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Hives
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.
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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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Jump to another section
• 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).
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