Eczema and Hives

Many people are confused as to whether eczema and hives are the same or if there is any difference between them. For a better understanding and in making the difference between eczema and hives clear, I am defining both the terms separately.

Hives, also called itchy hives, urticaria, or nettle rash, is a skin problem characterized by the presence of red wheals on the skin, which may cause itchiness. Hives can occur in response to an allergic reaction, but there are also many non-allergic factors that can cause hives.

Eczema is a Greek word  literally meaning  “to boil out.” Eczema is a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). Most of the time, people confuse eczema with hives due to the similar appearance; however, eczema is more likely to be found on the flexor aspect of joints, whereas hives can occur on any part of your skin.
 

Hives Eczema

In the medical arena, the term eczema is largely applied to a diverse range of continual skin disorders. These skin problems include dryness and recurring skin rashes, such as chronic hives or chronic urticaria. These skin problems are usually typified by one or more of these symptoms: itchiness, dryness, redness, swelling, oozing, blistering, crusting, flaking, cracking, and bleeding etc.

A hives and eczema outbreak comparison will better differentiate between them. Hives can be caused by allergic factors, non-allergic factors, and the condition can be hereditary. On the other hand, eczema is mostly believed to have a hereditary constituent. It often runs in families whose members also have asthma and/or hay fever. With people who suffer from eczema, itchy rash is particularly noticeable on the face and scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind knees, and buttocks.

If you have been suffering from hives or eczema for an extended period of time and the symptoms are not going away or if you are having additional problems, such as asthma or low blood pressure, you should consult a doctor.