What causes hives and angioedema, are they contagious?

Hives appear in cases when histamine and other compounds are released from cells called mast cells, which are usually found in the skin. Histamine causes fluid that may lead to swelling in the skin to leak from blood vessels.

Hive may be a common skin infection, but they are not contagious. Regardless, when this skin infection occurs, they usually resolve on their own over a given period and are in fact, rarely medically serious. Some hives may be caused by allergy to certainreactions to issues like medications, preservatives, food and food colouring, insect stings and bites, and different organisms. However, in most cases, there is no specific cause of hives.

Generally, causes of hives may include allergic reaction to the following

• Foods: certain food like milk, peanuts, eggs, tree nuts, and shellfish. Fruits like citrus fruit can also cause hives.
• Insect bites and stings
• Pollen
• medicines and allergy shots
• animals
• infections by some fungi or bacteria
• excess exercise
• exposure to extreme weather condition
• contact with chemicals
• pressure on the skin
• illnesses like lupus, thyroid disease, and vasculitis.

When should you call your doctor?

If any of the following accompanies hive, do reach out to ourdermatologist London right away:

• dizziness
• tightness in the chest
• swelling in the tongue, face or lips
• wheezing
• Difficulty when breathing

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Clearskin London is you notice any of the following. Our dermatology clinic London, will be open to attend to you. Give us a call on 020 71833648 right away to book an appointment.