• What are chronic hives?

• Chronic hives causes

• What’s the difference between hives and chronic hives?

• Chronic hive symptoms

• Chronic hives treatment

• Foods to eat to heal chronic hives

• Take Away

• FAQs

What are chronic hives?

Chronic hives are also hives but have more severe effects than usual hives and stay a little longer than them. The causes of chronic hives are difficult to find. For most people, it is impossible to find the cause of chronic urticaria. But some studies found that in some cases, the cause of chronic urticaria can be thyroid disease, infection, cancer, hepatitis, and more.

Chronic hives have different shapes and size patterns and are additionally accompanied by swelling. It requires constant medical attention for those who suffer from chronic hives. Women are more prone to hives as compared to men during their lifetime. Most women suffer from CSU when they are between 20 to 40 years of age.

Chronic hives causes

The causes of chronic hives are still difficult to determine as there are several factors that contribute to their formation and here are a few potential causes of it:

1. Autoimmune reactions:

In a few cases, it is observed that chronic hives have occurred due to autoimmune reactions. It means our immune system mistakes our bodily cells as foreign particles and starts attacking them and then chronic hives occur.

2. Allergic reactions:

Allergic reactions can occur due to various factors, the clothes you wear, the food you take, pollen attacks, insect bites, and many other environmental factors that can contribute to allergy. When you are allergic to any of those then the formation of hives occurs.

3. Medical conditions:

Some medical conditions also play a key role in the formation of chronic hives. For instance, some sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and herpes also contribute to the formation of this hive. Apart from that underlying skin conditions can also be a reason.

4. Physical triggers:

It is observed that chronic hives also form when we go through physical pressures such as overexposure to sunlight, heat or cold weather, too much exercise and etc. 

5. Stress:

Mental stress is also associated with the formation of chronic hives. Although the exact reason behind stress and the formation of hives is unknown, stress helps trigger the immune system which in turn helps chronic hives to form.

6. Idiopathic urticaria:

It is possible that there are underlying factors that are difficult to identify or that chronic hives result from a combination of different factors.

What’s the difference between hives and chronic hives?

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition characterized by raised, itchy, and red welts on the skin. They can appear suddenly and may last for a few hours to a few days before fading away. 

Chronic hives, on the other hand, refer to hives that persist for more than six weeks or recur frequently over a period of time. They can be caused by underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, or infections. Chronic hives can significantly impact a person's quality of life and may require long-term management and treatment.

Chronic hive symptoms

Following are the symptoms of chronic symptoms:

1. Red or pink welts on the skin
2. Itching
3. Rashes
4. Swelling at different parts of the external body
5. Frequent formation of hives
6. Hives stay more than 6 weeks
7. Flares and remission

Chronic hives treatment

• Antihistamines
• H2 blockers
• Immune system modulators
• Avoiding stress
• Making changes to lifestyle
• Improving self-care and hygiene 
• Consulting doctor on a regular basis
• Using sunscreen
• Avoiding harsh temperatures

Foods to eat to heal chronic hives

Here are a few foods for you to eat, to heal chronic hives:

1. Anti-inflammatory foods like olive oil, avocados, nut, etc.
2. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, walnuts, etc.
3. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and other fermented foods.
4. Drinking plenty of water and juices, that keeps you hydrated.

Take Away

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or allergist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. They can evaluate your specific situation, identify any underlying causes, and tailor the treatment to your needs.

FAQs

Can chronic hives be serious?

No, chronic hives although stay for longer periods of time, are not serious or life-threatening unless they are formed in the throat area and make it difficult for you to breathe.

Can Ayurveda cure chronic urticaria?

Yes, there are certain remedies in Ayurveda that help cure chronic urticaria to an extent.

Are chronic hives lifelong?

No, chronic hives eventually go over time, but it is also dependent on how much care you take to treat them.

References

10 ways to get relief from chronic hives. By American Academy of Dermatology Association, Sep 28, 2021. 

Chronic Hives. By Mayo Clinic, Apr 25, 2023.

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