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I had an outbreak of hives when I first started getting hot flashes. Are hives and hot flashes related? Also, I have never had allergies in the past and I cannot figure out what is making me break out in hives occassionaly. I have not changed detergents or used any new skin product or eaten anything that is different form my norm. My break out comes on for no apparent reason that I can figure out. What underlying condition causes an outbreak of hives? What natural products are available to alleviate the problem when I have an outbreak?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at June 2, 2008 2:17 PM by Dr. Kennedy.

Hives (or "urticaria") are usually the result of allergic reaction that causes release of histamine from skin cells. Histamine causes blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid, the skin swells which irritates nerve endings, and itching results. Nausea, vomiting and dizziness may be present. The usual cause of hives is food allergens, environmental factors, drugs, infections and infestations, synthetic products, emotional factors, systemic disease, physical factors or idiopathic (means the patient is sick and the doctor doesn't know why) causes. I would think in terms of hidden chronic infections (use those words in Search This Site in the upper left). That would include, but not be limited to a search for intestinal parasites. After tha, in your place, I would seek out a person who performs electrodermal screening and see if you can identify some food intolerances that may be behind this. After that, I would find a doctor who practices environmental medicine to see what may be in your environment which may be provoking this. When all the physical causes are ruled you, you and consider an emotional basis. Many people find over-the-counter topical Benadryl lotion to be useful in controlling the itching.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at June 2, 2008 2:15 PM by Dr. Kennedy.