Is it bad to put hot water on hives
Cholinergic Urticaria: Can Heat Cause Hives?
Hives are a skin reaction of itchy bumps that may burn or sting. They can develop not only from an immune response to an allergen but also to heat.
While you may think of hives or urticaria as resulting from an allergic reaction, they can also be caused by heat. These are called heat hives or cholinergic urticaria.
In some people, a rise in temperature can produce the chemical histamine, similar to what happens when your immune system fights allergies. Histamine dilates blood vessels and results in swelling.
There is limited research on cholinergic urticaria. The few available studies estimate a wide prevalence range of
If you notice hives tend to break out when your body temperature rises, it may be a sign that heat triggers your hives. Any exposure to heat could potentially trigger heat hives. This can include:
- bathing in warm or hot water
- being near a heat source like a stove
- being outdoors in the sun
- eating hot food
According to research from 2022, physical factors that can contribute to the development of heat hives include:
- being allergic to sweat
- clogged sweat ducts, lack of sweating
- medications or substances that affect the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
Although being allergic to sweat is rare, research shows that 66% of patients who get heat hives also have a histamine response against antigens in their sweat.
In rare cases, heat hives
Get step-by-step instructions on how to use an EpiPen.
Heat rash vs. hives
Heat hives share similar causes and symptoms with many forms of heat rash, also known as miliaria.
Heat rash can also be
While heat rash tends to fade on its own, consider visiting your doctor for more severe or persistent cases. Your doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and help you determine whether youre experiencing hives or heat rash.
The symptoms of heat hives are similar to hives caused by other triggers such as insect bites, allergies, or medications.
Hives can appear as red, itchy welts ranging in size from less than half an inch up to several inches in diameter. Hives on darker skin tones may appear closer to the color of the skin.
Most cases of hives caused by heat appear within a few minutes after exposure and will subside within 1-2 hours. However, heat hives can also be accompanied by angioedema, which is swelling beneath the affected skin caused by leaking blood vessels.
In some cases, you can also experience other symptoms along with heat hives. These include:
- fatigue or weakness.
- faintness
- nausea
- diarrhea
- headache
You may be experiencing exercise-induced anaphylaxis if you also have the following symptoms:
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- headache
Call 911 if you experience these symptoms. If you have an EpiPen, you should administer the medication while you wait for help to arrive.
If your symptoms arent severe but interfere with your lifestyle, see your doctor. A simple evaluation and conversation about your symptoms may be enough for them to diagnose heat hives.
Sometimes, your doctor may want to conduct tests to gather more information about the condition. These may include:
- A passive warming test: This will raise your body temperature with warm water or an increased room temperature. Your doctor can observe your bodys reaction when exposed to increased heat.
- A methacholine skin challenge test: Your doctor may inject a medication called methacholine into your body and observe for a reaction. However, not everyone with heat hives gets a positive result, so the doctor may use this test in combination with others.
- An exercise challenge test: Your doctor will have you exercise and watch for symptoms of CU. You may also be measured with other medical instruments during the test.
You should see a doctor immediately if you suspect you have exercise-induced anaphylaxis, which must be attended to as soon as symptoms occur.
Many cases of heat hives fade on their own in a few hours, but certain home remedies, prescription medications, and prevention techniques can ease symptoms and alleviate flare-ups.
Natural remedies
Home remedies you can try include aloe vera, which has known anti-itching properties, or a colloidal oatmeal bath, which
But prior to topical applications of this sort, remember to check the ingredients to ensure that you arent allergic to any of them.
You can also take a few precautions to help prevent heat hives:
- Try to keep cool while exercising.
- Prevent exposure to areas of high humidity.
- Avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight exposure.
Medications
If such home remedies dont work, your doctor may recommend beginning taking an antihistamine such as:
- H1 antihistamines such as citirizine (Zyrtec, Aller-Tec, and Alleroff) or loratadine (Claritin)
- H2 antihistamines (H2 blockers or antagonists) such as famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC) or cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
If these medications dont relieve the symptoms sufficiently, your doctor
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication off-label. One example of such medication is dupilumab (Dupixent), which is another biologic medication that
Most instances of heat hives can be treated at home and eventually fade on their own. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if swelling occurs in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe. This can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction and anaphylaxis.
You and your doctor can work to identify the specific triggers of your heat hives and develop a prevention plan with ways to ease symptoms if flare-ups do occur.
Hives: Pictures, Causes, and How to Treat Them
Hives typically occur as an allergic response to something in your environment or something you ate. But they may sometimes happen because of an underlying health issue.
Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised welts that are found on the skin. Theyre usually red, pink, or flesh colored on lighter skin and may be flesh colored or slightly lighter or darker than your skin tone on brown or black skin.
Sometimes they sting or hurt. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food or are a reaction to an irritant in the environment.
In many cases, hives are an acute (temporary) problem that may be alleviated with allergy medications. Most rashes go away on their own. However, chronic (ongoing) cases, as well as hives accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, are larger medical concerns.
Hives are usually caused by an
In some people, histamines can cause swelling, itching, and many of the symptoms that are experienced with hives. In terms of allergens, hives can be
Hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies. Its not uncommon for people to experience hives as the result of stress, tight clothes, exercise, illnesses, or infections.
Its also possible to develop hives as the result of excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures or from irritation due to excessive sweating. Because there are several potential triggers, many times the actual cause of hives cant be determined.
People who are known to have allergies are more likely to get hives. You may also be at risk of developing hives if youre taking medication or if youre unknowingly exposed to things you may be allergic to, such as food or pollen. If youre already ill with an infection or a health condition, you may be more vulnerable to developing hives.
The most noticeable symptom of hives is the welts that appear on the skin. Welts may be red but can also be the same color as your skin. They can be small and round, ring-shaped, or large and of random shape. Hives are itchy, and they tend to appear in batches on the affected part of the body. They can grow larger, change shape, and spread.
Hives may disappear or reappear over the course of the outbreak. Individual hives welts can last anywhere from
Hives can occur in a variety of places on the body. Call 911 or get medical attention immediately if you develop a hives outbreak around your throat or on your tongue or have trouble breathing along with hives.
Hives can occur in response to an allergic reaction or may not have an identifiable cause.
Allergic reactions
The most common causes of hives are allergic reactions. These can be caused by any allergen you might be sensitive to, including:
- foods (such as nuts, milk, and eggs)
- pet dander
- pollen
- dust mites
- insect bites or stings
- medications (primarily antibiotics, cancer drugs, or ibuprofen)
Mild cases of hives caused by allergies are typically treated with long- or short-term allergy medications and avoidance of the trigger.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life threatening allergic reaction. In this condition, hives are often
Chronic hives
Chronic hives are ongoing cases that dont necessarily have an identifiable cause. Also called chronic urticaria, this condition is marked by recurring hives that can interfere with your daily life. Chronic cases
You may suspect chronic hives if you have welts that dont go away within 6 weeks. While not life threatening, this form of hives can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat. Chronic hives may also be a symptom of an
- an autoimmune disorder
- celiac disease
- lupus
- type 1 diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis
- thyroid disease
Dermatographism
This form of acute hives is considered mild. Excessive scratching or continuous pressure on the skin causes it. Dermatographism usually clears up on its own in a short period of time without treatment.
Temperature-induced hives
Sometimes changes in temperature can induce hives in people who are sensitive to such changes. Cold-induced hives may occur from cold water or air exposure, while body heat from physical activity may cause exercise-induced hives. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds may also bring about solar hives in some people.
Infection-induced hives
Both viral and bacterial infections can cause hives. Common bacterial infections causing hives include urinary tract infections and strep throat. Viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis (mono), hepatitis, and colds often cause hives.
The first step in getting treatment is to figure out if you actually have hives. In most cases, a doctor will be able to determine if you have hives from a physical exam. Your skin will show signs of the welts that are linked with hives.
A doctor may also perform blood tests or skin tests to find out what may have caused your hives especially if your hives were the result of an allergic reaction.
You may not need prescription treatment if youre experiencing a mild case of hives not related to allergies or other health conditions. In these circumstances, a doctor might suggest that you find temporary relief by:
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately by a physician. If you think you may be experiencing anaphylaxis, contact 911 or your local emergency services.
Simple changes to your lifestyle may be able to help you prevent hives from reoccurring in the future. If you have allergies and you know which substances are likely to cause an allergic reaction, a doctor will suggest that you avoid any possible exposure to these factors. Allergy shots are another option that may help you reduce the risk of experiencing hives again.
Avoid being in high humidity areas or wearing tight clothing if you have recently had a hives outbreak.
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about hives.
Are hives contagious?
No, hives are not contagious and cant spread from one person to another.
Do hives mean Im allergic to something?
In many cases, hives are the result of an allergic reaction to something you have been exposed to, such as certain medications or pollen. It could also be caused by an infection, stress, or wearing clothes that are too tight. If you have hives that persist for more than a few days, contact a doctor to see if an allergy test is needed to determine the cause of your symptoms.
How long do hives last?
A hives outbreak can last anywhere from
Are there any home remedies for hives?
Yes, there are several home remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of hives. Taking an antihistamine is one option, as well as taking a cool or lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda. Avoid hot water, as this may aggravate the hives. Also, try to avoid any potential irritants or allergens that may have caused the hives in the first place.
Although hives can be itchy and uncomfortable, usually theyre not severe and will disappear after a period of time. However, be aware that as some hives go away, new ones may pop up.
Mild cases of hives are considered harmless. Hives can be dangerous if you are having a serious allergic reaction and your throat is swelling. Prompt treatment for a severe case of hives is important for a good outlook.
