The Five Most Common Causes of Hives

Approximately 20% of the population will suffer from hives at some point in their lifetime. Medically referred to as urticaria, this uncomfortable skin rash may last a few minutes to several days. In some cases, it can even develop into a chronic illness that lasts for years or months. Allergies are the most frequent cause of hives, but various other things may induce the condition.

What You Should Know About Hives

Besides its medical term urticaria, hives have numerous other names, including welts and wheals. Hives can appear anywhere on your body as red, blotchy, itchy bumps on the skin. They may vary in size from freckle-sized spots to an area as large as a dinner plate. In some instances, hives might emerge in a network of welts of varied sizes, or they can appear in tiny spots and never spread.

Depending on the irritant, hives may occur immediately or up to two hours after exposure, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source of an allergic reaction. As a result, estimates show that around half of all hive instances remain unsolved. Generally, hives are innocuous and stay no more than 24 hours. However, you should seek immediate help if you notice severe swelling and difficulties breathing or swallowing. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines and topical steroids.

The 5 Most Common Causes of Hives

1. Allergies

The most frequent reason for a hive breakout is an allergic response. Anyone may become a victim of allergies. Most children with allergies outgrow them but adults frequently acquire new allergies unexpectedly. Hives often occur due to food allergies, such as an intolerance to citrus fruits, eggs, shrimp, milk, and peanuts. You can also develop hives due to mosquito stings, bee stings, and wasp stings and by direct physical contact with latex allergens. Hive symptoms may also indicate a pharmaceutical reaction, so your doctor will likely inquire about recent medication changes or check if your hives may be related to a current prescription.

2. Emotional Distress

Stress is a leading cause of hives. Emotional stress may trigger chemical and hormonal imbalances that contribute to the development of hives or “stress rashes.”

3. Working Out

Some people get hives from sweating if they are allergic to a specific antibody generated in the sweat glands. Sweating caused by anxiety, heat, or exercise can all trigger your hive outbreak.

4. Viruses and Infections

Several illnesses such as the flu or the common cold can cause hives, bacteria, and fungal diseases. Furthermore, identifying the source of hives may be difficult since drugs used to treat infections and diseases can also cause hives.

5. Exposure to atmospheric conditions

Although uncommon, it is possible to suffer from hives after being exposed to the sun. To avoid sunburn, wear clothes with at least 40 UPF and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Hives can also emerge due to cold temperatures or water exposure.

How to Schedule

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of a rash when there are so many possible hive triggers. However, our certified dermatologists at Trillium Creek Dermatology are available to assist you and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms. Fill out our online contact form and schedule an appointment today!

u Should Know About Hives

Besides its medical term urticaria, hives have numerous other names, including welts and wheals. Hives can appear anywhere on your body as red, blotchy, itchy bumps on the skin. They may vary in size from freckle-sized spots to an area as large as a dinner plate. In some instances, hives might emerge in a network of welts of varied sizes, or they can appear in tiny spots and never spread.

Depending on the irritant, hives may occur immediately or up to two hours after exposure, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source of an allergic reaction. As a result, estimates show that around half of all hive instances remain unsolved. Generally, hives are innocuous and stay no more than 24 hours. However, you should seek immediate help if you notice severe swelling and difficulties breathing or swallowing. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or antibiotics.

The 5 Most Common Causes of Hives

1. Allergies

The most frequent reason for a hive breakout is an allergic response. Anyone may become a victim of allergies. Most children with allergies outgrow them but adults frequently acquire new allergies unexpectedly. Hives often occur due to food allergies, such as an intolerance to citrus fruits, eggs, shrimp, milk, and peanuts. You can also develop hives due to mosquito stings, bee stings, and wasp stings and by direct physical contact with latex allergens. Hive symptoms may also indicate a pharmaceutical reaction, so your doctor will likely inquire about recent medication changes or check if your hives may be related to a current prescription.

2. Emotional Distress

Stress is a leading cause of hives. Emotional stress may trigger chemical and hormonal imbalances that contribute to the development of hives or “stress rashes.”

3. Working Out

Some people get hives from sweating if they are allergic to a specific antibody generated in the sweat glands. Sweating caused by anxiety, heat, or exercise can all trigger your hive outbreak.

4. Viruses and Infections

Several illnesses such as lupus or the common cold can cause hives, as well as bacteria and fungal diseases. Furthermore, identifying the source of hives may be difficult since drugs used to treat infections and diseases can also cause hives.

4. Exposure to atmospheric conditions

Although uncommon, it is possible to suffer from hives after being exposed to the sun. To avoid sunburn, wear clothes with at least 40 UPF and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Hives can also emerge due to cold temperatures or water exposure.

Schedule a Consultation

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of a rash when there are so many possible hive triggers. However, our certified dermatologists at Trillium Creek Dermatology are available to assist you and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms. Fill out our online contact form and schedule a consultation today!

We’re here for you!

Set up an appointment with our skilled and experienced staff. Book your appointment online or give us a call at 330.725.0569 and start your journey to quick recovery!

checkbox