The Best Way to Prevent a Hives

Medically known as urticaria, hives are the itchy red welts that develop as a result of reactions to foods, medications, and other provoking substances. If hives are accompanied by swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing, seek immediate medical help. These symptoms may signal anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal medical emergency.

Nutrition Connection
-Avoid trigger foods. This is the best way to prevent a hives outbreak. Some common causes are shellfish, nuts, and berries. A person who is allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should also be wary of foods that contain natural salicylates. These include apricots, berries, grapes, raisins and other dried fruits, tea, and foods processed with vinegar.
-Keep a food diary. If you get hives repeatedly, start a food diary; once you identify the suspect foods, eliminate them from your regular diet, then reintroduce one at a time.
-Eat foods that are high in niacin. Since hives and other allergy symptoms are triggered by the release of histamines, it may be useful to increase consumption of foods that are high in niacin (vitamin B3), which is believed to inhibit histamine release. Good sources of niacin include poultry, seafood, seeds and nuts, whole grains, and fortified and enriched cereals and breads. However, note that some foods that are good sources of niacin are among those that tend to provoke an allergy.
-Check food labels to avoid tartrazine. Although food additives are often blamed for causing allergic reactions, only tartrazine (yellow no. 5), a common coloring agent, has been found to cause hives—and in fewer than one out of 10,000 people. All product labels must list food colorants; people who are sensitive to tartrazine should read labels on food products, medications, and vitamin supplements.

Beyond the Diet
Take these steps to pin down the causes of hives and to avoid future attacks:
-Avoid trigger situations. Emotional stress; exposure to sunshine, heat, or cold (even ice cubes in drinks); and viral infections can all cause hives. -Take antihistamines. These medications can block histamines that produce the symptoms of hives. Your doctor may recommend a drug such as Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, or Clarinex or a combination of antihistamines and other drugs such as corticosteroids. Apply medicated lotions. Ask your doctor or a dermatologist about lotions to reduce itching and relieve inflammation.
-Talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend allergy testing and be able to prescribe special medications for severe outbreaks.