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.

People suffering from hives, especially in the case of chronic hives treatment, are desperate, as they feel they have reached a dead-end. However, there is always a way out, all you need is to keep trying. Here are some simple tips which can boost your efforts when you are looking for hives treatment.

1: The foremost thing is to find out the actual causes and triggers of hives; once you are done with this, mark these items as a no go area for you.
2: Some people have a more active autoimmune system as compared to others, they specifically need to avoid all the foods and offending objects that can disturb the immune system.
3: No matter if it is you or your child, make sure the affected area is not touched or rubbed unnecessarily.

4: Try some simple home remedies, but if the condition still persists consult a qualified doctor.

You must read my next post about hives and their related conditions next week if you want to know which other disorders can accompany hives.

In this modern age, gaining knowledge about any subject matter is easier than ever, however there are some diseases including hives, about which there are still some myths.

In contrast with what most people believe, hives is not only caused by food and other allergies. Actually an overactive immune system, physical and other triggers can also cause hives.

Antihistamines are considered to be the perfect hives treatment, however they are only for temporary relief mostly.

When opting for chronic hives treatment you need a proper diagnosis and careful treatment. Hives are not as lethal as normally believed, though there have been reports of fatalities, yet hives is not deadly unless accompanied by angioedema or other disease.

These were the myths, to learn some facts still not commonly known, read my next post in two days.

Any chronic disease can be a pain in the neck.

The case with chronic hives is no different.

It will stay with you for a long time and  will continue being annoying.

Chronic hives treatment is a challenge even for  modern medical science.

Hives are skin rashes that may appear on any part of the skin due to allergic as well as non allergic reasons. These rashes are evident by the presence of wheals that are usually red or pale yellow and extremely itchy.

Chronic hives last longer than six weeks, appear more than twice a week and are rarely due to an allergy. Click here for more on chronic hives treatment.