Hives – Here’s a Tablet That Won’t Make You Drowsy

If you have a raised, itchy rash on your skin you may have hives. Hives are caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from under the surface of the skin. A common cause of hives is an allergy, but you can also get them from stress, exposure to the cold, taking certain medicines or wearing clothing that makes you itch or that’s too tight.

What do hives look like?

It is a pink or red rash with raised patches and bumps. You can hives on any part of your body and it usually burns or stings as well as being itchy.

How do I know hives are from an allergic reaction?

If you always come out in hives after you’ve eaten a certain food, then it is likely that you have a mild food allergy. If this is the case, you should avoid eating that particular food.

Other forms of an allergic reaction include skin contact with certain plants, an allergy to animal dander or latex.  Some people are allergic to nickel which is found in jewellery. Chemicals in cosmetics or cleaning solutions can also cause an allergic reaction. Sulphites are also a common allergen and are used as preservatives in food and drink.

One of the most common allergens that can cause hives is a pollen allergy (hay fever).

What other triggers cause hives?

Stress not only affects our mental wellbeing, it can also affect our skin and if we are living with chronic stress on a daily basis, it can trigger an attack of hives.

You can also come out in hives if you get too hot, or you are exposed to the wind and cold. Another cause of hives is from an insect sting or bite.

Is an allergy the same as Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)?

No. CSU isn’t triggered by an allergic reaction. It is thought to be caused by an immune response. The body thinks it is being attacked by a virus or bacteria and produces chemicals including histamine as a response. This condition is more common in females, and it affects older children, young adults, and people between the ages of 20 and 40.

What’s the treatment for hives?

Usually taking antihistamine tablets help to control the condition. The problem is that many antihistamines cause drowsiness which makes it hard to work or get on with your day. Tablets that contain chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, diphenhydramine or promethazine normally make you feel drowsy.

Are there any antihistamines that don’t cause drowsiness?

Yes. Here at VSM Pharmacy we stock a product called Allevia Hives which is recommended for people who suffer from hives. The main ingredient is Fexofenadine hydrochloride which in most people doesn’t cause drowsiness.

Who can take them?

Adults and children over the age of 12 years old.

Do I need a prescription?

No. You can buy them over the counter. They are sold in packets of 15 tablets, and you take one 180mg a day. The tablet acts within an hour and lasts 24 hours. They are lactose and gluten free.  If you want to talk to talk to us about taking Allevia tablets or you need to confirm your rash is hives, then pop into the pharmacy and talk to a member of staff.