Hives are raised, red, itchy areas on the skin brought about by the release of histamines and other chemicals in the body during an allergic reaction. Their size and number varies in different people and they may last for a few hours or several days. These skin changes may appear any¬where on the body, includ¬ing the scalp, lips, palms and soles.

"A simple hive is usually a reaction to an outside irri¬tant, such as an insect bite. Multiple hives, called urti¬caria, are usually an allergic reaction to some internal agent. Hives can be due to many causes: foods (espe¬cially shellfish, nuts and berries); medications; heat, cold or sunshine; infections; insect bites; and emotional stress. When the hives continue for an extended period of time (chronic urticaria), there are probably multiple trigger factors," according to Dr. Robert R. Walther, associate clinical professor of dermatology, in 'The Co¬lumbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide.'

"Food additives, especially colorings and preserva¬tives, can cause hives, as well as other allergic reactions. In recognition of this, some countries require listing of all additives and their quantities on food labels. Com¬mon culprits include tartrazine (yellow dye # 5) and the preservative sodium benzoate," added Kurt Butler and Dr. Lynn Rayner of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Uni¬versity of Hawaii in 'The Best Medicine.'

Aside from being uncomfortable, hives can be dan¬gerous. If they are caused by a particular medication which a person is sensitive to, they usually disappear within hours or days. More serious cases are caused by insect bites or stings that can lead to an anaphylactic shock. This is a life-threatening condition which is characterized by the swelling of the larynx, difficulty in breathing, cold sweat, abdominal cramps and low blood pressure.

"Without prompt treatment (in the form of adrenal¬ine injections and corticosteroids), coma and cardiac arrest can occur," according to Dr. H. Winter Griffith, a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, in 'The Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness & Surgery.'

The best way to prevent hives and its complications is to avoid the substance you are allergic to. If you haven't pinpointed that cause of your problem, the following measures were suggested by Griffith:

•Don't take drugs (including aspirin, laxatives, sedatives, vitamins, antacids, pain killers or cough

syrups) not prescribed for you.

•Don't take hot baths or showers.

•Decrease activities until several days after hives disappear. Avoid getting sweaty or excited.

•If foods are suspected as a cause, keep a food diary to help identify the offending food.

•Avoid alcohol and coffee or other caffeine con¬taining beverages. These may trigger outbreaks.

'The first line of therapy is to find and eliminate the trigger factor or factors. For symptomatic treatment until the cause can be found, the doctor may suggest cool compresses, soaking baths or lotions to alleviate itching. He or she will undoubtedly prescribe some type of antihistamine," Walther said.

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