Hives

What are Hives?

Hives, also known as urticaria, is a common dermatological condition characterized by raised, itchy, and often red welts or wheals on the skin. These welts can vary in size and shape and may appear anywhere on the body. Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction, but they can also result from other triggers such as stress, heat, certain medications, infections, insect stings, or food allergies. The duration of an outbreak of hives may be as short as a few hours.

Hives develop when histamines are produced in the body as a reaction. Histamine production causes the tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, to leak fluid. When the fluid accumulates under the skin, it causes the red bumps that are hives. Hives often itch uncomfortably.

There are several different types of hives, the most common of which include:

Caused by ingesting certain foods or medication or through infections. Insect bites may also be a cause.

• Chronic urticaria and angioedema: Usually affects internal organs and the exact causes are unknown, except that it is allergy related.
• Physical urticaria: Caused by direct physical stimulation of the skin, such as extreme heat or sun exposure, this form of hives develops in about an hour.
• Dermatographism: Hives formed after aggressive stroking or scratching of the skin.