Discovering a patch of hives anywhere on the body can be distressing to adolescents, but in most cases there is no need to be alarmed. Hives are caused by a variety of things, not all of which are known, but they often clear up by themselves and your doctor can prescribe treatments for the condition. Seek immediate medical attention if an attack of hives is severe or breathing becomes difficult, because in rare cases hives are caused by life-threatening allergies.
Identification
Hives, which are bumps or welts raised above the skin, are known in medical terminology as urticaria. They range in size from tiny to very large and look like a rash. They can appear anywhere on the body and tend to be red in color, although pink or pale welts can also appear. Hives are often itchy and sometimes cause a painful stinging or burning sensation.
Causes
The most common cause of hives is an allergic reaction. Foods, animals, insect bites, pollen and prescription medications are sources of common allergies. The University of Notre Dame Health Services notes that nuts, chocolate, fish, eggs, soy and wheat are foods that commonly cause hives. Other causes, particularly in adolescents, include stress, infections and exercise. Exercise-induced urticaria can occur in teen athletes and tends to appear after or during workouts.
Treatments
Most cases of hives do not last long and respond well to non-prescription antihistamines, which can control the itching hives often cause. You can also try a hydrocortisone cream for itching. Consult your doctor if you're not sure of dosage or are uncomfortable treating yourself. A doctor may run allergy tests or do blood work to determine the cause of your outbreak, and may prescribe medicine for you.
Tips
If you find that you break out in hives more than once, try to identify and avoid anything that could cause them, such as foods or certain types of exercise. Don't itch or scrub your skin and limit the use of harsh soaps and hot water. Baby wash and warm water are good cleansers for skin with hive patches. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that a cold washcloth placed on hives, or a cool shower, may be soothing for the itching.
Warning
Most hives are more annoying than dangerous, but sometimes they are a symptom of a serious problem for which you need immediate medical attention. Call your doctor if you develop a fever, sore throat, pain in the joints, shortness of breath or red streaks on the skin. Even if you do not have serious symptoms, if your hives have not disappeared within a week, make an appointment to see your doctor.
References
- TeensHealth: Hives (Urticaria)
- University of Notre Dame Health Services: Allergy Symptoms: Hives, Rashes and Swelling
- American Academy of Dermatology: Hives
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Hives: What You Should Know
- Brown University Health Education: Hives
- FamilyDoctor.org: Exercise-Induced Urticaria
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