Hives or urticaria typically occur as an allergic response to something in our environment or something we ate. But they may sometimes happen because of an underlying health issue.
Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised welts, are found on the skin. They’re usually red, pink, or flesh colored on lighter skin and may be flesh colored or slightly lighter or darker than patient’s skin tone on brown or black skin.
Sometimes urticaria sting or hurt. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication (especially allopathic), irritation to insects, insect sting/bites, dust, food etc.
In many cases, hives are an acute (temporary) problem that may be alleviated with allergy medications but allergy to that specific thing is still untreated and need attention. Chronic (ongoing) cases, as well as hives accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, are larger medical concerns. Hives can develop in different patterns and may or may not cover large areas of skin. These small bumps indicate a possible allergic reaction or skin sensitivity. The rash-like condition can become inflamed.
What do hives look like?
The most noticeable symptom of hives is the welts that appear on the skin. Welts may be red but can also be the same color as patient’s skin. They can be small and round, ring-shaped, or large and of random shape. Hives are itchy, and they tend to appear in batches on the affected part of the body. They can grow larger, change shape, and spread.
Hives may disappear or reappear over the course of the outbreak. Individual hives welts can last anywhere from half an hour to a day. Hives may turn white when pressed. Sometimes the hives may change shape or form together and create a larger, raised area.
What causes hives?
Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that a person has encountered, breathe or swallowed. When a person has an allergic reaction, his body begins to release histamines into the blood. Histamines are chemicals our body produces in an attempt to defend itself against infection and other outside intruders.
In some people, histamines can cause swelling, itching, and many of the symptoms that are experienced with hives. In terms of allergens, hives can be caused by factors such as pollen, medications, food, animal dander, insect bites etc.
Hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies. It’s not uncommon for people to experience hives as the result of stress, tight clothes, exercise, illnesses or infections, exposure to hot or cold temperatures or from irritation due to excessive sweating. Because there are several potential triggers, many times the actual cause of hives can’t be determined.
People who are known to have allergies are more likely to get hives. A person may also be at risk of developing hives if you’re taking medication especially allopathic medicines or if he/she unknowingly exposed to things may be allergic to, such as food, fur, soke, dust or pollen etc. If a person is already ill with an infection or a health condition, he may be more vulnerable to developing hives or urticaria.
Types of hives or urticaria
Hives can occur in response to an allergic reaction or may not have an identifiable cause, for example.
Allergic reactions
The most common causes of hives are allergic reactions. These can be caused by any allergen one might be sensitive to, for example:
- foods (such as packed or processed food, food colors, artificial sweeteners, nonorganic cheese, processed nuts, artificial milk, eggs, cereals, chocolates etc),
- pet dander,
- pollen,
- dust,
- fabric dust mites,
- insect bites or stings,
- medications (primarily allopathic – antibiotics, cancer drugs, painkillers etc).
Mild cases of hives caused by allergies are typically treated with long- or short-term allergy medications and avoidance of the trigger but it’s not a good idea to not treat the root cause said Dr. Qaisar Ahmed.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. In this condition, hives or urticaria are often accompanied by breathing difficulties, nausea or vomiting, severe swelling, and dizziness.
Chronic hives
Chronic urticaria or hives, this condition is marked by recurring hives that can interfere with patient’s daily life. These chronic cases can last between weeks to several months or years if not treated properly or in time.
A person may suspect chronic hives if he has welts that don’t go away within 6 weeks. While not life threatening, this form of hives can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat even with Homeopathy. Chronic hives may also be a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as: 
- an autoimmune disorder,
- celiac disease,
- lupus,
- type 1 diabetes,
- rheumatoid arthritis,
- thyroid disease.
Dermatographism
Excessive scratching or continuous pressure on the skin causes it, this form of acute hives is considered mild. Dermatographias usually clears up on its own in a short period of time but still need to treat to avoid complications in future.
Temperature-induced hives
Sometimes changes in temperature can induce hives in sensitive people. Cold-induced hives may occur from cold water or air exposure, while body heat from physical activity may cause exercise-induced hives. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds may also bring about solar hives in some people.
Infection-induced hives
Both viral and bacterial infections can cause hives. Common bacterial infections causing hives include urinary tract infections and strep throat. Viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis (mono), hepatitis, and colds often cause hives.
Allopathic treatment options for hive or urticaria
The first step in getting allopathic treatment is to figure out if patient actually have hives. In most cases, a doctor will be able to determine from a physical exam. Patient’s skin will show signs of the welts that are linked with hives. 
Also perform blood tests or skin tests to find out what may have caused these hives — especially if hives were the result of an allergic reaction.
Allopathic doctor does not advise or prescribe treatment if patient is experiencing a mild case of hives not related to allergies or other health conditions. However, an allopathic doctor might suggest that patient find temporary relief by:
- taking antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine etc,
- avoiding irritating the area,
- avoiding hot water, which may aggravate the hives,
- taking a cool or lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda.
Allopathic medication
Outpatient medications are the oral forms of antihistamines and corticosteroids that should be continued for a short time (a few days) following an episode. The benefit of these drugs is more theoretical because no studies exist that prove their benefit in this setting.
A convenient oral corticosteroid is prednisone. No proven best dose exists. In adults, a dose of 1 mg/kg/d in divided doses is probably adequate; in children, a dose of 0.5–1 mg/kg/d in divided doses is appropriate. Tapering is not necessary unless the patient has been taking steroids chronically.
The following regimens are used commonly by allopathic doctors, though very little hard data concerning the natural history of anaphylaxis treated in the ED exists. In light of this, do not construe the following as an unqualified recommendation or as a standard of care. Evidence for efficacy of H2 -blocker antihistamines is particularly sparse.
H1 -blocker antihistamine treatment is as follows:
-
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Adults: 25 mg PO q6h for 2–5 d; Children: 1 mg/kg PO q6h for 2–5 d
-
Hydroxyzine (Atarax) – Adults: 25 mg PO q8h for 2–5 d; Children: 1 mg/kg PO q8h for 2–5 d
Corticosteroid treatment is as follows:
-
Prednisone – Adults: 20–80 mg PO daily for 2-5 d; Children: 0.5-1 mg/kg PO daily for 2–5 d
-
Many other glucocorticoid preparations may be used.
H2 -blocker antihistamine treatment is as follows:
-
Cimetidine – 300 mg PO qid for 2–5 d; Children: Not recommended
Patients with frequent idiopathic anaphylaxis may benefit from daily antihistamine therapy (both H1 antagonists and H2 antagonists) or, in rare circumstances, daily corticosteroid therapy.
For daily antihistamine therapy, diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine is often used first. Second-generation, less-sedating agents may be preferable. In their adult doses, these include fexofenadine at 180 mg/d, loratadine at 10 mg/d, cetirizine at 10 mg/d, desloratadine at 5 mg/d, and levocetirizine at 5 mg/d. However, none has been specifically evaluated in anaphylaxis prevention. Some specialists prescribe extra doses of antihistamines as needed and as tolerated to control symptoms. 
Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately by an allopathic (or Homeopathic) physician. Advise Epinephrine (adrenaline) to reduce the body’s allergic response; IM administration of epinephrine in the thigh (vastus lateralis) results in higher and more rapid maximum plasma concentrations of epinephrine than IM or subcutaneous (SC) administration in the arm (deltoid) of asymptomatic children and adults.
Oxygen, to help patient breathe. Intravenous (IV) antihistamines and cortisone to reduce inflammation of the air passages and improve breathing. A beta-agonist (such as albuterol) to relieve breathing symptoms. Racemic epinephrine via a nebulizer can be used to reduce laryngeal swelling, but it does not replace IM administration of epinephrine. Treat bronchospasm that has not responded to IM epinephrine with inhaled beta2 -adrenergic agonists such as albuterol.
Cardiac monitoring
Cardiac monitoring in patients with severe reactions and in those with underlying cardiovascular disease is important, particularly when adrenergic agonists are used in treatment. Pulse oximetry is also useful.
Intravenous access
The IV line should be of large caliber due to the potential requirement for large-volume IV fluid resuscitation. Isotonic crystalloid solutions (ie, normal saline, Ringer lactate) are preferred. A keep-vein-open (KVO) rate is appropriate for patients with stable vital signs and only cutaneous manifestations. If hypotension or tachycardia is present, administer a fluid bolus of 20 mg/kg for children and 1 L for adults. Further fluid therapy depends on patient response. Large volumes may be required in the profoundly hypotensive patient.
Homeopathic treatment for hives or urticaria
Urtica Urens
Itching blotches. Urticaria, burning heat, with formication; violent itching. Consequences of suppressed nettle rash. Rheumatism alternates with nettle-rash. Burn confined to skin. Urticaria nodosa. 
Erythema, with burning and stinging. Burns and scalds. Chickenpox. Angioneurotic oedema. Herpes labialis with sensation of heat and itching. Itching and stinging of scrotum.
Dulcamara
Adenitis. Pruritus, always worse in cold, wet weather. Herpes zoster, pemphigus. Swelling and indurated glands from cold. Vesicular eruptions. Sensitive bleeding ulcers. Little boils. Red spots, urticaria. Humid eruptions on face, genitals, hands, etc. Warts, large, smooth, on face and palmar surface of hands. Anasarca. Thick, brown-yellow crusts, bleeding when scratched.
Bovista Lycoperdon
Blunt instruments leave deep impression on the skin. Urticaria on excitement, with rheumatic lameness, palpitation and diarrhea. Itching on getting warm. Eczema, moist; formation of thick crusts. Pimples cover the entire body; scurvy; herpetic eruptions. Pruritus ani. Urticaria on waking in the morning, worse from bathing. Pellagra.
Natrium Muriaticum
Greasy, oily, especially on hairy parts. Dry eruptions, especially on margin of hairy scalp and bends of joints. Fever blisters. Urticaria; itch and burn. Crusty eruptions in bends of limbs, margin of scalp, behind ears. Warts on palms of hands. Eczema; raw, red, and inflamed; worse, eating salt, at seashore. Affects hair follicles. Alopecia. Hives, itching after exertion. Greasy skin.
Pulsatilla Pratensis
Urticaria, after rich food, with diarrhea, from delayed menses, worse undressing. Measles. Acne at puberty. Varicose veins.
Dolichos Pruriens
Intense itching, with no swelling or rash; worse across shoulders, also about elbows and knees and hairy parts. Jaundice. Yellow in spots; itching excessively at night. Herpes zoster.
Rhus Toxicodendron
Red, swollen; itching intense. Vesicles, herpes; urticaria; pemphigus; erysipelas; vesicular suppurative forms. Glands swollen. Cellulitis. Burning eczematous eruptions with tendency to scale formation.
Hepar Sulph
Abscesses: suppurating glands are very sensitive. Papules prone to suppurate and extend. Acne in youth. Suppurate with prickly pain. Easily bleed. Angio-neurotic oedema. Unhealthy skin: every little injury suppurates. Chapped skin, with deep cracks on hands and feet. Ulcers, with bloody suppuration, smelling like old cheese. Ulcers very sensitive to contact, burning, stinging, easily bleeding. Sweats day and night without relief. “Cold sores” very sensitive. Cannot bear to be uncovered; wants to be wrapped up warmly. Sticking or pricking in afflicted parts. Putrid ulcers, surrounded by little pimples. Great sensitiveness to slightest touch. Chronic and recurring urticaria. Smallpox. Herpes circinate. Constant offensive exhalation from the body. 
Sepia Officinalis
Herpes circinate in isolated spots. Itching; not relieved by scratching; worse in bends of elbows and knees. Chloasma; herpetic eruption on lips, about mouth and nose. Ringworm-like eruption every spring. Urticaria on going in open air; better in warm room. Hyperidrosis and bromhidrosis. Sweat on feet, worse on toes, intolerable odor. Lentigo in young women. Ichthyosis with offensive odor of skin.
Graphite
Obstinate dryness of the skin, and absence of perspiration. Ephelides. Red spots on the skin, like flea bites. Erysipelatous inflammations. Vesicular erysipelas, like zona, on the abdomen and on the back. Itching of the varices on the lower limbs. Itching-stinging on the surface of a mole. Eruptions oozing out a thick honey-like fluid. Tetters, and other humid or scabby eruptions, sometimes with secretion of corrosive serum, or with itching in the evening, and at night. Eruption of pimples and nodules (principally under hair and on covered parts) which itch very much.
Swelling and induration of the glands. Encysted tumors. Corrosive nodules. Excoriation of the skin (in the bends of the limbs, groins, neck, behind the ears). Unhealthy skin, every injury tending to ulceration. Proud flesh, and fetid pus, in ulcers, with tearing pains, burning, and shooting. Scrofulous and syphilitic ulcers. Burning pain in an old cicatrix. Deformity and thickness of the nails.
Apis Mellifica
Swellings after bites; sore, sensitive. Stinging. Erysipelas, with sensitiveness and swelling, rosy hue. Carbuncles, with burning, stinging pain. Sudden puffing up of whole body.
Chloralum Hydratum
Red blotches, like measles. Urticaria, worse, spirituous liquors, hot drinks. Erythema aggravated by alcoholic drinks, with palpitation; causes pain in tendons and extensors. Intense itching. Surface of body stone-cold. Wheals come on from a chill; better, warmth. Purpura.
Crotalus Horridus
Swelling and discoloration, skin tense and shows every tint of color, with excruciating pain. Vesication. Sallow. Yellow color of the whole body. Great sensitiveness of skin of right half of body. Purpura hemorrhagic. Hemorrhage from every part of body. Bloody sweat. Chilblains, felons. Dissecting wounds. Pustular eruptions. Insect stings. Post-vaccination eruptions. Bad effects of vaccination. Lymphangitis and septicemia. Boils, carbuncles, and eruptions are surrounded by purplish, mottled skin and edema. Anthrax. Sore sensation.
Astacus Fluviatilis
Urticaria. Nettle-rash over whole body. Itching. Crusta lactea, with enlarged lymphatic glands. Erysipelas, and liver affections with nettle-rash. Swelling of cervical glands. Jaundice.
Anacardim Orientale
Intense itching, eczema, with mental irritability; vesicular eruption; swelling, urticaria; eruption. Lichen planus; neurotic eczema. Warts on hands. Ulcer formation on forearm.
Xerophyllum
Erythema, with vesication and intense itching, stinging, and burning. Blisters, little lumps. Skin rough and cracked; feels like leather. Dermatitis, especially around knees. Inflammation resembling poison-oak. Inguinal glands and behind knee swollen.
Grindelia Robusta
Rash, like roseola, with severe burning and itching. Vesicular and papular eruptions. Herpes zoster. Itching and burning. Poison oak (locally as a wash). Ulcers, with swollen, purplish skin. 
Lycopodium Clavatum
Ulcerates. Abscesses beneath skin; worse warm applications. Hives; worse, warmth. Violent itching; fissured eruptions. Acne. Chronic eczema associated with urinary, gastric and hepatic disorders, bleeds easily. Skin becomes thick and indurated. Varicose veins, naevi, erectile tumors. Brown spots, freckles worse on left side of face and nose. Dry, shrunken, especially palms; hair becomes prematurely gray. Dropsies. Offensive secretions; viscid and offensive perspiration, especially of feet and axilla. Psoriasis.
Nux Vomica
Body burning hot, especially face; yet cannot move or uncover without feeling chilly. Urticaria, with gastric derangement. Acne; skin red and blotchy.
Antimonium Crudum
Eczema with gastric derangements. Pimples, vesicles, and pustules. Sensitive to cold bathing. Thick, hard, honey-colored scabs. Urticaria; measle-like eruption. Itching when warm in bed. Dry skin. Warts. Dry gangrene. Scaly, pustular eruption with burning and itching, worse at night.
Natrium Phosphoricum
Ailments, with excess of acidity. Sour eructation and taste. Sour vomiting. Yellow, creamy coating at the back of the roof of mouth and tongue. Inflammation of any part of the throat, with sensation of a lump in throat. Flatulence, with sour risings. Colic, with symptoms of worms. Cracking of joints. Jaundice. Oxaluria. Rheumatism of the knee joint. Weariness; aching in wrists and finger-joints. Hamstrings sore. Synovial crepitation. Rheumatic arthritis. Hives. Smooth, red, shining. Erysipelas. Feet icy cold in daytime, burn at night. Swelling of lymphatic glands.
P. S: This article is only for doctors having good knowledge about Homeopathy and allopathy, for learning purpose(s).
For proper consultation and treatment, please visit our clinic.
None of above-mentioned medicine(s) is/are the full/complete treatment but just hints for treatment; every patient has his/her own constitutional medicine.
Gastroenterologist, Specialist Homeopathic Medicines.
Senior research officer at Dnepropetrovsk state medical academy Ukraine.
Location: Al-Haytham clinic, Umer Farooq Chowk Risalpur Sadder (0923631023, 03119884588), K.P.K, Pakistan.
Find more about Dr Sayed Qaisar Ahmed at:
https://www.youtube.com/Dr Qaisar Ahmed