Why do I have Hives?

I’m so glad you want to know more about hives.

Hives are raised, itchy bumps on the skin that can range from small and barely noticeable to large and very itchy. They’re also red or pink and they’re caused by an allergic reaction to something that’s touched your skin or a substance you’ve breathed in.

Introduction

Hives are small, itchy bumps that can appear anywhere on your body. They’re caused by an allergic reaction to something (like a portion of food or medication) and most often go away with time.

Hives are an allergy. An allergy is an immune system response to something that you come in contact with. The immune system overreacts to the allergen, which causes your body to produce chemicals called histamines.

Histamines cause the blood vessels in your skin to leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, resulting in the appearance of hives.

So why do I have hives?

Well, it could be any number of things.  The foremost common causes of hives are:

-A reaction to food, such as shellfish or peanuts (but not always!)

-A reaction to an insect sting or bite

-An allergy to latex (or rubber gloves)

-An allergy to medication (like antibiotics) or other over-the-counter products like sunscreen or perfume/cologne

-Physical trauma like cuts from shaving or rashes from heat exposure (like wearing too many clothes in hot weather)

Can hives be a sign of something serious?

Hives can be a sign of something serious, yes. But don’t panic!

Hives are red, raised patches of skin that appear suddenly and can itch or burn. They’re usually short-lived, but if you have them for a long time (or they keep coming back), it could mean there’s something else going on.

If you have hives, be sure to see your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s causing them and how to treat them.

In most cases, hives are not serious. However, there are some medical conditions that can cause hives and require immediate medical attention. If you have new hives or an unusual rash, see your doctor for an evaluation.

Potential causes of hives include:

• Allergies
• Insect stings and bites
• Medications such as penicillin or sulfa drugs
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma