Hives, also known as urticaria, primarily result from dilation of small blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes coupled with increased permeability, leading to a skin edema reaction. After hives appear, they typically subside within about 24 hours, but new rashes may easily emerge. In more severe cases, the condition can persist for months without recovery. Hives are quite common. Individuals with hives may benefit from occasional hot spring bathing.
Urticaria patients can soak in hot springs. As a common allergic skin condition, urticaria is stubborn and requires desensitization therapy for complete resolution. Daily life should minimize exposure to external irritants and local stimuli. Avoid scratching, vigorous rubbing, or washing with hot water and soap.Avoid alcohol, strong tea, and coffee. Refrain from consuming sour, spicy dishes, or other irritating foods. During flare-ups, eliminate allergenic foods like yellow croaker, shrimp, and seafood.
Actively identify potential triggers by maintaining daily records. Document factors such as consumption of sea fish, shrimp, crab, or long-stored meat products; recent medication history; bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; seasonal changes; emotional stress; and insect bites. Use a food and lifestyle diary to self-adjust. Practice appropriate dietary restrictions during flare-ups.Daily meals should be light and easily digestible. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, seafood, spicy or sour foods, raw/cold/hard/oily items, and spoiled/rotten foods. Monitor for any unusual symptoms. Resume previous dietary habits only after symptoms gradually stabilize. If a specific food is suspected to cause hives, add it to the "blacklist" and avoid it permanently.
It's important to note that urticaria causes are highly complex, with approximately three-quarters of patients having no identifiable trigger. Among external factors, allergies are one cause. If a patient with urticaria wishes to bathe in hot springs, they should first confirm whether the chemical composition of the springs could be an allergen. If so, it's best to avoid hot spring bathing.