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.

Some people experience night hives, a break out in hives at night.  This is a curious occurrence.  People will get hives only at night, it will clear up during the day, and then the night hives will return in the evening.  So, what causes this strange situation?  It is simpler than you might think.

Your body actually produces its own anti-itch chemicals, according to BeyondAllergy.com.  These natural chemicals bring about relief when we have rashes, stings, and yes even hives.  As the sun goes down however, these chemicals decrease as our bodies prepare for sleep.  This is also why insect bites seem to itch more at night.

If you are having this type of trouble, oral antihistamines will usually relieve the itching and help you sleep.  Benadryl is most often recommended.  Drinking excess water during the day can help to relieve night hives too.  This is because it flushes the toxins that are causing your hives out of your body.

Rooibos tea has been recommended to help relieve hives.  This is because it contains quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine which also cleanses the body.  You may also try taking a cool shower or taking an oatmeal bath before bed to relieve night hives.  If a baby or young child is the one having this trouble, an oatmeal bath is probably the best option.  Most people use Aveeno.  If you decide to use an antihistamine on a child with night hives, be sure and read the label first.

 Other Reasons for Hives at Night

The scenario listed above is just one example of why hives breakout at night.  If you don’t feel that it explains your night hives, there are other possibilities.  Try to think of what you are exposed to at night.  Ask yourself the following questions to see if you can narrow down the cause for breaking out in hives at night:

• Have you recently switched the soap that you wash your bed sheets or blankets with?
•  Have you used any products on your bed that produce scents?
•  Do you have pets that could be shedding pet dander?
•  Are you taking any medications before you go to sleep at night?
•  Are you normally exposed to heat, cold, or water before the hives appear?
•  Do you sleep with the windows open, or is there any reason that you could have been bitten by an insect?
•  Do you eat or touch foods such as shellfish, eggs, chocolate, nuts, milk, berries, soy, wheat, or fish before bed?
•  Could pollen be making its way into your bedroom somehow?
•  Do you have more stress or anxiety at night?
•  Do you sweat a lot at night?
•  Are your clothes tight fitting?

Itching hives is one of the most irritating and frustrating things a person can experience. To make matters worse you cannot scratch them without making things worse. Antihistamines are great for lessening symptoms, but they don’t do much for the irritation. No worries, there is actually a lot you can do about hives itching. Best of all, you can usually get rid of hives and itching with things that all ready in your house.

The wisest way to stop itching with hives is to avoid substances that may trigger an allergic skin reaction. There are many allergens that may trigger hives. Some of the most common are food, medications, and insect bites/stings. Many people keep a journal that lists substances they have come in contact with in order to narrow down possibilities of what may trigger itching and hives.

Another thing that you can do to avoid having anymore hives reactions is to eat properly and strengthen your immune system. Try to not to eat processed food, and remember that additives and preservatives are common allergens. Vitamin supplements are good; in fact, taking/eating vitamin C is one of the best things you can do to help your immune system work properly and prevent hives.

How to Stop Hives from Itching

One natural way to stop hives from itching to add plenty of quercetin to your diet. This is a pigment that is found naturally in foods such as onions, apples, and dark green vegetables. It also has antioxidants and natural antihistamines.

Of course everyone wants to know how stop hives itching, but some would give everything they own for just a few minutes of relief. The internet has tons of remedies on how to relieve itching from hives. Taking cool baths and showers is another natural way stop hives from itching. Many people suggest adding oatmeal, baking soda, or Epsom salt to your bath water to stop hives itching. Finally, applying ice or ice packs directly to skin is another way to stop itching form hives as well.

Relief from Hives Itching

Livestrong.com gives lots of good advice on how to stop hives itching. Aloe Vera is one that the site recommends to use as a topical lotion in order to stop itching from hives. It has been known to stop itching hives immediately and heal the skin. Calamine lotion can also help.  Some astringents such as witch hazel and zinc oxide have also been known to stop itching hives.

Hives on hands are fairly common. They are usually triggered by allergic reactions to physical items, such as fabrics, lotions, or soaps. Insect bites, exposure to heat or cold, or sunlight may also trigger out breaks. One of the most common reasons that hives on the hands form is because of handling and eating certain foods that cause allergies like peanuts, berries, and tomatoes.

Hand hives may last up to a month. Antihistamines are usually administered as treatment. Some home solutions include ice, Aloe Vera, and Primrose or other essential oils. Try to figure out what triggered the outbreak, because in cases of allergic reactions, prevention is the best treatment. Many people keep journals and list the things that they come in contact with in order to narrow out possibilities.

Hives on Palms of Hands

Hives on palms of hands can be very frustrating and it can take a long time to get rid of without doing something on your own.  Some suggested home remedies are soaking in them in epsom salt, making a paste out of oatmeal and cornstarch and a little water, or applying ice cubes or an ice pack directly to the hives. The former will give instant relief and take the swelling down fast.

Hives on Hands and Feet

Hives on the hands, hives on the palms of hands, and hives on hands and feet are sometimes symptoms of angioedema. Angioedema is a serious condition, and should always be watched for if you are prone to hives outbreaks. In angioedema, histamine causes fluid to leak from the local blood vessels. So, it is almost the same as a hives reaction, except it is under the skin. Angioedema can occur with or without hives.

It is important to know about this condition because sometimes swelling will occur in the throat and hinder breathing. People with this condition should be taken to the emergency room or 911 should be called if the person makes abnormal breathing sounds, has difficulty breathing, faints, or begins wheezing.

Treatments listed above for hives on hands should work just as well on feet. Ask your doctor before trying any new treatments or home remedies. Also, talk thoroughly with your doctor about what you think may be triggering hives and about the different treatment options available.

Over the last few decades it has become more and more clear how stress and anxiety trigger, intensify, elongate hives outbreaks.  Stress related hives are a part of a ‘fight or flight’ response in the body.  In other words, when the body detects stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated.  This mobilizes the body’s defenses by creating a physiological response.  In this case the body activates the opening of blood vessels, which results in redness or blotchiness of the skin, in other words stress related hives.

The moment a stressful situation is sensed by the brain, this involuntary bodily reaction occurs.  Stress related hives are most common in people who get extremely anxious in stress related situations, such as in social situations or performance evaluations.  Some people are so sensitive to stress, that they will break out in stress related hives even during casual conversations.

Possibly the worst part of stress related hives is that the anxiety that you feel about your hives breakout intensifies that redness and itching even more.  So, not only do you experience more physical discomfort, but your confidence, social appearance, and professional performance are also impacted as well.  The results can be devastating both personally and professionally (HivecTen.com, 2012).

 Preventing Stress Related Hives

MySensitiveSkinCare.com provides six tips to help you prevent hives which are caused by stress.  If stress causes hives, the website states, then it makes perfect sense to prevent hives outbreaks by reducing stress.  Try the following techniques:

1. Exercise – Exercise naturally reduces stress, in fact it raises your endorphin levels which makes you feel great.

1. Drink plenty of water – Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day to ensure your body functions at its best.

1. Get ample sleep each night – Everything gets worse when you are tired, and if your body is not functioning at its best then stress is more likely.  Getting adequate rest gives you a better chance of thinking clearly and managing stress effectively.

1. Eat a diet that is healthy and balanced – Sugars, fats, artificial flavors, and preservatives should be avoided.  Try to eat more natural products such as whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and fruits.

1. Make a list – Making a list allows you to get things off your mind and onto paper.  As you check off each item, your stress level usually will fall.

1. Give yourself time to relax – Give yourself permission to do things that you want sometimes, or take time to do things just because you want to, not because you have to.

Most of the time, when a person has hives and fever, it is due to either illness or infection. The reason that fever is associated with hives is because many illnesses that can produce fever can trigger hives, and in some cases fever itself can trigger an outbreak. Medications people use to reduce fever, such as aspirin, can trigger hives as well.

If you have fever and hives, be sure not to take anything containing aspirin. Morphine and codeine are also pain medications that will make your hives condition worse. Sometimes Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen will trigger or worsen cases of hives too.

Hives and Fever in Children

If your child has never had hives before, it can be scary. It is not always easy to know what to do. A hives fever can complicate things even more. The important thing to remember when treating hives and fever in children is to treat the fever first, as it is the most vital. You can try to get the fever to break, but make sure it does go higher than 103 degrees F.

As with any sickness, have them drink lots of fluids. Vitamin C will help the immune system overcome both fever with hives. Modernmom.com recommends cutting the fever down with ibuprofen and using antihistamines for the hives. Even though ibuprofen has been known to make hives worse it is much better than aspirin, as taking aspirin with hives can cause a condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Hay Fever and Hives

Hay fever with hives is fairly common. This is because hives is common with people that are prone to allergies. Luckily antihistamines can help both hay fever and hives. Intake lots of vitamin C, and drink lots of water. Aloe vera, primrose essential oil, and chamomile tea is great for treating hives. Many people also use cool water baths or ice cubes to make them feel better.

High Fever and Hives

A fever is considered high if it is over 103 degrees F. There are a lot of conditions that can cause hives with fever; one of the first is hives from fever itself. Cholinergic urticaria is a type of hives in which fever, stress, or even getting angry can trigger hives. Also, fever affects the immune system, and this imbalance can cause a high fever and hives.

Dshisystems.com lists the following conditions that can cause high fever and hives. Please visit the Dshisystems.com website for more information. The conditions are listed as follows:

1 common:

1. Insect bite

3 uncommon:

1. Drug Dermatitis
2. Drug Side Effect
3. Mononucleosis

2 uncommon:

1. Immunization Reaction
2. Tick Borne Illness

5 rare:

1. Henoch-Schonlei Purpura
2. Leukemia
3. Lupus
4. Stevens Johnson Syndrome
5. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Heat and hives are related in more ways than one. Often fever itself will cause a hives outbreak, but that is not all. One of the main conditions dealing with heat and hive is cholinergic urticaria, in which the patient really breaks out in response to sweat. This form of heat hives can be caused by simply getting angry or getting stressed out.

Localized heat hives is the rarest condition that causes hives from heat. It is however, one of the most sensitive and can be tested simply by the application of heat on the skin. These hives generally don’t last more than an hour though.

You may be wondering if it is heat rash or hives that you are affected by. Most likely it is a rash, as a rash by definition is any inflammation of the skin, but it may or may not be a hives-related condition. Looking at pictures on the web may help you decide if it is hives or heat rash, but you should still seek help from a dermatologist to determine if it is really heat rash and hives. You can find heat rash and hives pictures on Emedicine.com and Cholinergicurticaria.net.

Heat Induced Hives

Conventionally, heat hives treatment involves the use of antihistamines. Most antihistamines can be bought over the counter, although stronger types are prescribed.

Hydroxyzine, Claritin, Zyrtec, Clarinex, and Benadryl are the most commonly used.

Most people try to control hives/heat reactions by avoiding situations where they could be exposed to a heat stimulus. Some people use exercise to raise their body’s tolerance to temperature changes. In addition, acupuncture is one of the leading alternative treatments for hives heat rash.

In some cases doctors treat hives heat rash with anabolic steroids or corticosteroids. These are only used in more severe cases. Sometimes anabolic steroids will bring about remission or temporary relief, but not always. Corticosteroids are usually very helpful. Prednisone, in particular, is good for regulating the immune system. This is great because the immune system is said to be one of the main ‘heat hives’ causes.

Beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to inhibit the nervous symptom’s “flight or fight or flight” response (Cholinergicurticaria.net, 2011). This is sometimes effective, but has been known to have harmful side effects. So, if prescribed be sure to talk to your doctor to weigh out potential risks. Other prescribed medications for urticaria have been known to have side effects as well. Make sure you listen to your doctor but be involved and knowledgeable as well.

Heat Urticaria is an extremely rare condition in which hives occur as a result of heat exposure. This condition may also be referred to generalized heat urticaria or cholinergic urticaria. Cholinergic urticaria occurs as the result of a hot bath or shower or from exercise. This form of heat urticaria is brought about by a heat stimulus, but the reaction is actually due to sweat.

There is another type of heat urticaria that is less common. Localized heat urticaria is one of the rarest forms of physical urticarias. It is where well-defined lesions appear on the sites of the heat exposure.

Heat Induced Urticaria

All of these heat induced urticaria conditions are considered physical forms of urticaria. According to allergies.about.com, up to 20 to 30% of chronic urticaria cases have some sort of physical trigger. These heat induced urticaria forms can be triggered by any increase in body temperature.

Cholinergic especially can be caused by anything that causes the body to sweat; even things like spicy foods, stress, or anger is enough to start an outbreak.  Sometimes they are caused by simply the temperature change of going from a cool area to a warm area. Whatever the case may be, preventative measures should be taken in order to avoid exposure to heat stimuli.

Heat Urticaria Treatment

Heat urticaria is usually treated effectively by antihistamines to control the conditions and eliminating such exposures help to prevent hives. Corticosteriods and anabolic steroids are also used. Some patients with this condition are desensitized with hot bath therapy, but this should only be tried under medical supervision. UVB therapy, sweat and exercise therapy, and diet changes may also be used to help in the management of heat urticaria.

Cholinergicurticaria.net offers non-medical options for cholinergic urticaria treatment. They may work for other forms of heat induced urticaria as well, just be sure to consult your physician before trying any new forms of treatment. The treatment options are as follows:

• Avoiding situations that cause hives and/or rapid cooling
• Wearing appropriate clothing by not overdressing
• Meditation, prayer, or mental relaxation may help people cope and relieve stress
• Using cooling sprays, ice packs, and other materials to resolve oncoming attacks
• Avoidance of compounds such as aspirin and alcohol that may make the condition worse

Exercise and sweat therapy that may induce small attack, but in the long run limit severe attacks by making the body adjust histamine levels. It is said to be good for mild cases, but too risky for severe cases.