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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Hives

Hives

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Symptoms & Signs

Prevention

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatment

Expectations or Prognosis

Complications

Calling Your Health Care Provider

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Alternate Names : Urticaria


Definition

Hives are raised, often itchy red welts on the surface of the skin. They can be an allergic reaction to food, medicine, or other substance.

Pictures & Images

Hives (Urticaria) - Close-Up
Hives (Urticaria) - Close-Up

Hives
Hives

Food Allergies
Food Allergies

Hives (Urticaria) on the Arm
Hives (Urticaria) on the Arm

Hives (Urticaria) on the Chest
Hives (Urticaria) on the Chest

Hives (Urticaria) - Close-Up
Hives (Urticaria) - Close-Up

Hives (Urticaria) on the Trunk
Hives (Urticaria) on the Trunk

Hives (Urticaria) on the Back and Buttocks
Hives (Urticaria) on the Back and Buttocks

Hives (Urticaria) on the Back
Hives (Urticaria) on the Back

Hives (Urticaria) on the Chest
Hives (Urticaria) on the Chest

     See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Hives are very common, especially in people who have experienced other allergic reactions, like hay fever, and are sometimes hereditary. When you have an allergic reaction to any substance, histamine and other chemicals are released into your bloodstream. These chemicals cause itching, swelling, hives, and other symptoms.

When swelling or welts occur around the face, especially the lips and eyes, it is called angioedema; swelling from angioedema can also occur around your hands, feet, and throat.

Many substances can trigger an allergic response resulting in hives, such as:

  • Medications
  • Foods (berries, shellfish, fish, nuts, eggs, milk, and others)
  • Pollen
  • Animal dander (especially cats)
  • Insect bites

Hives may also develop from:

  • Infection (like mononucleosis) or illness (including lupus and other autoimmune diseases, leukemia, and others)
  • Emotional stress
  • Extreme cold or sun exposure
  • Excessive perspiration


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Definition
Hives Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Hives Symptoms & Signs
Hives Prevention
Hives Diagnosis & Tests
Hives Treatment
Hives Prognosis
Hives Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Anaphylaxis
Angioedema
Autoimmune Disorders
Mononucleosis

Other Topics

Itching

Review Date : 10/3/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma. and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/17/2003).

Main Page of Hives






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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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