Hives, known in medicine as urticaria, are welts or patches of skin that appear red and inflamed. Hives are often a hereditary disease, being passed on from parent to child. When this is the case, stress, changes in hormones, and some infections can provoke hives, but random outbreaks have also occur from time to time with unknown causes.

Occasionally, reactions to allergens may cause people to experience outbreaks of hives. Frequent trigger allergens are some foods, particularly nuts, shellfish, eggs, and chocolate, insect bites or stings, and some medicines, usually aspirin or antibiotics such as penicillin.

Physical Symptoms of Hives Allergies

Occasionally called a wheal, a welt will show up with an outbreak of hives. The size can range from small, dime-sized welts or large welt, as big as a dinner plate. These welts can appear anywhere on your skin. The welts usually appear and disappear within a day's time, but when in number, they can stay visible from anywhere from few days, weeks, months, or even years (although this is only in extreme cases). People prone to hives may feel itchy, burning skin, and inflamed skin in the problem areas, along with the usually red spots. Swollen appendages and joints are also regular allergic symptoms of hive outbreaks.

When Medical Help is Necessary

During an outbreak of hives, your airways may also become swollen and constricted, and if ignored, can shut off your airway. If you find it hard to breathe or swallow when experiencing a hives outbreak, head to the emergency room immediately. Most often, an outbreak of hives is minor and won't require a visit to the doctor. However, hives can be an indicator of a more serious condition that should be examined. If you think your case of hives is a response to a certain medicine you've been prescribed, consult your physician immediately, but discontinue use only with his or her permission.

Your Role in Controlling Allergies

Your best defense against the effects of a hives outbreak could be an over-the-counter antihistamine in the short run, but not for long-term comfort. If hives is a regular problem for you, a doctor can prescribe an oral corticosteroid to aid in stopping breakouts, or a good antihistamine.

To help with the itchy skin, give calamine lotion or witch hazel a try. Apply these to the problem spots. Take a bath in lukewarm water with baking soda to relieve the symptoms. Talk to your doctor for other ways to combat the allergic symptoms of an outbreak.