Hives, those pesky red, itchy welts that can suddenly appear on your skin, are a common yet often misunderstood condition. Let’s dive into why people get hives, how to make them go away, what to do if you break out in hives, and whether scratching them can cause them to spread.

Why Do People Get Hives?

Hives, also known as urticaria, can be triggered by a variety of factors. The most common causes include:

1. Allergic Reactions: These can be triggered by foods (such as nuts, shellfish, or eggs), medications, insect stings, and even certain plants.

2. Stress: Emotional stress can release histamines and other chemicals in your body that trigger hives.

3. Physical Stimuli: Heat, cold, pressure on the skin, or sunlight can cause hives in some individuals.

4. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can lead to hives as part of the body's immune response.

5. Unknown Factors: Sometimes, the cause of hives cannot be determined, which is referred to as idiopathic urticaria.

Hives occur when your body's immune system releases histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, causing the characteristic welts and itching.

How to Make Hives Go Away?

Managing hives involves a combination of self-care strategies and medications:

1. Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), or loratadine (Claritin) can help reduce itching and swelling.

2. Cool Compresses: Applying cool, damp cloths to the affected areas can soothe itching and reduce inflammation.

3. Avoid Triggers: Identifying and avoiding known triggers, such as certain foods or stress, can prevent future outbreaks.

4. Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can irritate the skin further, so opt for loose, breathable fabrics.

5. Hydration and Skincare: Keep your skin hydrated with hypoallergenic lotions to prevent dryness and irritation.

What to Do If You Break Out in Hives?

If you find yourself breaking out in hives, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Trigger: Try to determine what might have caused the reaction by considering any new foods, medications, or exposures in the past 24 hours.

2. Take Antihistamines: These can provide quick relief from itching and swelling.

3. Avoid Scratching: Scratching can worsen the hives and potentially lead to infection.

4. Seek Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or face, or a feeling of tightness in the throat, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Do Hives Spread by Scratching?

No, hives themselves do not spread by scratching. However, scratching can cause more histamine to be released in the skin, potentially worsening the hives or causing new ones to appear. It can also lead to skin damage and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it’s important to resist the urge to scratch and use other methods to alleviate itching, such as cool compresses or antihistamines.

Wrapping It Up: Managing Hives Effectively

Hives can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but with the right strategies, you can manage them effectively. Identifying triggers, using antihistamines, and taking care of your skin are key steps in dealing with hives. Remember, if you experience severe symptoms or hives persist, it's crucial to seek medical advice and if you are question yourself what are the differences between hives and rashes you can read our article about it.