What are hives and what causes them are the two main questions that "newbie" hives sufferers are asking.
In this article we will answer these vital questions as well as give you some tips to help manage your hives outbreaks more effectively.
What are hives? Hives are bumps or welts on the top of the skin, sometimes they are little red bumps and sometimes they are larger red bumps.
They are itchy, aggravating and very unattractive.
What Causes Them? When the body has an allergic reaction to something, it releases histamines into the blood stream.
These histamines inflame the plasma cells of the blood causing them to separate from the red blood cells and gather just under the surface of the skin.
This is what causes the red bumps and welts appear.
These irritated plasma cells become very sensitive, itchy, and they even create sharp pin prick types of pain.
A hives outbreak can go on for long or short periods of time and these flare-ups can go away and return at any given moment.
You could be fine one moment and an hour latter have a full-blown hives breakout.
More information about what are hives and what causes them...
Skin irritation is another one of the main causes of hives.
If you are out in the sun for long periods of time your skin will become irritated and you may experience a flare-up.
At the same time if you are in an area known to have allergens this could also cause skin irritation and possible prompt an outbreak.
Different foods that you may be allergic to could have the same effects and bring on a session of hives.
In closing, the question of "What are Hives and What Causes them?" is something that needs to be answered for any newbie hives sufferer.
The good news is that there are hives solutions out there and with proper knowledge and treatment you can handle this annoying and aggravating condition.