Hives, medically known as urticaria, are a common condition that manifests as itchy, raised welts on the skin. Often resulting from an allergic reaction or irritant, hives can present differently depending on your skin tone. While images of hives frequently depict them on white or light skin as pink or red welts, hives on Black or brown skin can look very different.
Appearance on Black and Brown Skin
When hives occur on Black or brown skin, they may not appear red. Instead, the inflamed areas might be the same color as your surrounding skin or slightly lighter or darker. This can make hives more challenging to identify.
- Skin Welts: Look for raised areas that are round, oval, or worm-like in shape.
- Color: Welts may blend with your skin tone, making them less noticeable than on lighter skin.
- Texture: Focus on the texture of your skin, as hives will be raised and often feel different from the surrounding area.
Symptoms to Watch For
Identifying hives involves recognizing a combination of visual and physical symptoms:
- Raised Welts: These can occur in isolated patches or cover a larger area.
- Itchiness: Hives are typically very itchy, which can help distinguish them from other skin conditions.
- Swelling: Look for swelling, especially around sensitive areas like your eyes, lips, and cheeks. This could indicate angioedema, a condition related to hives.
- Warmth and Tenderness: Affected areas might feel warm to the touch and tender.
Severe Reactions: Anaphylaxis
In rare cases, hives can be part of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
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- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the throat, mouth, or face
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
If you experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Common Triggers
Hives can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Allergies: Foods like nuts, shellfish, eggs, and certain fruits; insect stings; medications such as antibiotics and NSAIDs; and contact allergens like latex.
- Environmental Factors: Pollen, molds, pet dander, sun exposure, and extreme temperatures.
- Health Conditions: Viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and stress.
- Unknown Causes: Sometimes, the cause of hives remains unidentified, known as idiopathic hives.
Treatment Options
Most hives resolve on their own, but chronic cases require treatment to alleviate symptoms.
Home Remedies
- Cool Compress: Apply a cool compress to soothe itching.
- Cool Bath/Shower: Taking a cool bath can help ease widespread hives.
- Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that cause your hives.
- Loose Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid further irritation.
- Avoid Scratching: Scratching can worsen hives and lead to pigmentation changes.
- Sun Protection: Stay out of the sun and apply sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Medications
- Antihistamines: Available over-the-counter or by prescription to reduce itching and swelling.
- Oral Corticosteroids: Prescribed for severe hives to reduce inflammation.
- Cyclosporine: An immunosuppressant for chronic hives.
- Omalizumab: An injectable medication that neutralizes IgE, an immune protein.
- Epinephrine: Used for hives occurring with anaphylaxis symptoms.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
On black and brown skin, hives can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where affected areas become darker than the surrounding skin. This is usually temporary but can take months or years to clear.
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When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- Hives persist for more than a few days.
- Hives are severe or widespread.
- You suspect an allergic reaction.
- You experience symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Finding a Dermatologist
For better recognition and treatment of hives on black or brown skin, seek a dermatologist specializing in skin of color. Resources like the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin of Color Society can help you find a suitable provider.
Identifying hives on black or brown skin can be challenging due to the lack of visible redness. However, by focusing on the texture, shape, and itchiness of the welts, you can accurately recognize hives. If hives persist, become severe, or occur with other symptoms, seek medical attention to ensure proper treatment and management.
