From the Guidelines
Hives in the summer in the Northeast are most likely caused by heat, humidity, and increased exposure to allergens, and the best course of action is to try over-the-counter antihistamines and take steps to avoid known triggers and soothe affected skin. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, anaphylaxis is an acute, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction that may have a wide range of clinical manifestations, and heat rash (miliaria) or cholinergic urticaria can develop when sweat ducts become blocked or when body temperature rises rapidly during hot weather. Common summer allergens in the Northeast include:
- Pollen from grasses and weeds
- Insect stings from bees and wasps
- Certain plants like poison ivy or oak For relief, try:
- Over-the-counter antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10mg daily, loratadine (Claritin) 10mg daily, or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25-50mg every 4-6 hours as needed
- Cool compresses
- Calamine lotion
- Wearing loose, breathable clothing to help soothe affected skin It is also important to:
- Avoid known triggers
- Stay in air-conditioned environments when possible
- Shower after outdoor activities to remove allergens If hives persist beyond a few days, cover large areas of your body, or are accompanied by difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, seek immediate medical attention as this could indicate a more serious allergic reaction requiring emergency treatment 1.
From the Research
Causes of Hives in Summer in the North East
- Hives, also known as urticaria, can be caused by various factors, including insect stings, food products, and medications 2
- In the summer, people in the North East may be more likely to experience hives due to increased exposure to insects and other allergens
- Urticaria is characterized by extreme pruritus and described as erythematous, raised, circumscribed lesions with central pallor that blanch with pressure 2
Common Triggers of Hives
- Insect stings, such as bee stings, can cause hives and other allergic reactions, including serum sickness-type reactions 3
- Food products, such as shellfish and nuts, can also trigger hives in some individuals 2
- Medications, including aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause hives as a side effect 2
Treatment of Hives
- Histamine 1-receptor antagonists (antihistamines) are initial therapy for hives 2
- The addition of corticosteroids to antihistamines may not improve symptoms of acute urticaria compared to antihistamine alone 4
- H2-receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine and cimetidine, may be effective in combination with antihistamines for the treatment of urticaria 5