Hives

Hivesrefer to the common allergic reaction in the skin that causes red skin welts and bumps. Also known as urticaria or nettles rash, it is usually caused by direct contact with an allergen, a substance or material which results in an allergic reaction. Hives are also known to be caused by stress.

There are two main types of hives or urticaria:-

Allergic Urticaria (hives)
Histamine and other allergens are released from mast cells (which play a role in allergy, anaphalylaxis and wound healing) in the skin and tissues by linking allergen bound antibodies to create the allergic reaction known as hives.

Non-allergenic Urticaria (hives) are emotionally induced and often linked to stress.

Acute urticaria (hives) occur minutes after exposure of a food related allergen and can last from a few hours to several weeks after an allergic reaction to shellfish, eggs, nuts, fish and dye.

Physical urticaria (hives) is allergic reaction to scratched skin, body heat (after exercising), cold and delayed pressure (belts and bra straps). More rare forms of physical hives are to water, heat, sunlight, vibration and adrenaline.

Treatment relies on removing the sufferer from the hive generating allergen and taking appropriate anti-histamines to alleviate the more extreme allergic reaction. Nourishing lotions, creams and body oils use ingredients such as aloe and provitamin B5 to soothe and calm the skin and reduce the inflammation and redness associated with hives.