Health & Wellness

Unpleasant Effects of Chronic Hives

Chronic hives, or chronic urticaria, are itchy, red welts or swelling that come and go for six weeks or longer. And while the physical manifestations may be the most visible, the effects of chronic hives go well beyond the body.This type of disorder can have a deep impact on an individual; affecting emotional well being, daily activities and the quality of life in general.Here’s a few of the negative thoughts and challenges that chronic hives present.

1.Continuous Itchingand Pain

The most immediate, and obvious, consequence of chronic hives is the incessant itching and discomfort. The welts may occur anywhere on the body, and the itching can vary from mild to severe. This persistent nuisance can distract from routine tasks, sleep or even relax. The itching can become intense enough to lead to scratching, which further irritates the condition, damaging the skin or leading to infections.

2.Shameand Self-denial

Chronic hives can be very visible, particularly if they are located on the face, neck or arms. With this visibility comes embarrassment, and self-consciousness.Chronic hives-related stigma or pressure from people that do not know about it may only worsen the condition. This can lead to social withdrawal, as individuals experiencing this disorder avoid the public or gather with friends and family in an effort to avoid the attention and questioning they receive about their skin.

3.Anxiety and Stress

The ongoing concern of when the next serious flare up will be can cause increased anxiety and stress. Those with chronic hives can become hyperattentive to their skin, looking out for the next welts or swelling. This fear is exacerbated by the possibility that a person could suffer a severe allergy-reaction, such as angioedema (swelling that occurs beneath the surface of the skin), which can be both agonizing and in some cases life-threatening — if it involves the throat or airways.

4.Impact on Daily Activities

Such chronic hives tend to be debilitating enough to affect regular activities and daily responsibilities. The itchiness and discomfort can make it difficult to concentrate at work or school, and the raised bumps can reduce confidence in social or professional situations. The individual with chronic hives may even have to leave work or avoid certain activities altogether, both of which can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration.

5.Emotional Toll

Chronic hives can take a toll on a person emotionally as well, and this should not be discounted. Having a chronic condition which can alter how you look and feel can leave you feeling sad, frustrated and depressed. Dealing with laxatives in restroom stalls or unkind words is difficult enough, but the symptoms themselves are also fighting every day and with it comes a lot of feeling like they never get a sense or freedom from their bodies because others don't understand what they are going through. This constant emotional bombardment can wear away at relationships, harm self-esteem, and impact mental health over time.

6.Impact on Relationships

Chronic hives can affect relationships with family members, friends and romantic partners as well. It is hardly possible to lead a social life and to console oneself positively with an ongoing burden on your feelings. Family and friends may find it hard to get what living with chronic hives is like, resulting in miscommunication or even frustration on both sides.

Chronic hives is not simply a skin disease; rather, it is a complex and multilayered issue that can have an effect on every aspect of someone's life. Each cause brings about a physical reaction, such as sweating and a racing heart; it adds an emotional weight to one's life that can feel heavy; and it alters social relationships, which is hard to deal with. But it is important to remember that there is help out there. Healthcare providers, support groups and other people willing to talk about what they know of the condition can be incredibly helpful. Although chronic hives is a lifetime fight, there are ways to get through the condition better.