Hives Report

What are Allergies- Types and Symptoms and Other Facts on Allergies

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:24:03 +0000

If you want to have a healthier immune system and keep your body protected from diseases, you can start by learning what are allergies- types and symptoms and how to prevent them. Allergies plague millions of people around the world and they are responsible for constant visitations to the hospital among children. Although they are very common, you still need to know exactly what they are in order to avoid them.

What are allergies?

Your eyes are itchy, your nose is runny, you are sneezing and wheezing and you are covered in hives or rashes. These are the things you will likely experience if you have allergies. Doctors often refer to allergies as abnormal immune system reactions to things or substances which are normally harmless to most people. If you have allergies, your immune system mistakenly believes that a particular substance is harmful to your body so it produces antibodies to that allergen. These antibodies trigger cells to release chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream. Histamine acts on a person’s eyes, nose, throat, skin and other parts of the body and causes allergies.

Types of Allergies

• Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis

This type of allergy is characterized by an inflammation of the nasal passages caused by an irritant. It is the most common type which strikes millions of children annually. The increased incidence of allergies is caused by pollutants that are found in the environment.

• Animal Allergies

Animals like your favorite pets can also cause allergies. Cats and dogs have allergens like their fur that can irritate nasal passages and cause sneezing and wheezing. Insect bites and bee stings can also cause hives to appear.

• Chemical Allergies

Substances in beauty products, house cleaners, and others which include chemicals can cause allergies too. Some women are allergic to make-up. People who are exposed to chemicals like muriatic acid and chlorine also experience having hives and itching.

• Drug Allergies

Some medications can also cause allergies. Antibiotics, penicillin, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant drugs can also trigger allergies. Even the drugs we use sometimes to cure illnesses also have side effects that make our skin red and itchy.

Symptoms of Allergies

How can you tell you have allergies? The most common symptoms of allergies include having itchy hives in some parts of the body, sneezing, wheezing, and runny nose. Angiodema or swelling of the eyes, lips, and tongue can also occur. In worse cases, difficulty in breathing happens.

You can have a better health if you know what are allergies- types and symptoms. Knowing other facts like what causes them and how to prevent them from happening to you can also be very helpful.

Types of Skin Rash and the Treatment of Rash

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:21:26 +0000

Do you ever wonder what the types of skin rash that affect people are? Would you like to know how to treat them? Skin rash refers to the body’s attempt to expel irritants. Histamine is released in furtherance of this process. Here the different types of skin rash:

Hives

Skin Rash

Hives are also referred to as urticaria, nettle rash or wheals. They look like mosquito bites that appear in the face, legs, arms, and trunk. They are red and extremely itchy. They may be circular or irregularly shaped and appear in different sizes. They also change in shape and size after a few hours of its occurrence. Hives are caused by allergens or substances which one is allergic too. These allergens are present in food, drugs or medications, chemicals, pollen, animals, and many more.

Small Pox Rash

Small pox is a common viral disease. It causes high fever and blistering rashes that appear on the arms, legs, face, and later spreads throughout the body. The rash starts as hard red lumps and become pimple-like swellings after a few hours. Then they become blisters and eventually fill with pus. After two weeks, the rash dries up, heals and form scabs. These scabs fall off after a few days.

Measles Rash

One of the most common and dangerous diseases among children is measles. It is an infectious disease which can put the lives of children in danger when not treated immediately. It is accompanied with fever and rash. The rash looks like pink spots which last for approximately four days. The rash will just disappear after four days or more.

Treatment of Rash

Small pox rash and measles rash are better off if you just let them be. These rashes are normal and they appear as symptoms of small pox and measles. They will just heal naturally as the disease is also treated. However, hives result from allergies and can be treated through the following:

• Drug Treatment
Over-the-counter anti-itch products may contain antihistamines, corticosteroids, local anesthetics, and counterirritants. There are also steroid creams which are proven effective because they inhibit the body’s elimination of irritants and prevent the release of histamine. Meanwhile, antihistamines taken in liquid or chewable tablet form immediately after a sting, bite or exposure to poison ivy can block the histamine receptors before they have time to release itch-provoking hormones. Antihistamines applied to the skin can also relieve itching.

• Treating the Cause
An effective natural alternative that is safer than steroids is a natural remedy like Armadillo Pills. It will take away a skin rash, hives, or itching in just a few hours, depending on the severity. You can also treat hives effectively by avoiding their causes.

Hives, small pox rash, and measles rash are types of rash which you must be familiar with. You can protect yourself from these rashes by knowing what causes them and how to treat them in case you acquire them. Medical or drug treatment as well as natural remedies can help you treat them.

Types of Allergies: Allergies You Must Avoid

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:13:38 +0000

There are different types of allergies and they depend largely on what causes them. There are many factors that contribute to the occurrence of hives, itching, and angioedema or swelling of the eyes, lips, and tongue when one has allergies. The good news is, they can also be treated and remedied effectively.

What are these types of allergies? Why are they different from each other? How can they be treated? Here are the common types of allergies that affect men, women, and children of all ages around the globe:

• Food Allergies
Why do you feel itchy and rashes appear when you eat a certain food? This is because you have food allergies. This type of allergy is triggered by allergens present in food. Milk, eggs, berries, shellfish, chicken, tomatoes, beans and other fruits and vegetables contain allergens that can cause allergic reaction. Moreover, there are also food additives that prove to cause allergies too.

• Animal Allergies
Does being around your furry friends cause you to sneeze and itch? Do hives occur when you are in contact with animals like cats and dogs? There are many people who avoid having them as pets because they are allergic to them. Sometimes, insect bites can also cause allergies too especially when they are not remedied. Bee stings are perhaps the most popular of all animal related allergies. They can make you red and be covered in hives in just a few minutes.

• Plant allergies
Pollen from plants like sagebrush and ragweed can also cause allergies especially to those with very sensitive immune system. Some plants are covered with hairs and thorns which can be very itchy and cause hives. Poison ivy is a common cause of skin irritation and many people avoid it.

• Cosmetics and Beauty Products Allergies
Not all cosmetics and beauty products are good for the skin. Some of these products are actually not hypoallergenic and can damage sensitive skin. Women experience itching when applying make-up while rashes may also appear after a few minutes of applying them. Creams and cleansers also contain substances and chemicals which can trigger allergies.

• Drugs Allergies
Medication should only be taken with the advice of doctors. Allergens are found in antibiotics, penicillin, aspirin, codeine and other anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant drugs. People, especially children experience having allergies from vaccinations. On the other hand, there are women who are allergic to contraceptive pills.

Now you have an idea about the types of allergies. Do your best to avoid them by protecting yourself against allergens or substances which can trigger allergic reactions. Allergies can be prevented only if you learn how to discipline and take care of yourself.

Treatment Alternatives for Hives: Treatments that Cure

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:07:44 +0000

If you want to treat hives before it gets worse, you must apply treatment alternatives for hives. These treatments of hives are guaranteed to relieve you from the itch and redness that cause discomfort and irritability when one has hives. There is no reason to worry at all if you just know how to treat and cure it.

Hives are also called urticaria, nettle rash or wheals. It is an allergic reaction pattern of the skin wherein eruption of wheals appears on the surface of the skin. They are characterized by redness, itching, and swelling of some parts of the body. The rashes may be circular or irregular in shapes. Meanwhile, the sizes vary and change after a few hours. So how you can treat hives? Here are some things you can do to treat them:

• Trace the allergens

Before anything else, you have to know what caused the hives to appear. Is it something that you ate? Did an insect bite you? Did you take medication which you didn’t know you are allergic to? Hives are caused by allergens. Most of them are found in shellfish, shrimp, beans, nuts, berries, tomatoes, oranges, milk, eggs, and other fruits and vegetables. Likewise, they are also present in man-made drugs like penicillin, aspirin, and other antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Once you know what caused your hives, you can easily tell your doctor so he/she can help you treat it.

• Consult your doctor

Your doctor knows what is best for you especially when it comes to giving you the most appropriate medication in treating hives. The doctor first diagnoses hives by having you undergo allergy testing, skin testing, complete blood count, and other blood tests. Most doctors prescribed antihistamines like Atarax, Benedryl, Seldane, and Tagamet. On the other hand, caticosteroids and injections of epinephrine are recommended for severe cases. Doctors will also advice you stay away from substances which you are allergic to as well as avoiding alcoholic drinks.

• Cold compress

You can achieve immediate relief from itching due to hives by rubbing ice directly on the rashes. You can also prepare a cold compress then put it on the affected areas for several minutes. Ice can make your skin numb and minimizes the itching. This way you can control yourself from scratching and spreading the rashes.

The treatment alternatives for hives presented above are beneficial in treating hives. They are very practical and easy to do. The next time you have hives, simply avoid the allergens, consult your doctor, or apply cold compress for immediate relief.

Simple Facts about Hives: Basic Information on Hives

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:05:20 +0000

If you value your health you must equip yourself with some simple facts about hives. Although they are very common, it is advantageous that you know what it is and how to deal with it. Hives are a threat to one’s health just like other diseases. Knowing about it is very important and necessary in keeping your body strong and healthy.

In a world where everything is expensive you cannot lose to get sick. Nowadays it is vital that you keep your body in excellent shape to avoid getting sick even with harmless conditions like hives. Here are some simple facts about hives that you should know:

What is Hives?

Hives are swollen skin eruptions also referred to us urticaria, wheals and nettle rash. They are red and itchy rashes that appear in the different parts of the body mostly in the arms, legs, and face. Some are circular in shape while others have irregular shapes. Their sizes vary and change after a few hours.

Symptoms of Hives

Do you feel a sudden onset of itching and swelling of the skin that look like welts or blisters? Do you experience angiodema or swelling of your eyes, lips and tongue? If yes, you have a great chance of having hives. These symptoms usually occur if you have hives especially after being exposed to allergens or substances that cause it.

Causes of Hives

Hives occur due to allergic reaction to substances that cause allergies. You will most likely have it if you eat food which you are allergic to. Food allergens are very high in milk, eggs, nuts, berries, shellfish and other fruits and vegetables. Man-made drugs like antibiotics, penicillin, aspirin and codeine are also known to trigger hives. The same thing also results from exposure to dust, pollen, and in insect bites and stings.

Prevention and Treatment

If you want to avoid hives from ruining your health you must learn to prevent and treat them. Prevent hives by avoiding allergens and staying in clean and sanitary environment. In case you have hives, you must treat it immediately by applying ice or an ice pack directly on the rashes to numb and minimize the itching. You can also go to your doctor and ask for an effective medicine. Usually, doctor recommends taking antihistamines and avoiding alcohol.

Now that you know some simple facts about hives, it is easier for you to avoid them and protect yourself. Remember what it is, its causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment so you will know what to do. Keep your body in good shape by preventing hives and other diseases.

Natural Remedies for Hives: Cure Hives Naturally

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:02:17 +0000

Hives affect young and old alike and instead of taking medication there are those who rely on natural remedies for hives which can also guarantee positive results and relief. Although it is a very common skin condition, hives still need to be treated and remedied immediately to avoid complications. Just like other disorders, there are many ways on how to prevent and protect yourself from it.

Cure Hives Naturally

Everything is expensive nowadays especially the cost of medicines and health treatments. If you don’t have sufficient cash to undergo medical tests or to see a doctor, your best option is to use natural remedies for hives. So what are these natural remedies that can help you deal with hives?
Are they effective? Do they work fast? Here are the most common natural remedies for hives:

• Ice
An ice can give a feeling of numbness. If you want to have an immediate relief from the itching caused by rashes, simply put ice on the affected area for a few minutes. You can also use a cold compress and apply directly on the rashes.

• Avoid allergens
Hives are caused by allergic reactions of the body due to the presence of allergens. You can put an end to hives if you only avoid what causes them. If you are allergic to food allergens found in milk, nuts, eggs, chicken, and some fruits and vegetables then you must avoid them. It will also help to stay in places wherein you are far from insects, bees, pollen and dusts. In addition, you must avoid man-made drugs like antibiotics, penicillin, codeine, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant drugs.

• Herbs
Through the years, plants proved that they have properties that can cure many diseases including hives. If they worked with our ancestors, they will definitely work with us today. One of the most widely used herbs is mint. Just boil mint and brown sugar together in plain water. Drink the mixture to relieve itching and avoid scratching the rashes.

• Water
One effective way to get rid of allergens is to detoxify your body. Drink plenty of water to remove toxins including the substances that cause you hives. Water can cleanse your body and give you relief from itching, redness, and swelling.

The natural remedies for hives presented above are reliable to help you find relief from all discomfort hives bring. These natural treatments of hives have already been tested and proven to be effective. Remember, you do not need to spend or go to too much trouble just to treat hives because you can still remedy it naturally.

Hives and Angiodema Overview and the Prevention of Hives

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:55:39 +0000

You can easily acquaint yourself with very common diseases just like by knowing hives and angiodema overview. What are hives and angiodema? What causes them and how can one tell that he or she has them? How can you treat and prevent them from harming your body? These are just some questions you have to look answers for.

Hives and angiodema are very common since they affect young and old alike. Although some consider them as harmless, they still need to be treated immediately. So how can you prevent them? Simply read some information on hives and angiodema below:

What is Hives?

Hives appear on the upper dermis of the skin. They are swollen skin eruptions which are also known as urticaria, nettle rash and wheals. They appear in batches on the skin and are red and extremely itchy. They affect mostly the arms, legs, throat, face, and trunk. Some are circular in shape while others are irregular. They also change in size after a few hours.

Cause of Hives

Most cases of hives are due to allergens. Red and itchy rashes appear when your body reacts to substances you are allergic to. Food allergens like those present in milk, eggs, nuts, shellfish, chicken, and some fruits and vegetables can trigger hives. Meanwhile, there are also medications that can cause them like antibiotics, penicillin, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant drugs as well as vaccinations and contraceptive pills. Other common causes are pollen, dust, insect bites, bee stings, too much heat, and cold.

What is Angiodema?

Angiodema refers to the rapid swelling of the dermis including the subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and sub mucosal tissues. It is very similar to hives or urticaria. Angiodema or angioneurotic edema is a medical emergency since it can block the air passage, prevent oxygen from entering the respiratory system, and can cause suffocation if not treated immediately.

Causes of Angiodema

Medical practitioners can trace the cause of angiodema except for those which are hereditary. According to them, it can be acquired through allergy especially if you take or eat and expose yourself to the substances which you are allergic to. It can also be caused by certain medication as a side effect.

Treatment and Prevention of Hives and Angiodema

If you want to prevent hives and angiodema you have to stay away from their causes. There are many treatments available for both like undergoing medical examination like routine blood tests, complete blood count, electrolyte, renal function, and liver enzymes. Doctors also recommend taking antihistamines to minimize itching and swelling.

Perhaps you know better now how to take care of your health based on the hives and angiodema overview presented above. The prevention of hives can be easily done if you know what it is and other conditions that go along with it like angiodema. Stop hives and angiodema by avoiding their causes and applying their prevention.

Discovering Various Types of Acne and Facts on Acne

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:53:59 +0000

You can keep your skin beautiful, healthy, and free from blemishes by simply discovering various types of acne which can threaten your skin. Acne is a skin problem which you must prevent and protect yourself from. It can cause temporary and permanent damage to your skin if you fail to treat it immediately.

What are the various types of acne? How different are they from each other? Here are the different types and facts on acne which you must know:

Acne Vulgaris

This is the most common form of acne which includes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Whiteheads can occur when the pore is blocked and oil, bacteria and dead skin cells are trapped. On the other hand, blackheads are partially blocked pores and take a longer time to clear. Papules and pustules are inflamed red circles that itch and can cause scarring if not treated correctly. They must never be squeezed to avoid infection and spreading on other parts of the face. Meanwhile, cysts and nodules and cysts are common in severe acne vulgaris.

Acne Rosacea

Another type of acne which is very similar to acne vulgaris is acne rosacea. It affects people who are aged 30 and above. It includes red rash in cheeks, nose, forehead and chin accompanied by redness with lumps, pimples, and other skin blemishes. In addition, blood vessels become visible in the skin.

Acne Conglobata

This skin problem is the most severe which affects only the male population aged 18-30. It includes numerous large lesions which are interconnected to each other. They are also widespread and often grow in the face, chest, back, buttocks and upper arms.

Acne Fulminas

This refers to the abrupt onset of acne conglobata which affects young men. The presence of this type of acne can cause fever and aching joints. However, it can be treated with isotretinoin and other oral steroids.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis

This is a bacterial infection characterized by the formation of pustules and cysts or complication from a long term antibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris. This type is a rare condition. It can be treated by using isotretinoin as well.

Pyoderma Faciale

Only females between 20 to 40 years old are affected by this type of acne. It includes painful nodules, pustules, and sores which can leave your skin with scars and marks. It appears suddenly on the faces of women who never had acne and lasts for quite some time.

By discovering various types of acne you also familiarize yourself with some facts on acne. Do not wait for any types of acne to ruin your skin and lower your self-confidence. Treat acne immediately and keep your skin smooth and flawless.

Different Types of Allergic Reactions and Types of Treatment

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:49:47 +0000

Allergic Reactions

Here are many types of allergic reactions. People are allergic to different substances and it is only normal that their allergic reactions also vary. There are many types of allergies and some of them are caused by the food we eat, pollutants in the air, animas like cats, dogs, insects, and bees, chemicals, and even the dugs that we take.

Allergies are very common skin conditions. As a matter of fact, studies proved that approximately 20 percent of Americans have allergies. The rising number of incidence is caused by the alarming increase in pollutants found in the environment, chemicals, pesticides and many other allergy-provoking substances. Perhaps you are wondering abut the types of allergic reactions that occur in people and how they are treated. Here are some of them:

Hives or Urticaria

Hives also known as urticaria, nettle rash or wheals occur in the surface of the skin when one has allergies. They are like mosquito bites that spread mostly in the arms, legs, neck, and trunk. They are very itchy and can last for a few hours to more than six weeks. You can relieve yourself of hives if you rub ice or an ice pack directly on the rashes for a few minutes. You can also take antihistamines to help stop the itching and spreading of hives. In addition, you have to avoid whatever it is that caused hives to appear.

Angiodema

Aside from the usual itching, reddening, and appearance of hives, angiodema is also another allergic reaction evident in most people. It refers to the swelling of some parts of the body like the eyes, lips, and tongue due to allergies. Sometimes, the presence of angiodema can also cause fever and irritability. Once again, antihistamines are the key to relieving yourself of swellings due to allergies. This coupled by a healthy diet of food you are not allergic to can make the swelling stop and disappear.

Runny nose

Allergies often result to having runny nose due to the blockage of the air passage. This is accompanied by wheezing, sneezing, and coughing as well. There are steroid-containing nasal sprays for the treatment of allergies like hay fever. Meanwhile, there are also natural decongestants you can try. Hot tea containing fenugreek, anise and sage can help you treat runny nose. Garlic, onions, and hot and spicy foods can also thin out mucus.

The presence of hive, angiodema, and runny nose are just some of the different types of allergic reactions. They cause irritation and discomfort but they can also be treated. Identify your own allergic reactions and treat them well to avoid allergies from getting worse.

Chronic Urticaria and Angiodema and How to Prevent Urticaria

praz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:39:50 +0000

Chronic urticaria and angiodema are very common skin complaints which affect millions of people, young and old alike every year. Urticaria is also known as nettle rash, wheals, and hives. Chronic urticaria is an allergic skin rash that has been present continuously or intermittently from six weeks or longer. On the other hand, angiodema refers to the swelling of the eyes, lips, ad tongue due to allergic reactions. Both can cause irritation and discomfort that will leave you weak and hoping for some relief.

Causes of Chronic Urticaria and Angiodema

Urticaria occurs when the body releases histamine, bradykinin, kallikerin, and other vasoactive substances from mast cells in order to protect the body from allergens. There are many causes of urticaria and they depend on the kind of substances one is allergic to. Meanwhile, angiodema also occurs as one of the body’s allergic reactions to foreign substances. Here are some of the causes of these skin problems:

Allergens

Allergens are substances one is allergic to. They are mostly found in the food you eat. Food allergens are present in milk, eggs, beans, berries, tomatoes, shellfish, fish, shrimps, squid, nuts, and in other fruits and vegetables as well. Moreover, there are food additives and spices which some people are allergic to and are included in their diet without their knowing it. Allergens like pollen and animal fur, bites, and stings can also trigger the types of hives to appear in the skin.

Environmental Factors

Research proved that the growing number of urticaria and angiodema cases result from the increase of pollutants in the environment. Dust particles, chemicals, too much heat, exposure to cold wind and others can trigger allergies. Plants like poison ivy and oak can cause them too.

Drugs

Swelling and the occurrence of hives in the surface of the skin are also caused by the drugs one takes. Man-made drugs like antibiotics, penicillin, aspiring, anti inflammatory and anticonvulsant drugs contain allergens. Vaccinations among children and contraceptive pills also have these effects in the body.

Prevention of Chronic Urticaria and Angiodema

If you want to be free from these conditions, you must avoid their causes. This means you have to stay away from substances that trigger them. Do not eat food you are allergic to and always consult with your doctor with regard to drugs or any medication you are going to take. It will also do you good if you just stay in a clean environment and avoid places where bees, insects, and pollen are plenty.

Chronic urticaria and angiodema are caused by many factors. However, you can easily treat them by avoiding the substances which you are allergic to. Take good care of your health and maintain flawless skin by keeping yourself safe from allergies.