Disease, Illness and Condition Library
Hives and Angiodema Hives, also referred to as urticaria, is a skin reaction characterized by pale, slightly elevated swellings (wheals) encircled by an area of redness with clearly defined borders. Angioedema is swelling of larger areas of tissue under the skin, at times affecting the face and throat. Hives and angioedema, which can occur together, can be severe. Common triggers are drugs, insect stings or bites, allergy injections (allergen immunotherapy), and certain foods – particularly eggs, shellfish, nuts, and fruits. Eating even a tiny amount of some foods can suddenly result in hives or angioedema. But with other foods (such as strawberries), these reactions crop up only after large amounts are eaten. Also, hives sometimes follow viral infections such as hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, and German measles. Hives or angioedema can be chronic, recurring over weeks or months. In the majority of cases, no specific cause is determined. The cause may be habitual, unintentional intake of a substance – for example, a food additive, such as a preservative or food dye. In a number of people, antibodies to thyroid hormone may be the cause. Use of certain drugs, such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also cause chronic hives or angioedema. In a lot of cases, no specific cause can be identified. Chronic angioedema that occurs without hives may be hereditary angioedema. Hereditary Angioedema: Not an Allergy Hereditary angioedema looks much like the angioedema of an allergic reaction. Nevertheless, the cause is different. Hereditary angioedema is a genetic disorder due to a deficiency or malfunction of C1 inhibitor. C1 inhibitor is part of the complement system, which is part of the immune system. In this disorder, an injury, a viral infection, or stress (such as that due to anticipating a dental or surgical procedure) may set off attacks of swelling (angioedema). Areas of the skin, the tissue under the skin, or the membranes lining the mouth, throat, windpipe, and digestive tract may swell. Characteristically, the swollen areas are painful, not itchy. Hives do not appear. Nausea, vomiting, and cramps are common. Swelling of the windpipe can hinder breathing. Doctors diagnose the disorder by measuring C1 inhibitor levels or activity in a sample of blood. The drug aminocaproic acid can sometimes relieve the swelling. Epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids are often given, although there is no proof that these drugs are effective. If a sudden attack interferes with breathing, the airway must be opened – for example, by inserting a breathing tube in the wind pipe. Certain treatments may well help prevent subsequent attacks. For example, before a dental or surgical procedure, people with hereditary angioedema may be given a transfusion of fresh plasma to increase levels of C1 inhibitor in the blood. For long term prevention, anabolic steroids (androgens) taken by mouth, such as stanozolol or danazol, can stimulate the body to produce more C1 inhibitor. Because these drugs can have masculinizing side effects, the dose is reduced as soon and as much as possible when these drugs are given to women. Stress and Hives In one study consisting of 236 cases of chronic hives, psychological factors (stress) were reported to be the most frequent primary cause. Stress appears to play a significant role by decreasing intestinal secretory IgA levels. In one study of fifteen patients who had chronic hives relaxation therapy and hypnosis were shown to offer significant benefits. Patients were given an audiotape and asked to use the relaxation techniques described on the tape at home. At a follow-up examination five to fourteen months after the initial session, six patients were free of hives and an additional seven reported improvement. Symptoms and Diagnosis Hives typically begin with itching. Then wheals quickly develop. The wheals generally remain small (less than one half and inch across). Wheals that are larger (up to 4 inches across) may look like rings of redness with a pale center. Usually crops of hives come and go. One spot may remain for several hours, and then disappear, and later, another may appear elsewhere. After the hive disappears, the skin usually looks entirely normal. Angioedema may affect part or all of the hands, feet, eyelids, lips, or genitals. Sometimes the membranes lining the mouth, throat, and airways swell, making breathing difficult. In children, when hives emerge suddenly, disappear quickly, and do not recur, an examination by a doctor is, as a general rule unnecessary, because the cause is usually a viral infection. If the cause is a bee sting, seeing a doctor is important. A person can obtain advice about treatment if another bee sting occurs. When angioedema or hives recur without an obvious cause, an examination by a doctor is often the best course of action. Conventional Treatment More often than not, if hives appear suddenly, they subside without any treatment within days and sometimes within minutes. If the cause is not clear, the person should stop taking all nonessential drugs until the hives subside. For hives and mild angioedema, taking antihistamines partially relieves the itching and reduces the swelling. Corticosteroids are prescribed only for severe symptoms when all other treatments are ineffective, and they are given for as short a time as possible. When taken by mouth for more than 3 to 4 weeks, they may cause many, sometimes serious side effects. In about half of the people with chronic hives, the hives disappear without treatment within 2 years. For some adults, the antidepressant doxepin, which is also a potent antihistamine, is helpful in relieving chronic hives. If severe angioedema results in difficulty swallowing or breathing or in collapse, prompt emergency treatment is necessary. Affected people should always carry a self injecting system of epinephrine and antihistamine tablets to be used without delay if a reaction occurs. After a severe allergic reaction, such people should go to the hospital emergency department, where they can be checked and treated as needed. Natural Health Considerations The treatment goals in hives from a natural health point of view are straightforward – identify and remove the factors that are causing the release of histamine and other allergic compounds. As noted above, allergy to foods, food additives, and drugs, as well as stress are common causes of hives. The best diagnostic test from a natural health point of view appears to be an elimination diet. The strictest elimination diets allow only water, lamb, rice, pears, and vegetables. These foods most commonly associated with inducing hives (milk, eggs, chicken, fruits, nuts and additives) should unquestionably be avoided. Foods containing vasoactive amines should be eliminated even if no direct allergy to them is noted. The primary foods to eliminate are cured meat, alcoholic beverages, cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, and shellfish. Also, the importance of eliminating food additives cannot be overstated. If food additives do, in fact, increase the number of mast cells in the skin, they may also do the same in the small intestine, thereby greatly increasing the risk of developing “leaky” gut. In addition to an elimination diet, there are several other factors that can be helpful such as ultraviolet light therapy, vitamin C, vitamin B12, quercetin, and thyroid hormone. These factors are discussed briefly below. Ultraviolet Light Therapy: Ultraviolet light (e.g., sunlight or tanning beds) has been shown to be of some advantage to patients with chronic hives. Both ultraviolet A (UVA), the non-burning type of sunlight, and ultraviolet B (UVB), the one that causes sunburn, have been used. Patients with cold, cholinergic, and dermographic hives display the best therapeutic response. Vitamin C: High dose vitamin C therapy may also help hives (as well as other allergic conditions) by lowering histamine levels. Vitamin C exerts a number of effects against histamine. In particular it prevents the secretion of histamine by white blood cells and increases the detoxification of histamine. Dosages of at least 2,000 mg daily appear necessary to produce these effects. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 has been anecdotally reported to be of value in the treatment of acute and chronic hives. Although blood levels of B12 are normal in most patients with hives, additional B12 appears to be of value. Quercetin: The flavonoid quercetin inhibits both the manufacture and release of histamine and other allergic/inflammatory mediators by mast cells and basophils. These effects suggest that quercetin may be very helpful in treating hives. This likelihood is strengthened by the observation that the drug sodium cromoglycate, a compound similar to quercetin, offers excellent protection against the development of hives in response to ingested food allergens. Thyroid: One study reported that thyroid hormone replacement therapy dramatically relieved chronic hives in patients who had normal thyroid function but had evidence of antibodies attacking the thyroid gland (antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin). In seven patients with chronic hives, five were started on thyroid hormone and two had their existing dosages increased. Their hives resolved within two to four weeks, at which time the thyroid therapy was discontinued. In five patients, the symptoms returned within four weeks of resuming the hormone therapy. The message here is that thyroid hormone therapy is essential in an individual with hives who shows any other evidence of low thyroid function (see Hypothyroidism) or the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies.
Smart Medicine for Healthier Living Merck Manual of Medical Information Natural Remedies and Supplements for Hives and Skin Rashes
OxyHives was developed by homeopathyexperts to help relieve multiple symptomsof hives.OxyHives is a safe, all natural solution that willnot make you drowsy or cause other negativeside effects. Continue
Taken internally, Skin Dr. tablets help to maintain balance and hydration of the skin, as well as the supply of oxygen at cellular level. In addition, routine removal of old skin cells and the natural regenerative processes of the skin are also supported. Continue Clear Skin E-Cream - Specially formulated Skin Cream ClearSkin-E Cream has been especially formulated using natural ingredients especially chosen to soothe the skin and support skin health. Regular use of ClearSkin-E Cream will help to maintain healthy, trouble-free skin all over – the natural way. This gentle, yet effective formulation is safe to use for all ages, including babies. Continue |
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