. Also, you may want to observe a little before trying to eliminate activities that involve exercise and sunlight. Most importantly, remember that hives can be very miserable for children, so good support, empathy, and sympathy is significant. You can learn more about chronic hives and view chronic hives pictures at Chronichives.com, Webmd.com, and many other great sites.

Urticaria (from the Latin urtica)(or hives) is a kind of skin rash notable for pale red, raised, itchy bumps. Hives is frequently caused by allergic reactions; however, there are many non-allergic causes. Most cases of hives lasting less than six weeks (acute urticaria) are the result of an allergic trigger. Chronic urticaria (hives lasting longer than six weeks) is rarely due to an allergy. The majority of patients with chronic hives have an unknown (idiopathic) cause. Perhaps as many as 30–40% of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria will, in fact, have an autoimmune cause. Acute viral infection is another common cause of acute urticaria (viral exanthem). Less common causes of hives include friction, pressure, temperature extremes, exercise, and sunlight.

Urticaria on the arm

Appearance of Symptoms

Wheals (raised areas surrounded by a red base) from urticaria can appear anywhere on the surface of the skin. Whether the trigger is allergic or non-allergic, there is a complex release of inflammatory mediators, including histamine from cutaneous mast cells, resulting in fluid leakage from superficial blood vessels. Wheals may be pinpoint in size, or several inches in diameter. Angioedema is a related condition (also from allergic and non-allergic causes), though fluid leakage is from much deeper blood vessels. Individual hives that are painful, last more than 24 hours, or leave a bruise as they heal are more likely to be a more serious condition called urticarial vasculitis. Hives caused by stroking the skin (often linear in appearance) are due to a benign condition called dermographism.

Hives on the left chest wall.

Article & images source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urticaria

There are a number of reasons why a person may get hives on their penis.  Hives on the penis have been linked to scabies, angioedema, STDs, and various allergic reactions.  Treatment options will depend on what has caused the hives.  It is important to see your doctor about hives on your penis or genital area, because they could have an effect on reproduction.

If you have hives on your penis, try to narrow down the cause by thinking about things that you have been exposed to.  Hives can appear as a result of cold or heat exposures, exposures to various foods or other allergens, or even emotional states.  Make a list of any possible reasons that you can think of, including sexual interactions, and take it with you when you go and speak with your doctor.  Taking Benadryl or another antihistamine in the meantime is a good thing to do, especially if you cannot see your doctor immediately.

One of the major reasons that people may have hives on their penis is because of angioedema, which is similar to urticarial.  Angioedema is characterized by a spontaneous swelling which occurs in areas of the skin or mucous membranes.  It is caused by a buildup of fluid which leaks from thin-walled blood vessels.  It is the same as having hives, but it occurs underneath the skin.  Sometimes it will be accompanied by hives, and in men and boys the scrotum and penis may be involved.  If the hives on your penis is caused by angioedema, the hives will likely be accompanied by a mild pain or burning sensation.

According to AllergyClinic.com, there are a number of possible causes for angioedema.  They  are:

Food Allergies

Rubber Latex

Other Allergies

Cardiovascular Medications

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

High Blood Pressure Medications

Anxiety Medications

 Other Reasons You May Have Hives on Your Penis

A rash caused by scabies is often accompanied by hives.  The rash appears as tiny red bumps that are extremely itchy.  It may be accompanied by hives, and these may be hives on your penis.  Contrary to popular belief you don’t have to have sex with someone to have scabies.  It can be acquired by any type of skin-to-skin contact and sometimes even through bedding and furniture.  However, if you go see your doctor about hives on your penis, be prepared to talk to him about any sexual intercourse you have had as of late.  Treatment involves the application of creams and lotions which contain insecticides.  Thoroughly cleaning the house, vacuuming well, and washing all the clothes in hot water will be needed to abolish your scabies infestation.

Thrush is sometimes mistaken for hives on your penis, and could even be accompanied by them.  Thrush is a type of yeast infection which can occur in men.  One symptom found in thrush is sores which look like hives on the head and foreskin of the penis.  These sores are painful to the touch.  Consult with a medical professional immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.