What causes hives to come and go?

You wake up one morning and you’re covered in red, itchy bumps all over your body. After freaking out for a minute or two, you realize they look a lot like hives. But where did they come from?! And why won’t they go away? Fear not my itchy friend, we’ve got you covered (quite literally).

Hives, also known as urticaria (fancy word alert!) are those raised, splotchy patches of skin that almost look like insect bites on steroids. They can be small or large, last anywhere from minutes to days and seem to go away…only to come back again at random times.

So what exactly causes these pesky little rashes? Let’s dive into the deep end of medical jargon together.

Mast Cells: The MVPs Behind Hives

Mast cells are essentially the Kim Kardashians of our immune system – high maintenance but important nonetheless. These cells have special receptors on their surface that detect any foreign substance entering our bodies (‘antigens’, in doctor-speak). When mast cells see an antigen strolling around where it shouldn’t be, they start releasing chemicals like histamine and tryptase in response (take that antigens!).

That might sound benign enough right? Well hold on tight because here comes the kicker- all this chemical release leads to inflammation within the body which then triggers blood vessels under our skin to leak plasma (more fancy words).

Suddenly getting pelted by fire ants doesn’t sound so bad after all!

This fluid bursting forth creates pockets between layers of skin resulting in…..you guessed it…HIVES!

Allergic Reactions: A Common Culprit Of Hives

Insect bites aside if there isn’t some clear reason behind your hives outbreak there’s good chance you may have fallen victim to allergies. Food allergies, pollen or dust mite allergy among others could all be guilty parties here.

It starts as soon as the irritating allergen crosses your threshold and becomes embraced by your body’s over-supportive immune system. Your immune cells sound an alarm for help in response to the innocent invasion which creates a twitchy squad of mast cells while also contributing antibodies designed specifically to counter this “infection”.

More often than not, hives occur when you have ingested a problematic food item (damn you soft cheeses!) whatever that may be cold cuts or shellfish). In fact almost 90% of cases are related to what we eat (so much for snacks being beneficial!)

Stress Really IS Bad For You

What is it with stress always showing up where we don’t want it? It seems too good at causing negative effects on our well-being (Roll eyes alert!!) Adding another dent in its already notorious track record – Stress can frequently cause bouts of…you guessed it: HIVES!

Stress has been proven time and time again by many doctors globally to trigger allergic reaction along with persistent outbreaks. And although avoiding any potential cause of stress may be unachievable for some, there various holistic treatments available such acupuncture , yoga or Ayurveda that could really reduce inflammation brought about due anxiety (Take notes).

As LOST rightfully put in one episode title way back in the day…”whatever happened, happened”. So don’t let events get under your skin-literally!

Medications May Not Always Be The Solution

We’ve come so far medically – but sometimes modern medicine just ain’t enough! Although there are usually several medications initially prescribed (antihistamines , topicals etc) many who suffer from chronic urticaria do notice clear improvement without drug functionality albeit rare.

Just like how everyone has unique fingerprints everyone reacts differently- It’s possible though active ingredients standard treatment usually works, they might not for you. There’s no shame in seeking out natural remedies or alternatives (and there’s the kicker).

Nature To The Rescue

Let’s have a break and ask Mother Nature… Yes! She has solutions too –a lot in fact (same old same old). Especially now that we’ve noticed Medication may take time to work or just be less effective!

One of the most effective would definitely be oats (whether it is applied topically as baths or consumed whole). Oatmeal contains chemicals called phenols which happen to deliver antioxidant benefits in addition decreases inflammation caused by hives.

A nature-filled diet works great too- fruits like blueberries, strawberries or increase intake foods containing Vitamin C ace help support histamine reduction (Not going Salad crazy should still provide some relief!).

Instead of relying on any kind medication look upto Turmeric! Popularly used in Asian cuisine, its active ingredient curcumin can effectively reduce several inflammatory markers integral towards allergies In contact with our bloodstream it has an antagonistic effect on mast cells reducing allergic reactions along with swelling – A true game-changer when feeling at your worst.

Table: Hives Relief Products List

Product Active Ingredient Use Case
Aveeno Colloidal oatmeal Soothing irritated skin and decreasing itching
Sarna Camphor Analgesic relief from itching pain
Epinephrine \ Adrenaline \ Promoting relaxation within the airways coupled with enhancing blood flow

Now that you’re armed with knowledge galore amazing ladies & gentlemen,say goodbye to endlessly scratching until your woes disappear into thin air (psst don’t forget lying down contemplating life while drowning yourself under cool shower water actually helps) all without resorting instantly to ‘quick fix’ solutions offered by healthcare even though you could do with a prescription or two.

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