Hives or urticaria is an allergic manifestation, presenting as itchy red bumps on the skin. The lesions disappear within 2 to 6 hours and then appear at new places. It can manifest as swelling of lips, eyelids or genitals. The cause is blood plasma leaking out of small blood vessels in the skin. This is due to release of histamine from the mast cells.

The cause of hives are many. In some cases the exact cause is not detectable. The common causes are:-

• Food: Nuts, chocolates, tomatoes, curd, eggs. Food additives, sour food, colouring agents, sea food, preservatives, etc.
• Drugs: Painkillers, aspirin, sedatives, diuretics, antibiotics, etc.
• Infection: of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, or gastro-intestinal tract. Colds are a common cause in children.
• Insect bite
• Pressure, cold, sunlight, vibration or exercise

Treatment
The first thing to do is to remove the cause, if it can be identified. Anti-histaminics and steroids are given in more severe cases.

Dr. Kiran Godse Skin Specialist Laksh-Deep Hospital