What causes hives?
- Q: I've been breaking out in hives for 3 weeks. What causes hives?
- A: Hives are usually caused from the immune system detecting a foreign substance, such as food or medication, and over-reacting to it. Hives can also be caused from a new laundry soap, hand soap, lotion, perfume, etc. Animal dander can cause hives too. Have you started a new medication, been eating a new food daily for the last three weeks, or been using a new topical soap, lotion, perfume, etc.? If it is over a small area, you can apply topical Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical steroid, such at Cortaid (hydrocortisone). If the hives cover the entire body, oral Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can treat it systemically through the entire body. However, the side effect is drowsiness, so take it at bedtime. For a severe case, oral steroids can be given, and in extreme cases, with difficulty breathing an Epi-Pen (epinephrine) may need to be given as a shot. You should see your doctor to help diagnose what it might be coming from. For more information on medications and allergic reactions, please visit our links at: http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/, and http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/index.aspx Patti Brown, PharmD
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