At some point in their lives, 20 percent of the population will experience hives. Hives, also known as urticaria (er-tih-CARE-ee-uh), are usually the result of an allergic reaction that shows up as patches of itchy skin with red welts on various parts of the body, most often the arms, legs, and trunk. Breakouts can last anywhere from a few hours to six weeks. The itching can be so severe that you can't work or sleep. Hives are caused by a number of factors, including certain foods, synthetic products, infections, and stress. The most common foods that cause hives are seafood, nuts, wheat, cereals, milk, cheese, eggs, peas, oranges, chicken, and chocolate. Fresh foods cause hives more often than cooked foods. Environmental factors can also bring on a case of hives, such as pollen, house dust, animal dander, plants, and extreme temperature changes. Other major causes of hives are man-made drugs like antibiotics, aspirin, birth-control pills, and cold medications. Deodorants, perfumes, and cosmetics may also induce hives. If you're suffering from hives, they will eventually clear up without treatment, but you can take steps to treat the itch and help the hives go away faster. Antihistamines (an-tih-HIHS-tuh-meens) are the main treatment for hives because they reduce the allergic response. Your doctor may also recommend soaking in a lukewarm bath or applying cool compresses to relieve the itching. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you break out in hives that last more than a few hours.
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