The name urticaria comes from the Latin name for the nettle plant, a plant that can cause a rash with itching upon contact.

Hives or urticaria is a common skin problem. Approximately 15-20% of the population experiences at least one episode during their lifetime.

Hives or urticaria can be a difficult problem for even your Allergist.

Hives can be caused by many factors:

1. Inhalant or food allergen.
2. Physical agents such as heat, cold air, vibration, pressure, & sunshine.
3. Emotional upsets.
4. Allergic and non-allergic reactions to medications.
5. Foods which contain certain chemicals (like foods rich in histamine - shell fish, alcohol, cheese, etc.).
6. Preservatives, dyes and colorings found in foods, medicines, cosmetic products, detergents, toothpaste, fabric softener, etc.
7. Infections, especially chronic infections of the sinuses, bladder, teeth and gums, etc.

If you have hives, you should avoid:

1. Aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) and NSAID's like Ibuprofen, Aleve, Anaprox, Cataflam, Clinoril, Daypro, Naprosyn, Indocin, Lodine, Orudis, Relafen, Toradol, Voltaren, etc.
2. Vitamins (because of food colorings and dyes)
3. Sedatives.
4. Laxatives other than mineral oil. .
5. Unless necessary, antibiotics, Penicillin and Sulfa should be avoided.
6. Chewing gum
7. Legumes - peas, all beans including soy and lentil.
8. Licorice
9. Condiments - mustard, pickles, relishes, vinegar based salad dressings
10. Alcohol and other foods rich in histamine such as shellfish, cheese, salad dressings, etc.

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Michigan Allergy, Sinus & Asthma Specialists

6330 Orchard Lake Road #110 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Tel: 248.932.0082 Fax: 248.932.0182 view map

37595 Seven Mile Road #320 Livonia, MI 48152 Tel: 800.739.6100 Fax: 248.932.0182 view map

Web: www.michiganallergy.com
Web: www.michiganfoodallergy.net
Email: miallergy@comcast.net

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