Welts on body are most commonly seen as a case of hives, or urticaria, which is a condition akin to skin allergy. Find out more about the causes of this outbreak, the signs, and treatment options for this problem…
Hives is a rash or what is commonly seen as a skin allergy, and looks like raised welts on body parts, that occur in clusters that are itchy and red. It can affect body parts like the legs, throat, face, and trunk. There are many reasons that can lead to a hives outbreak of itchy welts. Scientifically known as urticaria, these lesions can occur as normal red flares that travel across the body, leading then to welts.
Blood plasma leaks into tiny gaps that line the cells’ blood vessels, into the skin, causing it to look and feel the way it does. Allergic reactions to anything can lead to an outbreak of hives, even attacking areas like the genitals, lips, and around one’s eye area.
Swelling is another visual sign that occurs, growing large in size where in most cases it tends to go away within 24 hours. Some people have trouble swallowing their meals/saliva or have breathing troubles, and need immediate medical assistance so as to help reduce signs of swelling.
Causes of Large Welts
When it comes to skin welts the causes can range from mild to severe attacks of this rash, depending on what the problem is.
Physical Urticaria
This can be caused by any external sources like water, sunlight, cold, heat, exercise, high / low pressure, and so on. It can subside within a few hours, and cause certain obvious signs like fainting, flushed skin, wheezing, and an outbreak of hives.
Infection
There are certain infections that cause this skin problem, like upper respiratory tract infections, which is a common case in children. Other infections that can cause this problem are fungal, bacterial, and some forms of hepatitis.
Foods
There are certain edibles which we aren’t aware of that our bodies reject, resulting in a case of allergies. It can be because of ingesting eggs, shellfish, nuts, milk, chocolate, or berries, which are some of the most common sources that fuel one’s body to have an allergic reaction.
Chronic Urticaria
This case of hives can last up to six weeks and more, since the cause of this isn’t easily identifiable, with many tests conducted so as to find out the root cause of this mysterious outbreak.
Drug Use
Certain medications can lead to a case of hives, like diuretics, sedatives, antibiotics, tranquilizers, antacids, pain medication, vitamins, laxatives, non prescription drugs, arthritis medication, and so on. Find out through a dermatologist about what effects these have on the body, be it over-the-counter medication or prescription/non prescription drugs.
Acute Urticaria
Infections, diseases, a cold, sunlight, foods, or drugs can lead to this type of urticaria, which is very similar to that of common urticaria. This type of hives is easily identifiable and treatable within a short span of time.
Dermatographism
This type of urticaria, is a result of severe bruising of the skin by scratching it excessively, or stroking it too firmly, thus leading to an outbreak. It can last for either months or years, depending on the severity of the problem.
Symptoms of Random Welts
The signs that are revealed once a person has hives, are pretty evident when closely evaluated or looked upon after a few hours/days/weeks, depending on which kind of urticaria has affected him/her.
- Welts lasting up to 24 hours.
- Mosquito bite resembling welts that are red in color.
- Swelling of tongue, lips, and face.
- Symptoms of rashes lasting up to 30 minutes or less.
- Raised bumps that change when pressure is applied.
- Itchy skin
- Shape and size of the welts change as time lapses.
- Skin redness
- Skin tends to raise when friction is applied.
- Outbreak is sudden and unexpected.
Treatment
The treatment for hives include the use of non sedative antihistamines, and needs to be used for as long as six weeks or more in high dosage. Oral steroids are also given for severe outbreak cases. When used together with antihistamines and leukotriene antagonist medications which are used for asthma, it can help reduce the signs of hives. If nothing works, more tests are done to check if there are any underlying problems that cause the welts to erupt.
Foods to avoid during this time are those that are fermented, including eatables like strawberries, dark fish, tomatoes, and cheese. It can aggravate the condition if eaten. Even things like high temperature locations or hot showers should be avoided, including aspirin, alcohol, and stressful situations. Be sure to stay clear of junk food during this time, since they contain chemicals that can worsen the situation.
Welts on the body is a condition that can arise due to many factors that are internally or externally based, depending on what the person was subjected to, that made him/her experience such an outbreak. Take the necessary precautions when diagnosed with hives, and make sure you take care of what you eat and how you go about your everyday doings, to avoid another ugly skin allergy reaction.
