What can I do about the hives that have popped up all over my face?
Hives are caused by the release of histamine from certain cells that lie along the blood vessels in the skin, which then causes blood plasma to leak out and form the pale red swellings that you experience. Histamine is a chemical that’s essentially triggered by an allergic reaction, so the best treatment is to find and remove the cause. (Antihistamines, applying cool compresses, and soaking in colloidal oatmeal baths may provide relief in the meantime.)
Sometimes it’s impossible to determine why you get hives, but some of the most common culprits are usually from stress, certain foods, drugs, or infections. Other causes can be insect bites, internal disease, pressure, vibration, cold, sunlight, and exercise.
The most common food that cause hives are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Fresh, uncooked foods are also more likely than cooked, as well as food additives and preservatives, in causing hives.
Almost any prescription or non-prescription medication or over-the-counter item such as vitamins, eye and ear drops and vaginal douches, can be a potential cause for hives.
Filed under: Skin Care
